By Sam Parks

There are some changes coming to the 2017 version of the NFPA-58 LP Gas Code Manual that could affect how balloonists refuel their hot air balloon propane tanks.

The BFA learned that the National Fire Protection Agency had initially voted to remove all references to hot air balloons and their propane fuel tanks from their 2017 manual. This action by the trade association that provides rules and regulations covering all LP gas containers could have had a devastating effect on our sport. With no HAB reference in the new code manual, LP dispensers or local fire marshals could deny LP gas on the basis of no code reference or DOT acknowledgement.

Immediately the BFA went to work in an effort to educate the NFPA and their technical committees regarding FAA certification of hot air balloon tanks (containers), the annual inspection process for those tanks (containers) and the refueling training that is required. After a lot of work that spanned over 18 months the NFPA accepted the BFA’s proposal to not only reverse its earlier decision but to adopt and accept the following new rules:

• 5.2.9.1 Containers for hot air balloons shall be marked to demonstrate compliance with FAA regulations.

• 5.2.9.2 Containers used in hot air balloons shall not be used for any other purpose.

• 7.2.1.4 An FAA certificated balloon pilot or a trained crew member shall be present and ensure the proper filling of the containers under the provisions of 5.2.9.

• 7.2.1.4 An FAA certificated balloon pilot meets the qualification requirements of section 4.4 for container filling. A crew member for the pilot that has been trained for container filling and carries a card documenting that training also meets the qualification requirements. The acceptability of a hot air balloon container for filling can be verified by finding the container in the flight log for that aircraft.

• 7.2.2.10 The requirements of 7.2.2.9 shall not apply to containers that comply with 5.2.9 and are included in the flight log of the hot air balloon. (7.2.2.9 dealt with removing the tank/cylinder sleeve for inspection before refueling)

• 7.2.2.11 Hot air balloon containers shall not be required to be removed from the aircraft for refilling. The following text was also removed:

• 1.3.2 Nonapplication of code. This code shall not apply to the following:

(7) Transportation by air (including use in hot air balloons, rail, or water under the jurisdiction of the DOT.

To comply with 5.2.9.1 the BFA consulted with balloon and fuel container manufacturers to come up with the proper wording that should be applied to each fuel tank (container). An example is included in this article. The BFA Office has a supply of these container stickers ready for purchase, or you can contact your manufacturer/repair station for the same.

The BFA is in the process of updating its LP Gas Safety Manual that could be used as a resource material for pilots that wish to train their crew members in the area of container refueling. Pilots who wish to issue their crew members the training documentation cards pursuant to 7.2.1.4 will be able to obtain those cards from the BFA office.

It should be noted that there are only a couple states that will automatically adopt the 2017 NFPA-58 code manual as of January. It’s important for all balloonists, regardless of your home state, to become familiar with the new manual, perhaps even downloading it from the NFPA web site. We should make contact with our state legislators and inquire about the process of accepting any new NFPA-58 code manual. I have learned that it could take years before individual states accept all or parts of any new code edition. While your state of residence might not adopt the new rules immediately, pilots who travel widely may wish to acquire stickers and cards for their crew as a precuationary step to compliance.

Contact the BFA if you have further questions regarding the NFPA rule changes.

I would like to thank Andy Baird and Phil Bryant for their assistance on this project and thanks to Richard Fredenburg with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture for his continued support within the NFPA.

In the past, the BFA has tried to stock apparel items at our office. The challenge is keeping a good variety of items in a number of sizes. Some of those items may not sell, so we are stuck with them.

The BFA has now partnered with Phelps USA and can offer a full range of custom embroidered apparel items. 

These items feature different divisions and segments of the BFA. Custom embroidery for the US World Team, the Gas Division, The Hot Air Competition Division, as well as the BFA logo are current options. Some items have the BFA logo on the front, and a division logo on the back or sleeve. Ball caps are also available.

A portion of the proceeds of the sales go to the divisions represented by your order. So if you order a US World Team shirt, funds are directed to support the US World Team. This is a great way to support our teams and divisions, and look good doing it!

Each item is made to order in Phelp's Iowa shop, and will be delivered directly to you for a $9.99 per order shipping fee, no matter the size of the order. Delivery should be in 7-10 business days. You will pay by credit card online at their site.

Big thanks to Adam Magee and his team for doing the legwork on this project.

Jump to the BFA Store

The BFA Board of Directors will hold a face to face board meeting on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The meeting will be held at:

Wyndham Garden Inn

1419 E 70th St

Shreveport, LA 71105

The meeting is scheduled to start at 8:00am Central time, and BFA members are invited to attend.

FAVIA 225 Website

 NOTE: Early Registration is now available!

Join us for the 225th anniversary celebration of the First Air Voyage in America in conjunction with the BFA National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We are commemorating Jean-Pierre Blanchard’s historic flight from the Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia, PA in 1793.

This exciting event will feature an outstanding Continuing Education Seminar with top-notch presenters. Attendees will be able to participate in many educational, informative, and social activities during the four-day convention. There will be something for everyone, including teenagers with our youth program.  A reenactment of the First Air Voyage is planned, using a replica basket built by Bert Padelt. You won’t want to miss the period costume ball. Those who attended FAVIA 200 in 1993 had a most memorable experience!

Plan to bring the whole family, as there is so much to see and do in the historic and energetic city of Philadelphia.