Opportunity
Federal Register #FAA-2026-4630
FAA Airworthiness Directive for Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopters – ELT Antenna Safety Compliance
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Posted
September 28, 2026
Identifier
FAA-2026-4630
This opportunity summary covers a new airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Vendors: - Hélicoptères Guimbal (manufacturer of Cabri G2 helicopters) - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for affected Cabri G2 helicopters - Prohibits overwater operations unless external ELT antenna modification is completed - Applies to helicopters with serial numbers 1003 to 1389 (excluding 1383 and 1388) - Optional ELT Antenna Modification - Referenced in Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25-006 B - Involves relocating the ELT antenna and installing a new VHF2 antenna - Unique/Notable Requirements: - No procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory safety action - Estimated compliance cost: $85 per helicopter for manual revision; optional modification up to $1,298 - No mandated deadline for antenna modification; manual revision required within 30 days of AD effective date - Focus is on addressing weak ELT signals for improved safety during overwater operations - Technical details are accessible via Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 25-006 B - No contract or solicitation for goods/services; this is a compliance directive for operators
Description
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hélicoptères Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and findings of weak ELT signals due to improper antenna installation. The AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual to address the unsafe condition. The AD is effective November 2, 2026, and applies to specific helicopter serial numbers as detailed in the FAA docket.