AD 2026-19-05

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Hélicoptères Guimbal Helicopters

AD Number
2026-19-05
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2026-4630
FR Citation
91 FR 61118

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Hélicoptères Guimbal Airworthiness Directives; Hélicoptères Guimbal Helicopters

Unsafe Condition

The potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and weak ELT signals on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies due to improper antenna installation (location).

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Required Actions

Revise the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter.

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Affected Aircraft

Hélicoptères Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters.

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Federal Register Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and subsequent findings of weak ELT signals on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies due to improper antenna installation (location). This AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Document Text

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61118 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Bulletin B787–81205–SB530108–00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 5, 2025. (h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530108–00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 5, 2025, refers to the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530108–00 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@ faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Julie Linn, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3584; email: julie.linn@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB530108–00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 5, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110– SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; website myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 23, 2026. Brian Knaup, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19754 Filed 9–25–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–4630; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01824–R; Amendment 39–23472; AD 2026–19–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; He ´ licopte ` res Guimbal Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain He ´licopte `res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and subsequent findings of weak ELT signals on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies due to improper antenna installation (location). This AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective November 2, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 2026 ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4630; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Guimbal material identified in this AD, contact HG, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Ae ´ rodrome d’Aix- en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; phone: 33–04–42–39–10–88; email: support@guimbal.com; website: guimbal.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4630. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4147; email: david.enns@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain HG Model Cabri G2 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2026 (91 FR 24752). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0282, dated December 12, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0282) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that a report of a potential malfunction of the helicopter ELT was received. Subsequent investigation revealed that due to improper antenna installation (location), the ELT produced a weaker signal than expected on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies. The MCAI further states that both HG cockpit ELT antenna configurations are affected. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4630. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from one anonymous commenter. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to the comment. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

61119 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Request for Mandatory ELT Antenna Modification. The commenter requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to convert the optional ELT antenna modification into a requirement and also require a 6- month compliance time associated with the modification. The commenter stated that the limitation specified in the RFM treats the symptom instead of the root cause. The commenter also stated that the underlying issue is that the antenna was improperly located inside the cockpit, and that the unsafe condition will persist until the modification is completed. Additionally, the commenter stated the NPRM omits the deadline of completing the modification within 6 months, which opens the possibility that an affected aircraft continues to fly with a degraded ELT. The FAA disagrees that the ELT antenna modification should be required. EASA and FAA regulations differ regarding when an ELT is required. Specifically, under 14 CFR 135.168, FAA regulations require an ELT for part 135 overwater operations. Once the revision of the RFM limitations section that is required by this AD has been completed, overwater operations are prohibited until the modification has been performed, thereby eliminating the operational context in which a functional ELT is mandated by FAA regulations. Regarding the commenter’s request for a 6-month compliance time, the FAA notes that since the modification is optional, no compliance deadline is necessary. Operators who wish to resume part 135 overwater operations may complete the modification at their discretion. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Conclusion These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and the addition of section 6 Final Steps of Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25–006 B, dated December 12, 2025 (Guimbal SB 25–006 B) to the optional terminating action, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Guimbal SB 25– 006 B, which specifies procedures for discarding the VHF2 antenna and associated parts from service (if installed), modifying the ELT antenna, which includes relocating the ELT antenna from inside the cockpit to an exterior location, relocating and installing a new VHF2 antenna (if installed), torquing nuts, installing cotter pins, trimming the cowlings, routing the ELT antenna cable, repairing the engine cowl honeycomb, and paint touch-ups. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI The MCAI specifies updating the RFM to insert a RFM temporary revision in the limitation section, whereas this AD does not. The MCAI requires the modification of the ELT to be completed within 6 months, whereas this AD does not. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 70 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Revise RFM .................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $5,950 The FAA estimates the following costs to do the optional modification. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need this modification: O PTIONAL C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Modify ELT antenna ........................................ 3.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $298 ........... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,298. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

61120 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–19–05 He ´licopte `res Guimbal: Amendment 39–23472; Docket No. FAA–2026–4630; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01824–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 2, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to He ´licopte `res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters having serial numbers (S/N) 1003 to 1389, except S/ N 1383 and 1388, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2562, Emergency locator beacon. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a potential malfunction of the helicopter emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and subsequent findings of weak ELT signals on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies due to improper antenna installation (location). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the safety risk posed by weak ELT signal transmissions. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could impair the ability to detect a distress signal during a helicopter emergency, which could delay the arrival of rescue services and timely medical assistance to injured occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by inserting the following text: ‘‘For Cabri G2 not equipped with the external ELT antenna: Operations conducted overwater under 14 CFR part 135 are prohibited pursuant to 14 CFR 135.168’’. (1) Inserting a copy of this AD into the limitation section of the RFM satisfies the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM for the helicopter and must enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Optional Terminating Action (1) For internal ELT antenna helicopters, as a terminating action, you may modify the ELT antenna and relocate and install a new VHF2 antenna (if installed) in accordance with section 2 ELT Antenna Installation through section 4 Engine Cowl Honeycomb Repair and section 6 Final Steps of Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25–006 B, dated December 12, 2025 (Guimbal SB 25– 006 B), except as provided in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Instead of discarding parts, you must remove those parts from service. (ii) Where Guimbal SB 25–006 B uses the term check, this AD requires doing an inspection. (2) Upon completion of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, revise the RFM by removing the limitation identified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4147; email: david.enns@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25–006 B, dated December 12, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Guimbal material identified in this AD, contact He ´licopte `res Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Ae ´rodrome d’Aix-en- Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; phone: +33–4–42–39–10–88; email: support@ guimbal.com; website: guimbal.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 17, 2026. Hollister B. Thorson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19761 Filed 9–25–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–11784; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00700–A; Amendment 39–23473; AD 2026–19–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. (Tecnam) Model P2006T airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of partial detachment of the left aileron due to a missing hinge pin. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the affected aileron hinges for damage (cracks, warping of the hinges or hinge pin, scratched paint, missing or broken torque stripe, etc.) and cotter pins for improper installation VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

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