Diamond Planes Get Wired: FAA Fixes Emergency Locator Glitches
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1, listen up! The FAA found that some emergency locator transmitters might not work because of a missing wire. They want owners to check the connector and fix any problems ASAP to keep flights safe—comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix could save lives without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory ELT Connector Inspection
If you operate a Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1 with an Artex ELT 1000 installed, you must perform a continuity inspection of the ELT D-sub connector within 3 months after the AD's effective date. The inspection follows Diamond Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin DAC1-25-05, Rev. 1, dated July 19, 2024.
Fix Missing Jumper Wire If Found
If the inspection finds the jumper wire between D-sub pins 5 and 12 is missing, you must install the jumper wire per the service bulletin. The FAA estimates that installing the jumper wire takes 1 work-hour at $85 plus $3 for parts, totaling $88 per airplane for each repair needed.
U.S. Fleet and Estimated Total Cost
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 365 U.S.-registered DA20-C1 airplanes with an Artex ELT 1000. The agency estimates the inspection cost at $85 per airplane and the total cost on U.S. operators at $31,025; the FAA separately estimates $88 per airplane for any on-condition repair.
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