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• Repairing upholstery and decorative furnishings of the balloon basket interior when the repairing does not require disassembly of any primary structure or operating system or interfere with an operating system or affect primary structure of the aircraft. 

• Replacing seats or seat parts with replacement parts approved for the aircraft, not involving disassembly of any primary structure or operating system. 

• Replacing prefabricated fuel lines. 

• Replacing and servicing batteries. 

• Cleaning of balloon burner pilots and main nozzles in accordance with balloon manufacturers’ instructions. 

• Replacement or adjustment of nonstructural standard fasteners incidental to operations. 

• The interchange of balloon baskets and burners on envelopes when the basket or burner is designated as interchangeable in the balloon Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), and the baskets and burners are specifically designed for quick removal and installation. 

## Repairs and Alterations 

Repairs and alterations are classified as either major or minor. 14 CFR part 43, appendix A, describes the alterations and repairs considered major. Major repairs or alterations shall be approved for return to service on FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration, by an appropriately rated certificated repair station, an FAA certificated A&P mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization, or a representative of the Administrator. Minor repairs and minor alterations may be approved for return to service with a proper entry in the maintenance records by an appropriately certificated repair station or FAA certificated A&P mechanic. 

For modifications of experimental aircraft, refer to the operating limitations issued to that aircraft. Modifications in accordance with FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, may require the notification of the issuing authority. 

## Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 

A primary safety function of the FAA is to require correction of unsafe conditions found in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance when such conditions exist and are likely to exist or develop in other products of the same design. The unsafe condition may exist because of a design defect, maintenance, or other causes. 14 CFR part 39, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), define the authority and responsibility of the Administrator for requiring the necessary corrective action. ADs are the means used to notify aircraft owners and other interested persons of unsafe conditions and to specify 

the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. ADs may be divided into two categories: 

1. Those of an emergency nature requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight. 

2. Those of a less urgent nature requiring compliance within a specified period of time. 

ADs are regulatory and shall be complied with unless a specific exemption is granted. It is the aircraft owner or operator’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all pertinent ADs. 14 CFR part 91, section 91.417 requires a record to be maintained that shows the current status of applicable ADs, including the method of compliance; the AD number and revision date, if recurring; the time and date when due again; the signature; kind of certificate; and certificate number of the repair station or mechanic who performed the work. For ready reference, many aircraft owners have a chronological listing of the pertinent ADs in the back of their aircraft maintenance records. 

## Choosing a Balloon 

Many companies manufacture balloons that are type- certificated by the FAA. A type-certificated balloon has passed many tests, has been approved by the FAA, and conforms to the manufacturer’s TCDS. Balloon size is rated by envelope volume with categories defined in metric units. Figure 2-16 illustrates the most popular size ranges in use today (volumes are provided in cubic meters, as well as cubic feet). 

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## Advantages of Balloon Sizes 

Different balloon sizes offer different advantages. The size of the balloon purchased should be determined according to planned use(s). Most pilots think smaller balloons are easier to handle, fly, and pack up. Bigger balloons use less fuel, operate cooler, and last longer. Higher elevations or hotter climates or passengers indicate a larger balloon. Balloon competitions and sport flying require a smaller balloon. [Figure 2-17] 

