AC 43.13-1B

Historical

Advisory circular · Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 43.13-1B CHG 1 Ed Update is the version in force, approved September 27, 2001.
Approved
September 8, 1998
Last reviewed
June 11, 2024
Cancelled by
AC43.13-1B CHG 1
Family
AC 43.13-1 · 7 versions
Revision
B
14 CFR parts
43, 65, 145, 21, 105, 23, 91, 121, 25
Cited by
95 ADs

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 187–198
Page 199OCROpen in PDF

(A) ADDED

STIFFENERS TO →15K REQD 2 EACH BACK UP SEAM 24-5/32" OF PATCH.

2117-T4 BACKED PATCH PLATE

BY SAME TO BE OF SAME PRIVETS -1 22-1/2; MATERIAL AS 3" HOLE MAX. DIA." ORIGINAL AND

E MAX DIA SAME OR NEXT "G" HEAVIER GAUGE.

16-5/32" RIVET SIZE, 2117-T4 BIVETS SPACING,

MATERIAL, AND

PATTERN "G", "H", AND "K SAME AS ARE ORIGINAL A B.

CIRCULAR PATCH PLATES. DAMAGED SKIN DIMENSIONS OF CIR. PATCH PLATES SHOULD BE DESIGNATION "K" "H" "G" CLEANED OUT DIAMETER (OUTSIDE) 2-1/2" 7-12" SMOOTHLY AS DIA. INNER RIVET CIRCLE 1-3/4" 4" INDICATED BY DIA. OUTER RIVET CIRCLE 6-1/2" CDEF.

SAME RIVET SIZE, SPACING, MATERIAL, & PATTERN AS B C.

SAME RIVET SIZE, SPACING, MATERIAL, & PATTERN AS A D.

PATCH PLATE

TO BE OF SAME

- 1" HOLE MATERIAL AS 8-5/32" 2117- MAX DIA. ORIGINAL AND RIVETS• SAME OR NEXT

HEAVIER GAUGE CRACK

DI NOT LESS THAN 2 TIMES LENGTH -PORTION OF SKIN REPLACED. . OF CRACK:

ORIGINAL SKIN SHEET. *4 RIVETS REQD. EACH SIDE

RIVET SPACING AT LEAST 3X RIVET DIA

HOLES DRILLED TO PREVENT CRACK SPREADING.

SKIN GAUGE = .028" (B) RIVET DIA. = 1/8" CRACK 2.5" LONG FIGURE 4-16. Typical repairs of stressed sheet metal coverings. (Refer to tables 4-9, 4-10, and 4-11 to calculate number of rivets to be used.)

Par 4-58 Page 4-135

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86/8/6 AC 43.13-1B

.0

TAPERED SPLICE MEMBER NOTE: UNSHADED SECTIONS ARE ORIGINAL AND/OR REPLACEMENT SECTIONS. SHADED SECTIONS ARE CONNECTING OR REINFORCING SECTIONS.

NOTE: FOR MINIMUM NUMBER OF RIVETS REQUIRED, SEE PARAGRAPH 4-58g AND SUBSEQUENT.

FIGURE 4-17. Typical stringer and flange splices.

Par 4-58 Page 4-136

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CUT IN STRINGER TAPERED SPLICE MEMBER

ON LOWER SURFACE OF WING, MAKE END RIVET SAME SIZE AS SKIN ATTACHING RIVETS.

2 dz, MINIMUM 3 dz, MINIMUM

THE NUMBER OF BOLTS REQUIRED IN THE "BULB" LEG OF THE STRINGER IS DETERMINED FROM TABLE 4-9 FOR 2017-T3 AS FOLLOWS:

+z=1/16" (Use .064") dz= .190" (AN3 bolt) NO. OF BOLTS PER INCH OF WIDTH FROM TABLE = 3.3.

ACTUAL NO. OF BOLTS ON EACH SIDE OF CUI = WX 3.3 = (1.0) × 3.3 = 3.3 BOLTS USE 4 BOLTS

WHEN BOTH RIVETS AND BOLTS

ARE USED, BOLT HOLES SHOULD BE REAMED TO SIZE.

-KEEP LARGE HOLES BACK FROM END OF SPLICE.

THE NUMBER OF RIVETS REQUIRED IN

THE UPPER LEG OF THE STRINGER IS DETERMINED FROMTABLE 4-9 FOR 2017-T3 AS FOLLOWS:

t, = 1/16" (Use „064") d, = 1/8 (2117-AD rivet) NO. OF RIVETS PER INCH OF WIDTH FROM TABLE = 9.9 ACTUAL NO. OF RIVETS ON EACH SIDE OF CUI = WIx 9.9 = (.5) × 9.9 =4.95 RIVETS. USE 5 RIVETS.

d, (1/8), RIVET DIA. PREFERABLY /2tTO 3t, BUT NOT GREATER THAN W/4.

W½

(1.0) SPLICE ANGLE "A" dz - "B" SPLICE BAR. SHADED AREA GREATER THAN W, Xt,.

SHADED AREA GREATER THAN W2xt2. t2 (T6) ~ STRINGER

- AREA REPRESENTING BULB

SECTION A-A FIGURE 4-18. Example of stringer splice (material-2017 alloy).

Par 4-58 Page 4-137

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Par 4-58 Page 4-138

NOTE: FOR MINIMUM NUMBER OF RIVETS REQUIRED, SEE PARAGRAPH 4-58g AND SUBSEQUENT.

NOTE: STRENGTH INVESTIGATION IS USUALLY REQUIRED FOR THIS TYPE OF REPAIR.

F IGURE 4-19. Application of typical flange splices and reinforcement.

Page 203Open in PDF

Par 4-58 Page 4-139 To avoid concentration of load on the end rivet and consequent tendency toward progressive rivet failure, the splice is tapered at the ends by tapering the backing angle and by making it shorter than the splice bar. (See figure 4-18.)

The preceding principles are especially important in splicing stringers on the lower surface of stressed skin wings, where hightension stresses may exist. When several adjacent stringers are spliced, stagger the splices if possible.

Size of Splicing Members . When the same material is used for the splicing members as for the original member, the cross-section area (i.e., the shaded areas in figure 4-17), of the splice material will be greater than the area of the section elem ent which it splices. The area of a section element (e.g., each leg of an angle or channel) is equal to the width multiplied by the thickness. For example, the bar “B” in figure 4-18 is assumed to splice the upper leg of the stringer, and the angle “A” is assumed to splice the bulbed leg of the stringer. Since the splice bar “B” is not as wide as the adjacent leg, its thickness must be increased such that the area of bar “B” is at l east equal to the area of the upper leg of the stringer.

The Diameter of Rivets in Stringers . The diameter of rivets in stringers might preferably be between two and three times the thickness “t” of the leg, but must not be more than 1/4th the width “W” of the leg. Thus, 1/8-inch rivets are chosen in the example, figure 4-18.

If the splices were in the lower surface of a wing, the end rivets would be made the same size as the skin-attaching rivets, or 3/32 inch.

The Number of Rivets . The number of rivets required on each side of the cut in a stringer or flange may be determined from standard text books on aircraft structures, or may be found in tables 4-9 through 4-11.

In determining the number of rivets required in the example, figure 4-18, for attaching the splice bar “B” to the upper leg, the thickness “t” of the element of area being spliced is 1/16 inch (use 0.064), the rivet size is 1/8 inch, and table 4-9 shows that 9.9 rivets are required per inch of width. Since the width “W” is 1/2 inch, the actual number of rivets required to attach the splice bar to the upper leg on each side of the cut is 9.9 (rivets per inch) x 0.5 (inch width) = 4.95 (use 5 rivets).

For the bulbed leg of the stringer “t” = 1/16 inch (use 0.064); AN-3 bolts are chosen, and the number of bolts required per inch of width = 3.3. The width “W” for this leg, however, is 1 inch; and the actual number of bolts required on each side of the cut is 1 x 3.3 = 3.3 (use 4 bolts). When both rivets and bolts are used in the same splice, the bolt holes must be accurately reamed to size. It is preferable to use only one type of attachment, but in the above example, the dimensions of the legs of the bulb angle indicated rivets for the upper leg and bolts for the bulb leg.

Splicing of Intermediate Frames. The same principles used for stringer splicing may be applied to intermediate frames when the following point is considered.

Conventional frames of channel or Z sections are relatively deep and thin co mpared to stringers, and usually fail by twisting or by buckling of the free flange. Reinforce the splice joint against this type of failure by using a splice plate heavier than the frame and by splicing the free flange of the frame with a flange of the splice plate. (See figure 4-20.) Since a frame is likely to be subjected to bending loads, make the length of splice plate “L” more than twice the width “W2,” and the rivets spread out to cover the plate.

Page 204Open in PDF

Par 4-58 Page 4-140 TABLE 4-9. Number of rivets required for splices (single-lap joint) in bare 2014-T6, 2024-T3, 2024-T36, and 7075-T6 sheet, clad 2014-T6, 2024-T3, 2024-T36, and 7075-T6 sheet, 2024-T4, and 7075-T6 plate, bar, rod, tube, and extrusions, 2014-T6 extrusions.

Thickness “t” in inches No. of 2117-T4 (AD) protruding head rivets required per inch of width “W”

Rivet size

No. of Bolts 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 1/4 AN-3 .016 6.5 4.9 - - - - - - - - .020 6.9 4.9 3.9 - - - - - - .025 8.6 4.9 3.9 - - - - - - .032 11.1 6.2 3.9 3.3 - - - - .036 12.5 7.0 4.5 3.3 2.4 - - .040 13.8 7.7 5.0 3.5 2.4 3.3 .051 - - 9.8 6.4 4.5 2.5 3.3 .064 - - 12.3 8.1 5.6 3.1 3.3 .081 - - - - 10.2 7.1 3.9 3.3 .091 - - - - 11.4 7.9 4.4 3.3 .102 - - - - 12.8 8.9 4.9 3.4 .128 - - - - - - 11.2 6.2 3.2

NOTES:

a. For stringers in the upper surface of a wing, or in a fuselage, 80 percent of the number of rivets shown in the table may be used.

b. For intermediate frames, 60 perc ent of the number shown may be used.

c. For single lap sheet joints, 75 per cent of the number shown may be used.

ENGINEERING NOTES:

a. The load per inch of width of material was ca lculated by assuming a strip 1 inch wide in tension.

b. Number of rivets required was calculated for 2117- T4 (AD) rivets, based on a rivet allowable shear stress equal to 40 percent of the sheet allowable tensile stress, and a sheet allowable bearing stress equal to 160 percent of the sheet allowable tensile stress, using nominal bolt diameters for rivets.

c. Combinations of sheet thickness and rivet size abov e the underlined numbers are critical in (i.e., will fail by) bearing on the sheet; those below are critical in shearing of the rivets.

d. The number of AN-3 bolts required below the underlined number was calculated based on a sheet allowable tensile stress of 70,000 psi and a bolt allowable single shear load of 2,126 pounds.

Page 205Open in PDF

Par 4-61 Page 4-141 TABLE 4-10. Number of rivets required for splices (single-lap joint) in 2017, 1017 ALCLAD, 2024-T3 ALCLAD sheet, plate, bar, rod, tube, and extrusions.

Thickness “t” in inches No. of 2117-T4 (AD) protruding head rivets required per inch of width “W”

Rivet size

No. of Bolts 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 1/4 AN-3 .016 6.5 4.9 - - - - - - - - .020 6.5 4.9 3.9 - - - - - - .025 6.9 4.9 3.9 - - - - - - .032 8.9 4.9 3.9 3.3 - - - - .036 10.0 5.6 3.9 3.3 2.4 - - .040 11.1 6.2 4.0 3.3 2.4 - - .051 - - 7.9 5.1 3.6 2.4 3.3 .064 - - 9.9 6.5 4.5 2.5 3.3 .081 - - 12.5 8.1 5.7 3.1 3.3 .091 - - - - 9.1 6.3 3.5 3.3 .102 - - - - 10.3 7.1 3.9 3.3 .128 - - - - 12.9 8.9 4.9 3.3

NOTES:

a. For stringers in the upper surface of a wing, or in a fuselage, 80 percent of the number of rivets shown in the table may be used.

b. For intermediate frames, 60 perc ent of the number shown may be used.

c. For single lap sheet joints, 75 per cent of the number shown may be used.

ENGINEERING NOTES:

a. The load per inch of width of material was ca lculated by assuming a strip 1 inch wide in tension.

b. Number of rivets required was calculated for 2117-T4 (AD) rivets, based on a rivet allowable shear stress equal to percent of the sheet allowable tensile stress, and a sheet allowable bearing stress equal to 160 percent of the sheet allowable tensile stress, using nominal hole diameters for rivets.

c. Combinations of sheet thickness and rivet size above the underlined numbers are critical in (i.e., will fail by) bearing on the sheet; those below are critical in shearing of the rivets.

d. The number of AN-3 bolts required below the underlined number was calculated based on a sheet allowable tensile stress of 55,000 psi and a bolt allowable single shear load of 2,126 pounds.

Page 206Open in PDF

Par 4-58 Page 4-142 TABLE 4-11. Number of rivets required for splices (single-lap joint) in 5052 (all hardnesses) sheet.

Thickness “t” in inches No. of 2117-T4 (AD) protruding head rivets required per inch of width “W”

Rivet size

No. of Bolts 3/32 1/8 5/32 3/16 1/4 AN-3 .016 6.3 4.7 - - - - - - .020 6.3 4.7 3.8 - - - - - - .025 6.3 4.7 3.8 - - - - - - .032 6.3 4.7 3.8 3.2 - - - - .036 7.1 4.7 3.8 3.2 2.4 - - .040 7.9 4.7 3.8 3.2 2.4 - - .051 10.1 5.6 3.8 3.2 2.4 - - .064 12.7 7.0 4.6 3.2 2.4 - - .081 - - 8.9 5.8 4.0 2.4 3.2 .091 - - 10.0 6.5 4.5 2.5 3.2 .102 - - 11.2 7.3 5.1 2.8 3.2 .128 - - - - 9.2 6.4 3.5 3.2

NOTES:

a. For stringers in the upper surface of a wing, or in a fuselage, 80 percent of the number of rivets shown in the table may be used.

b. For intermediate frames, 60 perc ent of the number shown may be used.

c. For single lap sheet joints, 75 per cent of the number shown may be used.

ENGINEERING NOTES:

a. The load per inch of width of material was ca lculated by assuming a strip 1 inch wide in tension.

b. Number of rivets required was calculated for 2117-T4 (AD) rivets, based on a rivet allowable shear stress equal to 70 percent of the sheet allowable tens ile stress, and a sheet allowable bearing stress equal to 160 percent of the sheet allowable tensile stress, using nominal hole diameters for rivets.

c. Combinations of sheet thickness and rivet si ze above the underlined numbers are critical in (i.e., will fail by) bearing on the sheet, those below are critical in shearing of the rivets.

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Par 4-60 Page 4-143 REPAIRING CRACKED MEMBERS. Acceptable methods of repairing various types of cracks in structural elements are shown in figures 4-21 through 4-24. The following general procedures apply in repairing such defects.

Drill small holes 3/32 inch (or 1/8 inch) at the extreme ends of the cracks to minimize the possibility of their spreading further.

Add reinforcement to carry the stresses across the damaged portion and to stiffen the joints. (See figures 4-14 through 4-17.) The condition causing cracks to develop at a particular point is stress concentration at that point in conjunction with repetition of stress, such as produced by vibration of the structure.

The stress concentration may be due to the design or to defects such as nicks, scratches, tool marks, and initial stresses or cracks from fo rming or heat-treating operations. It should be noted, that an increase in sheet thickness alone is usually beneficial but does not necessarily remedy the conditions leading to cracking.

STEEL AND ALUMINUM FITTINGS.

Steel Fittings. Inspect for the following defects.

Fittings are to be free from scratches, vise and nibbler marks, and sharp bends or edges. A careful examination of the fitting with a medium power (at least 10 power) magnifying glass is acceptable as an inspection.

When repairing aircraft after an accident or in the course of a major overhaul, inspect all highly-stressed main fittings, as set forth in the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Replace torn, kinked, or cracked fittings.

Elongated or worn bolt holes in fittings, which were designed without bushings, are not to be reamed oversize. Replace such fittings, unless the method of repair is approved by the FAA. Do not fill holes with welding rod.

Acceptable methods of repairing elongated or worn bolt holes in landing gear, stabilizer, interplane, or cabane-strut ends are shown in figure 4-25.

Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Fittings.

Replace damaged fittings with new parts that have the same material specifications.

Repairs may be made in accordance with data furnished by the aircraft manufacturer, or data substantiating the method of repair may be submitted to the FAA for approval.

CASTINGS. Damaged castings are to be replaced and not repaired unless the method of repair is specifically approved by the aircraft manufacturer or substantiating data for the repair has been reviewed by the FAA for approval.

SELECTIVE PLATING IN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE. Selective plating is a method of depositing metal from an electrolyte to the selected area. The electrolyte is held in an absorbent material attached to an inert anode.

Plating contact is made by brushing or swabbing the part (cathode) with the electrolyte-bearing anode.

Selective Plating Uses. This process can be utilized for any of the following reasons.

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Par 4-62 Page 4-144

THE NUMBER OF RIVETS REQUIRED IN EACH LEG ON EACH SIDE OF THE CUT IS DETERMINED BY THE WIDTH “W,” THE TH ICKNESS OF THE FRAME “t,” AND THE RIVET DIAMETER “d” USING TABLE 4-10 IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THAT FOR STRINGERS IN FIGURE 4-20.

NOTE b. IN TABLE 4-10 INDICATES THAT ONLY 60 PERCENT OF THE NUMBER OF RIVETS SO CALCULATED NEED BE USED IN SPLICES IN INTERMEDIATE.

EXAMPLE: (FOR 2017-T3 aluminum alloy frame)

FLANGE LEG

t = .040” d = 1/8” 2117-T4 (AD) W1 & W 3 = .6 inch

NO. OF RIVETS PER INCH OF WIDTH FROM TABLE 4-10 = 6.2

No. of rivets required = W x 6.2 = .6 x 6.2 = 3.72 or 4 rivets.

60 percent of 4 rivets = 2.4 rivets.

USE 3 RIVETS ON EACH SIDE OF THE CUT IN EACH FLANGE LEG.

WEB OF ZEE (OR CHANNEL)

t = .040” d = 1/8” 2117-T4 (AD) rivet W = 2.0 inches

NO. OF RIVETS PER INCH OF WIDTH FROM TABLE 4-10 = 6.2

No. of rivets required = W x 6.2 =

2.0 x 6.2 = 12.4 or 13 rivets.

60 percent of 13 rivets = 7.8 rivets.

USE 8 RIVETS ON EACH SIDE OF CUT IN THE WEB OF ZEE (OR CHANNEL).

“L” SHOULD BE MORE THAN TWICE W2 Thickness of splice plate to be greater than that of the frame to be spliced.

FIGURE 4-20. Example of intermediate frame stringer splice (material 2017-T3 AL alloy).

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CHANNELS

TRAILING FORWARD. EDGE

HORIZONTAL

RIBS SKIN

OVERTICAL SPAR CRACKS CRACKS ANCHOR

NUTS FOR RIB

ATTACH-

MENT OF

FIN TO SKIN

STABILIZER

AND TIP CRACK TO FIN

TRAILING EDGE

REAR SHEAR

FRONT BEAM SPAR CRACKS

LEADING EDGE

AILERON NOTE: ALL REINFORCING PLATES TO BE OF REAR → SAME ALLOY & APPROX. 1.5 THICKNESS OF ORIGINAL.

FIGURE 4-21. Typical methods of repairing cracked leading and trailing edges and rib intersections.

Par 4-62 Page 4-145

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END RIB REAR SPAR

CONTROL

STIFFENING CHANNEL TO SURFACE

FIT UNDER END OF RIB, FITTING REINFORCEMENT AND UNDER ANCHOR NUT. MATERIAL: DRILL RELIEF DIA.)

SAME ALLOY AS ORIGINAL, APPROX. HOLES • 71/8

1.5 THICKNESS OF ORIGINAL OR GREATER.

RIVETS JOINING SPAR WEB WITH FRONT

AND REAR CHANNEL TYPE REINFORCEMENT

NOT CHED MEMBER

CRACKS AT

FITTING ANCHOR NUTS

TRAILING EDGE

PORTION OF RIB DRILL

TRELIEF HOLE REAR

SHEAR PEAR

REINFORCING PLATE BEAM

WITH FILLETED NOTCH

MATERIAL OF REINFORCING PLATES SAME ALLOY AS ORIGINAL AND 1.5 (OR MORE) × THICKNESS OF ORIGINAL. FLAP HINGE FIGURE 4-22. Typical methods of replacing cracked members at fittings.

Par 4-62 Page 4-146