FAA Orders Check for Missing Wire in Plane Emergency Beacons
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (DAI) Model DA20-C1 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a certain emergency locator transmitter (ELT) not activating due to a missing jumper wire. This AD requires a continuity inspection of the D-sub connector of the Artex ELT 1000 and, if necessary, corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory ELT connector inspection
If your airplane is a Diamond Aircraft DA20-C1 with an Artex ELT 1000 installed, you must do a continuity inspection of the ELT D-sub connector within 3 months after September 8, 2026. The FAA estimates the inspection takes 1 work-hour at $85 and $0 parts, so the direct per-airplane inspection cost is $85.
Fix missing jumper wire if found
If the continuity inspection finds the jumper wire is missing between D-sub pins 5 and 12, you must install the jumper wire as the corrective action. The FAA estimates that installing the jumper wire takes 1 work-hour ($85) plus $3 in parts, for a total of $88 per repair.
FAA scope and national cost estimate
The FAA estimates this AD affects 365 DA20-C1 airplanes on the U.S. registry. At $85 per inspection, the FAA estimates total inspection costs to U.S. operators of $31,025; any required jumper-wire installs would cost about $88 per airplane.
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