SAIB CE-01-33

SPECIAL

AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION

BULLETIN Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration No. CE-01-33 August 28, 2001 We post SAIBs on the internet at "av-info.faa.gov" This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.

Introduction:

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, an owner or operator of all Piper Model PA-28 and PA-32 airplanes of possible cracking of the wing walk.

Background:

During routine preflight and maintenance inspections on Piper PA-28 and PA-32 models, the FAA found wing skin cracking in the area of the wing walk. If left uncorrected, this condition could result in degrading of the airworthiness of the airplane and a reduction in safety. Additionally, we have determined that some owners or operators may be attempting to correct or mask the problem by filling the cracks with various compounds and not performing the proper structural repairs.

Recommendation:

The FAA recommends that owners or operators of these model airplanes perform a visual inspection of the wing walk for possible cracking. If you find cracking, we highly recommend that you perform a standard repair in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B or other FAA acceptable repair processes. In some cases it may be necessary to replace the wing walk area skins. We do not approve of filling the cracks with structural compounds or covering the cracks with wing walk materials, and emphasize that this may lead to serious safety consequences. You can access AC

43.13-1B, “Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices – Aircraft Inspection and Repair” on line at “www.airweb.faa.gov” .

For Further Information Contact:

Viswa Padmanabhan, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA-Small Aircraft Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349, Telephone

(770) 703-6049, FAX: (770) 703-6097, email: viswa.padmanabhan@faa.gov.