2023-26-03: Wing, Rib/Bulkhead

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-26-03 WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-22646; Docket No. FAA-2023-2005; Project Identifier AD-2022-01523-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 7, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Model 2T-1A-2 airplanes, serial numbers 1200 and subsequent with the 30116-100 upper wing center section assembly configuration, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5712, Wing, Rib/Bulkhead. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cracks at the leading edge former ribs and trailing edge former ribs in the upper wing center section along the top flange where the ribs attach to the spar after low flight hours. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the leading and trailing edge former ribs in the upper wing center section. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and the reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert maneuver restriction placards on the instrument panel of the front and rear cockpits, and next to the operating placard in the rear cockpit, stating "NO AEROBATIC MANEUVERS ALLOWED." (2) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the following: (i) Inspect the leading edge former ribs and trailing edge former ribs in the upper wing center section for cracking in accordance with section B and before further flight, replace any cracked rib in accordance with section C of the Accomplishment Instructions in WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Service Bulletin GL-SB0002, Revision NR, dated July 6, 2023 (WACO SB 2T-1A-2, Revision NR). Although section B of the Accomplishment Instructions in WACO SB 2T-1A-2, Revision NR, specifies to record the locations of all identified cracks found on the leading edge former ribs and the trailing edge former ribs and share this information with WACO Aircraft, this AD does not require those actions. (ii) Modify the center section to the 30116-104 upper wing center section assembly configuration in accordance with section C of the Accomplishment Instructions in WACO SB 2T-1A-2, Revision NR. (3) After replacing all cracked ribs and modifying the center section to the 30116-104 upper wing center section assembly configuration, aerobatic maneuvers can resume and the "NO AEROBATIC MANEUVERS ALLOWED" maneuver restriction placards can be removed from the front and rear cockpits. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Central Certification Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Central Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding district office. (i) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Tim Eichor, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (847) 294-7141; email: tim.d.eichor@faa.gov . (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) WACO Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 Service Bulletin GL-SB0002, Revision NR, dated July 6, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation, 15955 South Airport Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015; phone: (269) 565-1000; email: hello@wacoaircraft.com. ; website: wacoaircraft.com . (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on December 21, 2023. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-28877 Filed 1-2-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P