Content last revised: 1999/08/01
These sample tasks represent a cross section of experience which apply to the balloon rating. Licensing applicants should review the list for applicability to the type of balloons on which they are logging experience. Once a task has been completed it should be entered and certified as specified in section 566.03.
Envelope
- Inspect the envelope identification plate, confirm its security and the accuracy of the information.
- Inspect the fabric gore by gore for defects, e.g. holes, stitching, tears or abrasions, mold, melt or mildew damage.
- Inspect and check the fabric porosity.
- Perform fabric strength check with a 1 inch grab test, inspect for signs of overheating.
Load Tapes
- Inspect the horizontal and vertical load tapes and check for damage.
- Perform check of the load tape base rigging points (chafing or heat damage).
Parachute
- Inspect the Crown Ring for abrasion or burrs.
- Inspect the parachute, panel by panel, and all connecting lines.
- Inspect the Free Load Tapes/Spider Web for abrasion, stitching condition, and integrity.
- Inspect the rip line (red line) for wear, correct length, burn damage and knots.
- Inspect the velcro tabs and spring top locks (if applicable) for strength and integrity.
- Inspect the valve lines for length, burn damage, pulley attachment and correct operation.
- Inspect the parachute and check attachment to side of balloon, line anchorage and lower pulley(s) (if applicable) for operation.
- Check all fabric strength with appropriate grab test.
- Inspect the shroud lines for correct length and abrasion.
- Inspect all connecting lines, such as centralizing, shroud, and valve lines for wear, correct length, burn damage, and knots.
- Inspect all connecting pulleys, slide rings, and their side wall attachments (if applicable) for operation and integrity.
Rip Panel (if applicable)
- Inspect the fabric and check for condition.
- Inspect the appearance and performance of the velcro.
- Inspect and check relative lengths of free load tapes and panel.
- Inspect the rip-line, check line for wear and burn damage.
- Inspect the line pulleys for proper operation and attachment.
- Inspect and check the rip lock system (hooks, loops, "D" ring attachments).
Vent (if applicable) used in conjunction with rip top only envelope
- Inspect the vent line, check for wear, damage and correct length.
- Inspect the termination point for security and attachment.
- Inspect the lower pulley for damage, operation and attachment.
Crown Line
- Inspect for correct length, abrasion, knots, attachment method, and general condition.
Turning Vent
- Inspect all vent lines, check for abrasion, melt damage and general condition.
- Inspect the pulley(s) if applicable for operation and general condition.
- Inspect the vent flap finger lines Kevlar/Polyester for damage and general condition.
- Inspect the vent for freedom of operation.
- Inspect the panel, tapes and elastic, check for damage and correct installation.
Tempil Labels (Tell Tales)
- Inspect all installed tempil labels on the envelope or parachute.
- Inspect latest installed label and register the envelope reading in the technical records.Footnote 8
- Inspect latest installed label and register the parachute reading in the technical records.Footnote 8
Rigging Wires and Mouth Cables
- Inspect the cable attachments including the cable covers for integrity.
- Inspect the rigging wires, check for heat and abrasion, kinking, and broken strands.
- Inspect the stainless steel cables (if applicable) for broken wire strands.
- Inspect the Kevlar cables (if applicable) for abrasion to core, or damage to splice stitching.
- Inspect the cable swaging, heat shrink covers, and thimbles for condition and integrity.
- Inspect all attaching parts for condition, security, and integrity.
Scoop or Skirt (if applicable)
- Inspect the fabric, attachment points (knots and/or clips), and shock cords (if applicable), for condition and proper installation.
Temperature Sensing and Readout Equipment
- Inspect the readout equipment for function and accuracy.
- Inspect the cable and check for positive continuity and damage.
- Inspect the thermistor and cable connectors (if applicable) for damage and security.
Burner and Fuel System
- Inspect and confirm that all burners and fuel tanks are properly registered in the technical records.Footnote 9
- Inspect the burner unit(s) inner and outer frame for integrity.
- Inspect the burner unit(s) for proper function of ignitor (if applicable), the pilot light(s), the main blast valve(s), the secondary burner valve, and the cross flow valve (if applicable).
- Service the blast valve(s), and lubricate all fittings as required.
- Inspect all fuel hoses for abrasions, cuts, cracking, and general condition.
- Inspect all plumbing and cross flow systems (if applicable); lubricate as required.
- Inspect the fuel cylinders for validity of the pressure test, check for damage, dents and corrosion.
- Inspect the heat tape installation technique (if applicable) for integrity.
- Perform a dip tube test on the fuel cylinders.
- Perform a leak test of all plumbing and fittings, including any manifold systems installed.
- Perform a fuel system pressure check, verify the operation of the cylinder and burner valves, fuel quantity gauges, and pressure readout gauges.
- Inspect the carabiners and check for condition.
- Inspect the burner unit, pilot light/ignitor.
Basket
- Inspect the identification plate, check for security, and confirm that the pertinent information in the technical records is accurate.Footnote 10
- Inspect the basket and all attaching parts, including the cables and their coverings for condition and integrity.
- Inspect all upright systems, burner attachment systems, flexi poles (if applicable), covers, and padding for condition and security.
- Inspect the instrument mounting system for condition, integrity and security.
- Inspect the fire extinguisher for condition and security, and verify the validity of the pressure test.
- Inspect the fuel tank securing system for condition and security.
- Inspect the document display case for condition and security.
- Inspect the drop line, check for kinks, abrasion, storage and security of attachment.
- Inspect the drop line storage case for condition and security.
- Instruments and Radios
- Inspect the radios (where applicable) and all instruments for operation, security and accuracy.
Technical Records (and Documents)
- Inspect the technical recordsFootnote 10 for compliance with the pertinent regulatory requirements.
- Ascertain the availability of the required documents, and verify their regulatory compliance; such documents as:
- the Flight Manual, the Annual Airworthiness Information Report, the Certificate of Airworthiness, the Certificate of Registration, the Radio License (if applicable), etc.
- Review all Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins to determine their applicability and compliance, where required.