Airworthiness Directive 97-31680
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; The Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, T-8F Airplanes; Correction
What this AD requires
This document clarifies information in airworthiness directive (AD) 96-24-17, which applies to Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation (Luscombe) Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, T-8F airplanes. AD 96-24-17 currently requires installing new inspection holes, modifying the wing tip fairings, and inspecting the wing spars for intergranular corrosion. The actions specified in AD 96-24-17 are intended to prevent wing spar failure from intergranular corrosion, which could result in structural failure of the wings and loss of control of the airplane. The AD was published with an Appendix providing an alternative method of compliance. Since issuance of AD 96- 24-17, the FAA has re-examined the Appendix and has determined that clarification of certain inspections procedures is needed. This action clarifies the procedures specified in the Appendix of AD 96-24-17.
Which aircraft AD 97-31680 applies to
Specific model/serial applicability list is in the preceding applicability provision, not present in this excerpt. Addresses wing spar intergranular corrosion per Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation (DLAHF) Recommendation #2; metal-covered wings require DLAHF Kit #8007 (wing access/inspection holes and tip fairing modification), fabric-covered wings require a one-time spar inspection.
Whether AD 97-31680 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.