Guimbal Cabri G2 — Quick Reference

Performance numbers and limitations for the Guimbal Cabri G2, a common training helicopter. Always verify against your current POH — this is a study reference, not a flight-authoritative document. Numbers can change with service bulletins, type-certificate amendments, and operator-specific limitations.

Also called: Cabri, G2

Guimbal Cabri G2 model illustration from the RFM front matter showing the airframe in three-view with external features labeled — three-blade main rotor, Fenestron-style ducted tail rotor, low-skid landing gear, side door arrangement. — The Guimbal Cabri G2 — three-blade fully articulated main rotor, shrouded "Fenestron-style" tail rotor in a duct, Lycoming O-360 piston engine. Designed as a modern training helicopter with crashworthy seats and certified to JAR-27 (CS-27).

Engine

Type: Lycoming O-360-J2A — four cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct drive, air-cooled, carbureted
Power: 160 HP (5-min takeoff) / 145 HP continuous
Idle: ~1,000-1,200 RPM per POH

Cockpit placards — VNE and rotor limits at a glance

The Cabri's panel includes airspeed and rotor RPM placards that summarize the limits you need to enforce in flight. These come directly from the certification basis and apply at every power setting.

Cabri G2 cockpit placard showing VNE power-on values, compass deviation card, and rotor RPM limits. Includes the altitude-dependent VNE schedule (130 kt up to 3,000 ft Zp, decreasing 2 kt per 1,000 ft) and the rotor green arc 515-540 RPM. — Cabri G2 cockpit placards (RFM). VNE power-on, compass deviation, and rotor RPM limits — the limits the pilot enforces continuously in flight.

Engine Power Monitor (EPM)

The Cabri's distinguishing instrument is the EPM — a single-display engine and power monitor that consolidates manifold pressure, RPM, oil temperature, oil pressure, CHT, EGT, fuel quantity, and a derived power-margin indication. Unlike a traditional steam-gauge cockpit, the EPM color-codes each reading and surfaces caution and warning conditions automatically. Reading the EPM well is a Cabri-specific skill set; the layout varies slightly between EPM hardware revisions.

V-speeds

VNE: 130 kts power on / 110 kts power off (below 3,000 ft Zp). Reduce VNE by 2 kt per 1,000 ft pressure altitude.
VY (best rate of climb): 50 kts IAS
Climb speed: 50 kts IAS
Cruise / max range: 80 kts IAS

Autorotation

Recommended airspeed: 50 kts IAS (range 30-50 kts)
Minimum descent rate: 49 kts → ~1,770 fpm
Best glide: 78 kts IAS

Rotor

Green arc (rotor RPM): 515-540 RPM
Three-blade fully articulated main rotor
Tail rotor: high RPM ratio (~10:1) — vibrations register as high-frequency rather than medium

Hover

Stabilize at 2 ft skid height for hover-check

Weight & Balance

Maximum gross weight: 1,543 lb (CG aft limit 75.4 in)
Minimum weight: 1,036 lb (CG fwd limit 83.5 in)

Note the unusual CG envelope — the forward limit (83.5") is aft of the rear limit (75.4"). The Cabri's CG nomenclature uses a different datum convention than US-built aircraft. Check the POH chart, don't try to memorize the orientation.

Oil

Type: SAE 15W50 normally; straight mineral for first 50 hours of break-in
Quantity: 4 qt min, 6 qt max
Temperature: 245°F max
Pressure: 115 psi max

Fuel

Type: AVGAS UL91 or 100LL preferred
Minimum octane: 98
Required: Zero alcohol content

Wind limits — initial-experience pilots

Operator-specific guidance often applies — many flight schools impose tighter wind limits during initial 200 hours total / 50 hours in type:

No flight with surface winds > 25 kts including gusts
No flight with gust spread > 15 kts

These match the conservative envelope used by Robinson R-22 operations as a useful baseline. POH limits may be wider; defer to operator policy.