BOI ServicesWhat exactly is an annual? Manufactured hot air balloons are registered aircrafts with the FAA. Each hot air balloon must have an annual inspection of the balloon and basket every year or 100 hours, which ever comes first. Hot air balloons must be inspected by an FAA certified repair station or personnel who have the proper manuals for inspections and repairs. Each manufacturer has a manual with detailed instructions of what is to be done for inspections and repairs.
An Annual inspection consists of:
- A gore by gore inspection of the envelope to make sure there are no burns, holes, tears, etc
- Fabric strength tests to make sure the fabric is safe for flight
- Porosity tests to make sure the fabric still holds the hot air inside the balloon.
A basket inspection consists of:
- An inspection for damage, such as broken wicker, fuel hoses, fuel tanks, and any damage to the floor
- Instruments are checked for accuracy
- The burner is checked to make sure it works properly