Brazil's ANAC Relaxes Emergency Locator Equipment Requirements for Small Aircraft

On October 2, 2026, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) issued Resolution No. 816, approving Amendment No. 8 to RBAC Part 91, changing "avião" (airplane) to "aeronave" (aircraft) in Section 91.207, so that exemptions for emergency locator and tracking equipment such as ELT, PLB and SPOT also apply to gliders, powered gliders and other categories of aircraft. The amendment took effect on the date of issuance, with no transition period, providing general aviation operators with a clearer regulatory basis. On October 22, ANAC issued a first-hand bulletin on this matter, further explaining the content of the amendment and the arrangements for its entry into force. The amendment is currently in effect.