AMC1 31TGB.53(a) Tether system

• ED Decision 2013/011/R found in: CS-31TGB Initial issue - Tethered Gas Balloons (Jul 2013)

AMC1 31TGB.53(a) Tether system ED Decision 2013/011/R The suitability, durability, and reliability of the tether system, including the tether control systems, is determined by a Failure Mode Effect Analyses (FMEA) covering all phases of operation. For components of the tether system (i.e. the winch) compliance with the requirement of [CS 31TGB.53(a)](#_DxCrossRefBm1414281518) can be shown by a certificate from an expert body provided that: (a) this certificate specifies the conditions for safe operation of the winch that cover the conditions for safe operation of the balloon; (b) the winch system is capable of safely fulfilling the task of a tethered gas balloon winch; (c) compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (or equivalent (US) requirements) is the basis for the tethered gas balloon winch system; (d) modifications to the winch design do not invalidate the applicable requirements from the certificate that remain applicable after the modification. Note: The overload protection of industrial winches is not applicable in the TGB application because overload cannot occur in a TGB application; (e) the expert body is an EC-notified organisation which has a certified structure and a proven capability and experience. ‘Certified’ means an approval by the government which requires an organisational structure and entails extended liability. ‘Proven capability’ means successfully managed projects that are reasonably comparable to the balloon winch case. Usually these are cranes, elevators, rides or similar winch technology; (f) the final report complies with the Annex II of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (or equivalent (US) requirement); and (g) there is an alternative retrieve system which is able to cover a functional failure of the winch.