Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 78- 02-03, which applies to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper), Model PA-23- 250 airplanes. AD 78-02-03 requires repetitively inspecting the stabilator tip tube and weight assemblies for cracks, inspecting for missing rivets and screws, replacing the forward rib/horn assemblies, and reinforcing the mounting. Since AD 78-02-03 was issued, Piper developed a newly-designed stabilator, which is not subject to the unsafe condition, and revised its service information. This proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 78-02-03, but would reduce the applicability and require the actions in the revised service information. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.