2026-19-05: Emergency locator beacon

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-19-05 Hélicoptères 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 Hélicoptères 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 [email protected]. (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: [email protected]. (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 Hélicoptères Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Aérodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; phone: +33-4-42-39-10-88; email: [email protected]; 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 [email protected]. 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