by Keith Doyne, IAC Safety Chairman
The FAA received reports of multiple types of cracks after low flight hours on WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Model 2T–1A–2 airplanes. In response to this, the FAA reviewed WACO Great Lakes 2T–1A–2 Service Bulletin GL–SB0002, Revision NR, dated July 6, 2023 (WACO SB 2T–1A–2, Revision NR).
This service information specifies procedures for inspecting the leading edge former ribs and trailing edge former ribs in the upper wing center section for cracking, replacing any cracked ribs, and modifying the upper wing center section assembly by installing new fabric support channels, saddles, and brackets. Modifying the upper wing center section assembly changes the configuration from the 30116–100 upper wing center section assembly configuration to the 30116–104 upper wing center section assembly configuration.
The FAA is issuing AD 2023-26-03, which is effective on February 7, 2024. 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. This AD requires the following actions:
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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
