EASA AD US-2023-26-03
Wings - Upper Wing Center Section Leading and Trailing Edge - Placard Installation / Inspection / Modification
Summary
The FAA Airworthiness Directive 2023-26-03 is a final rule addressing certain WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Model 2T-1A-2 airplanes, specifically serial numbers 1200 and subsequent with the 30116-100 upper wing center section assembly configuration. This directive mandates inspection and modification of the upper wing center section due to reported cracks in the leading and trailing edge former ribs. It also requires installation and later removal of maneuver restriction placards in the cockpits.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements for installing maneuver restriction placards prohibiting aerobatic maneuvers, inspecting the upper wing center section ribs for cracks, replacing any cracked ribs, and modifying the wing assembly to a new configuration. After modification, the maneuver restrictions can be removed. It is a newly adopted regulation rather than an amendment.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation airplanes, preventing potential in-flight structural failures caused by rib cracking. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must address these requirements promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and safe flight operations, especially for aerobatic flight.
What To Do
Operators must install maneuver restriction placards within 30 days of the effective date and conduct inspections within 100 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. Any cracked ribs must be replaced, and the upper wing center section assembly must be modified according to the specified service bulletin. Once modifications are complete, placards restricting aerobatic maneuvers may be removed.
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