Guimbal Helicopter Manuals Get ELT Antenna Fix – Safety First
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly a Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants you to update your flight manual because the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) might not work right due to a bad antenna setup. This fix helps keep you safe, and the FAA is asking for comments by June 22, 2026—no big costs, just a quick manual update.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Overwater Part 135 Flights Prohibited
Within 30 days after the AD becomes effective, you must revise the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to state: "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." This requirement applies to Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters S/N 1003–1389 (except S/N 1383 and 1388) and the FAA estimates 70 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected.
Optional Antenna Modification Restores Flights
You may remove the overwater prohibition by modifying the ELT antenna and relocating/ installing a new VHF2 antenna per Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 25-006 B (dated December 12, 2025). The FAA estimates this optional modification takes 3.5 work-hours and up to $1,000 in parts, with a total cost up to $1,298 per helicopter.
Pilot Can Update Flight Manual
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM to insert the required limitation and must record compliance in the helicopter maintenance records per 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The FAA estimates the RFM revision takes 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter and estimates a total cost of $5,950 for the 70 affected U.S.-registered helicopters.
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