EASA AD 2025-0282
Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Locator Transmitter — Rotorcraft Flight Manual — Amendment / Operational Restrictions / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0282 is an airworthiness directive affecting Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters, specifically serial numbers 1003 to 1389 except 1383 and 1388. It addresses issues related to the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installation and requires amendments to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and modifications to the ELT antenna installation.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a requirement to modify the ELT antenna installation by relocating it outside the cockpit to ensure proper signal strength on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies. It also mandates an interim amendment to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual to restrict operations in hostile environments unless a Personal Locator Beacon is carried on board.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk where a weak ELT signal could delay rescue operations during emergencies. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain the helicopter's airworthiness and to guarantee timely distress signal detection, which is vital for crew and passenger safety.
What To Do
Operators must amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual by inserting the specified Temporary Revision within 30 days of the directive's effective date and inform all flight crew accordingly. Within six months, the affected ELT antenna installation must be modified following the manufacturer's service bulletin instructions. After modification, the temporary flight manual amendment can be removed.