EASA SIB No.: 2018-14
Safety Information Bulletin
Airworthiness
SIB No.: 2018-14
Issued: 06 September 2018
Subject: Use of Quarter-Turn Ball Valves on Liquid Gas Cylinders in
Balloon Operations
Applicability:
All hot air balloons and hot air airships, as referenced in the EASA Balloons products list, or
Airships products list, as applicable.
Description:
Propane fuel cylinders used in hot air balloon and hot air airship operations are most commonly
equipped with either a multi-turn to open or a quarter-turn to open valve for the main liquid gas
outlet. Both types of valve are airworthy and approved. However, in-service experience, as well as
results of investigations of severe accidents with fatal injuries due to the outbreak of fire, have
shown that an easy and quick shut-off of the main liquid gas outlet increases survivability.
Several air accident investigation reports concerning balloons refer to propane leaks and
subsequent fires. Common causes of propane fires were fuel hose ruptures or leaks. In these
cases, quarter-turn valves, allowing a quick shut-off of the main liquid gas outlet, would have
possibly prevented the outbreak of a fire, or at least would have likely reduced its effects and
increased the survivability.
The advantages of quarter-turn valves compared to multi-turn valves are the quick and
unambiguous operation by a 90° rotation and the obvious indication of the valve’s position. The
quarter-turn valve lever should be installed in such a way that it indicates its position as shown
below:
Lever Lever
CLOSED OPEN
Direction Direction
of flow of flow
Figure: Schematic of typical installation
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB is not considered to be an unsafe condition
that would warrant Airworthiness Directive (AD) action under Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Part
21.A.3B.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
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EASA SIB No.: 2018-14
Recommendation(s):
EASA recommends operators of hot air balloons and hot air airships to use already existing
approved quarter-turn valves for propane fuel cylinders, for commercial and non-commercial
balloon operations.
Furthermore, EASA recommends operators to include the emergency use of these valves in the
pre-flight briefing of passengers. The operation of these valves is obvious and self-explanatory. In
case of emergency, even passengers could close them. In case of unauthorized usage by a
passenger, the obvious indication of the valve’s position is apparent to the pilot.
Contact(s):
For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
For anyone interested to install a quarter-turn ball valve, contact
[email protected]
or the relevant type design approval holder for assistance and further information on available
approved installations.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union
Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on
our web site and can be viewed at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2018-14 .
EASA ADs and other Safety Publications are available online at http://ad.easa.europa.eu
Safety Information Section Email:
[email protected]
EASA Website
(Attachment is in Acrobat PDF format)
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