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Guidance on vehicle-assisted deflation risks
Date issue released
Issue number
AO-2019-014-SI-03
Issue Status
Closed – Adequately addressed
Transport Function
Aviation: Other
Issue Owner
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Safety Issue Description

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority provided no guidance for operators concerning the risks associated with vehicle‑assisted deflation.

Issue Status Justification

The ATSB acknowledges that the guidance contained in the advisory circular adequately addresses the safety issue.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2019-014-NSA-013
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Action date
Action Status
Monitor
Action description

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority advised the ATSB of their intention to produce an advisory circular addressing the safety issue in the following response:

... This AC [Advisory Circular] will include guidance on deflation of hot air balloon envelopes using vehicle assistance.

The information will include that:

1)  The operator and PIC should have a system to ensure communications are maintained at all times between the pilot, other ground crew persons, and the driver of the vehicle.

2)  Passengers should either have disembarked or have adopted the landing position before the deflation procedure begins.

3)  Pilots should be aware of the need to control the rate of deflation in relation to the force applied to the crown rope

4)  Operator’s operations manuals should document the standard operating procedure for deflating the balloon with or without vehicle assistance.

Organisation Response

Date Received
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Response Status
Closed
Response Text

Safety issue addressed with CASA Advisory Circular 131-02

CASA has published the Advisory Circular (AC 131-02v1.0) which contains the following guidance for balloon operators:

  • All operators have a duty of care for their passengers that applies to both the launch site and landing area. This section may apply to all operators and pilots in command of balloons and hot air airships but is principally directed at balloon charter operators who may use a vehicle attached to the crown line of a large passenger carrying hot air balloon to pull down the envelope for deflation after landing.
  • Balloon charter AOC holders should ensure that if vehicle assisted deflation is a standard operating procedure then the operator should conduct an assessment of the potential hazards of the activity and the operator's operations manual should detail the required risk mitigation procedures and precautions.
  • After a hot air balloon makes a final landing in light winds considerable force may need to be applied to the crown line of the balloon in order to cause the envelope to collapse in front of the basket so that the remaining air can be squeezed out. For the larger passenger carrying balloons several people may be required to apply this force. Where practical an alternative may be to use a vehicle to assist with the deflation. Vehicle assisted deflation involves attaching the free end of the crown line to the rear of a vehicle or trailer which is then driven slowly forward while the PIC activates the deflation vent from inside the basket.
  • It is essential that there is good communication between the driver of the vehicle and the pilot in command. The PIC must be able to stop the vehicle moving once the balloon is sufficiently pulled down. If not, the basket may be tipped over and dragged forward resulting in injury to the pilot or any passengers in the basket. In addition, the envelope may be damaged by excessive strain on the rigging and control lines.
  • Balloon charter operators should develop and document procedures for mitigating the risks inherent in vehicle assisted deflation that should include but not be limited to:
    - managing communications between the vehicle driver and the PIC whether using UHF radio, phone and/or signalling through a third person.
    - decisions on disembarking some or all passengers before commencing deflation
    - ensuring that if there are any passengers still in the basket that they remain in the landing position until instructed otherwise.
ATSB Response

The ATSB agrees that the proposed advisory circular would, when published and disseminated, allow commercial balloon operators to take effective action to reduce the risks associated with vehicle‑assisted deflation practices. The ATSB will continue to monitor this safety action.