EASA PAD 26-018: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE BEACONS: Emergency Locator Transmitter — Modification

What to do

Operators and maintenance personnel must identify if their Kannad 406 AF-Compact ELTs fall into Group 1 (with affected parts) or Group 2 (without affected parts). For Group 1 ELTs, the installation must be modified within 12 months of the directive's effective date by replacing or removing the affected programming dongle connectors as per Safran Electronics & Defense Beacons Service Bulletin S1840501-25-01. Additionally, installation of affected parts on any ELT is prohibited from the effective date for Group 2 and after modification for Group 1 ELTs. Temporary installations during maintenance are exempt.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-018 is a proposed directive addressing the Safran Electronics & Defense Kannad 406 AF-Compact Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) models with part numbers S1840501-01 and S1840501-04. This directive applies to all serial numbers of these ELTs, which may be installed on any aircraft either during production or as an in-service modification. The directive focuses on modifying the ELT installation to correct an unsafe condition related to erroneous transmissions during distress signals.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-018 introduces a requirement to modify the installation of the affected Kannad 406 AF-Compact ELTs by replacing or removing certain programming dongle connectors identified as affected parts. It prohibits the installation of these affected parts on any ELT from the effective date and mandates compliance within 12 months for ELTs currently installed with affected parts. This is a new regulation addressing a specific unsafe condition rather than an amendment to an existing directive.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected ELTs have been reported to transmit random maintenance code bursts during valid distress signals, which could delay rescue operations and medical assistance in emergencies. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely modification to maintain airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could result in compromised emergency locator performance and regulatory non-compliance.