Minimum Inspection Programme for ELA1 hot-air balloons not involved in commercial operations
To be performed every annual interval.
A tolerance of one month may be applied. However, the next interval shall be calculated from the date originally scheduled (without the tolerance).
Note 1: Use the manufacturer’s maintenance manual to accomplish each task/inspection.
Note 2: Proper operation of backup or secondary systems and components should be included for every instance where a check is performed for improper installation/operation.

Minimum Inspection Programme for ELA1 hot-air balloons not involved in commercial operations	
System/component/area	Task & Inspection detail		
1.	Envelope 
			
Identification (type/serial number/registration plate)	Check for presence and verify type/serial number installed.		
Crown ring and line	In place; not corroded; crown line undamaged and has appropriate length.		
Vertical/horizontal load tapes	Check joints with the crown ring, top of the envelope and wires. All load tapes undamaged along their entire length. Inspect base horizontal tape and edge of the envelope top. Inspect joint between base horizontal load tape and vertical load tapes.		
Envelope fabric	Inspect the envelope fabric panels (including parachute and rotation vents if fitted) for damage, porosity overheating or weakness. Unrepaired damage is within tolerance given by the manufacturer.
If substantial fabric porosity is suspected, then a flight test should be performed, but only after a grab test has demonstrated that the balloon is safe to fly.
Perform grab test in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 		
Flying cables	Inspect for damage (particularly heat damage). 
Kevlar cable — yellow core is not visible		
Karabiners	Inspect for damage. Karabiner lock is working properly. 		
Melting link and Tempilabel	Check maximum temperature indication (flag/‘tell-tale’).		
Control system lines	Inspect for damage wear, security of knots.
Check proper length. Check lines attachments for damage, wear, security.		
Control lines and their attachments 	Inspect for damage, wear, security of knots. Check proper length of the lines.		
Weighing:	Review weighing record to establish accuracy against installed equipment. 
Weigh the aircraft as required by the Part-NCO rules.		

2.	Burner		
Identification (type/serial number)	Check for presence and verify type/serial number installed.		
Burner frame	Inspect welds for cracking.		
	Inspect tubes for distortion/deformation/cuts/gouges.		
	Inspect frame for security of fasteners (heat shields, flexi-corners).		
	Inspect frame lugs for wear, cracking.		
	Inspect general condition (corrosion, heat shields).		
Gimballing	Check stiffness, security of fitting manifolds.		
Leak check	Perform leak check of the burner. 		
Hoses	Inspect all hoses for wear, damage, leak, and lifetime limitation.
Inspect condition and correct function of the fuel. 		
Pressure gauges	Check Pressure gauge reads zero when no pressure applied, lens present.		
Pilot valves/flame	Check Shut off, free movement, correct function, lubricate if necessary.		
Whisper valves/flame	Check Shut off, free movement, correct function, lubricate if necessary.		
Main valves/flame	Check Shut off, free movement, correct function, lubricate if necessary.		
Coils	Check for damage, distortion, security of fasteners. Inspect welds for cracking.
Check security of jets, tighten or replace as necessary.		
Fuel 	Check correct type, check dates (if applicable).		

3.	Basket		
Identification (type/serial number)	Check for presence and verify type/serial number installed.		
Basket body	Check the general condition of the basket body. Inspect weave for damage, cracks/holes. No sharp objects inside the basket. 		
Basket wires	Inspect for damage, check eye rings.		
Karabiners	Inspect for damage. Karabiner lock is working properly. 		
Basket floor	Inspect for damage and cracks.		
Runners	Inspect for damage.		
Rawhide 	Inspect for damage, wear and attachments to the floor. 		
Rope handles	Inspect for damage, security of attachment.		
Cylinder straps 	Inspect for damage, deterioration.		
Padded basket edge trim	Inspect for damage and wear.		
Burner rods	Inspect for damage, wear and cracking.		
Padded burner rod covers	Inspect for damage and wear.		
Basket equipment	Check presence and functionality. 		
pilot restraint	Inspect for security and condition.		
Fire extinguisher	Check expiration date and protection cover.		
First-aid kit	Check for completeness and expiration date.		

4.	Fuel tanks		
Identification (type/serial number)	Check for presence.		
Cylinder	Check periodic inspections for each cylinder is valid (date) (e.g. 10 years’ inspection).		
Cylinder body	Inspect for damage, corrosion. 		
Liquid valve	Inspect for damage, corrosion, correct operation.		
	Inspect 0-ring seals, lubricate/replace as required.		
Fixed liquid
Level gauge	Inspect for damage, corrosion, correct operation.		
Vapour valve	Inspect for damage, corrosion, correct operation (including regulator).		
	Inspect Quick Release Coupling for correct operation, sealing.		
Padded cover	Inspect for damage.		
Pressure relief valve	Does not indicate over pressuring		
Assembly	Inspect, leak-test all pressure holding joints using leak detector.		
	Functional test		

5.	Additional equipment		
Instruments	Functional check 		
Quick release	Functional check and inspect the condition of the latch, bridle and ropes for wear and deterioration. Check that the karabiners are undamaged and operate correctly.		
Communication/navigation equipment (radio)	Perform operational check.		
Transponder	Perform operational check.