CS 31HB.81 Operating instructions

ED Decision 2009/005/R

(See AMC 31HB.81)

1. Operating instructions must be furnished in a Flight Manual with each balloon.
2. Flight Manual Information and Approval. The Flight Manual must contain:
   1. A description of the balloon and its technical equipment with explanatory sketches;
   2. Operating limitations, normal procedures (including rigging, inflation and deflation), emergency procedures, and other relevant information specific to the balloon’s operating characteristics and necessary for safe operation. This section of the manual requires approval (See AMC 31HB.81(b)(2));
   3. Specification of the permissible lifting gas (for mixed balloons only); and
   4. Information for ground handling, transport and storage.
3. The operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures, and other relevant information specific to the balloon’s operating characteristics and necessary for safe operation must be provided to the pilot. (See AMC 31HB.81(c))

ED Decision 2009/005/R

• (i) It is recommended that the Specimen Flight Manual of CS-22 (AMC 22.1581) be used as guidance in the creation of a Balloon Flight Manual.
• Each part of the Flight Manual that is required to be approved should be segregated, identified and clearly distinguished from each unapproved part of that manual.
• A comprehensive list of approved basket, burner and envelope configurations should be provided for each balloon model, to enable operators, inspectors etc. to easily establish an item’s acceptability.
• If applicable, the operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures should include procedures and limitations for tethered flight. These procedures and limitations should include:
  • site selection, layout and assembly;
  • the maximum wind speed and meteorological conditions for tethered operation;
  • the MTOM (if different from free flight);
  • the maximum height of the tether;
  • the minimum strength of ropes, rigging etc.;
  • limitations on occupancy (if applicable).

ED Decision 2009/005/R

Operating procedures should provide empty mass information required by CS 31HB.16 in an unambiguous manner that will allow the verification of the balloon’s mass limitations before flight.

ED Decision 2009/005/R

The operating limitations, normal and emergency procedures should be available to the pilot during operation by providing the specific sections of the flight manual or by other means (e.g. placards, quick reference cards) that effectively accomplish the purpose.

→ CS 31HB.82