AD 81-21-02 R1
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Aerostar International | RX-6 | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | RX-7 | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | S-40A | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | S-50A | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | S-55A | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | S-60A | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | S-66A | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
| aircraft | Aerostar International | W100LB | Airworthiness Directive; RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7 and W100LB Hot Air Balloons |
Unsafe Condition
Deflation panels using continuous hook and pile fastener tape may have damage due to wear or heat deterioration, leading to unwanted opening during flight.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Verify the condition of the deflation panel hook and pile fastener tape before each inflation for flight by checking for debris, wear, heat damage, and adequate retention capability. Conduct a retention test every 100 hours of balloon inflated-buoyant time or annual inspection, whichever comes first. Repair per Raven Service Bulletin No. 112 or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness if tape is unacceptable.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before each inflation for the purpose of flight, and at intervals not to exceed 100 hours of balloon inflated-buoyant time or at each annual inspection, whichever occurs first.
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Affected Aircraft
RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. Models S-40A, S-50A, S-55A, S-60A, S-66A, RX-6, RX-7, and W100LB hot air balloons with deflation panels using continuous hook and pile fastener tape except where the panel is sewn to the envelope.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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