Federal Register #FAA20264630

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopters – ELT Antenna Compliance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing an airworthiness directive for Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters to address emergency locator transmitter (ELT) antenna issues. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Department - OEMs and Vendors: - Hélicoptères Guimbal (OEM) - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for Cabri G2 helicopters (serial numbers 1003 to 1389, except 1383 and 1388) - Prohibits overwater operations under 14 CFR part 135 for helicopters not equipped with an external ELT antenna - Estimated 70 helicopters affected in the U.S. registry - Optional ELT antenna modification per Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25006 B - Relocation of ELT antenna to exterior - Installation of new VHF2 antenna if needed - Includes removal of existing VHF2 antenna, torquing nuts, installing cotter pins, trimming cowlings, routing antenna cable, repairing engine cowl honeycomb, and paint touch-ups - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with RFM revision is mandatory; antenna modification is optional but recommended for improved ELT signal reliability - FAA estimates compliance cost of $85 per helicopter for manual revision; optional antenna modification up to $1,298 per helicopter - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided, as this is a regulatory action - Place of Performance/Delivery: - FAA offices in Fort Worth, TX; Westbury, NY; and Washington, DC

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hélicoptères Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters due to a potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) caused by improper antenna installation. The AD requires revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to prohibit overwater operations under certain conditions and optionally modifying the ELT antenna. This action addresses the unsafe condition of weak ELT signals that could delay rescue services during emergencies.

View original listing