Pressure relief valves etc etc etc

["Tim & Renee Graham" <private e-mail address>]

Sorry about coming late into this fray, but I haven't had a chance to read
my e-mail until now. I appreciate Gary S.'s efforts to clarify a point he
believes in even though I disagree with him. The best way for us all to gain
more knowledge about ballooning is to have open, honest discussions about
the sport we love.

I have a personal stake in this because my balloon had a Rego pressure
relief valve installed in one of it's fuel tanks. I did some research on the
web gathering information from the highest authority, the FAA. I felt it was
in my best interests to have that valve removed and replaced with an
official Balloon Works part. My reasons were as follows:

1) Rego did not appear on any Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) lists. These
lists are available at: http://av-info.faa.gov/ad/pma/pmas.htm and
http://av-info.faa.gov/ad/pma/Holders.pdf  My feelings are that the Rego
valve may have been acceptable during those years when it was being
installed as original equipment, due to its being included in the Type
Certificate, but it was not an acceptable part after it was removed from
that certificate.

2) FAA Advisory Circular 20-62D " Eligibility, Quality, and Identification
of Aeronautical Replacement Parts" states that "The continued airworthiness
of an aircraft, which includes the replacement of parts, is the
responsibility of the owner/operator..." This means that those of us who own
and operate our own balloon bear the ultimate responsibility. Not the
dealer, not the manufacturer, not the repair station or mechanic. AC 20-62D
is available at: http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/acs/20-62d.pdf

3) In a day and age when it appears that insurance companies will use any
and every excuse to refuse a claim, I believe it is best to make sure my
aircraft conforms exactly to the applicable Federal Regulations and follows
to the letter the manufacturers Manual for Continued Airworthiness.

I am not infallible and would welcome Sid's input, since I have received
conflicting information from other Balloon Works staff that specifically
contradicts the information Gary Sines has received. The manufacturer, in
conjunction with the FAA, should be the definitive word on this subject.

I appreciate this forum giving me the opportunity to state my position.

On a lighter note, Renee and I plan to bring only FDA approved hamburger
buns this Saturday. If we have a chance, we will bring Mom Stack's Hot Sweet
Mustard.
NOTE: The mustard is an experimental, home built product to be used at your
own discretion.

Sincerely,
Tim Graham

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