Airworthiness Directives; Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Hot Air Balloons

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Model 42A, 56A, 60A, 69A, 77A, 90A, 105A, 120A, 150A, 180A, 210A, 240A, 260A, 310A, 69B, 77B, 90B, 105B, and Drinks Can hot air balloons. This AD was prompted by a report of degraded polyester filled Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes where the Kevlar core was exposed to ultraviolet light, which could compromise the residual strength of the tapes and the structural integrity of the hot air balloon envelope. This AD requires repetitively checking the hot air balloon envelope for damage (degraded, stretched, or frayed load tapes or exposed Kevlar core) and removing any damaged hot air balloon envelope from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.