Cabri G2 just keeps getting better

[mechanic]

I have not checked the Cabri site lately, well they have a new site with lots of interesting info on this nice little heli. They just keep improving a great design. The Cabri meets the new FAA FAR-27 build spec's, US Army's t/k auto-rotation criteria as well as handling precise maneuvers in 50kt plus cross winds!! The aircraft is now certified for POP OUT floation device and up coming new A/C system!!!!! They claim the rotor head was specifically designed for safe auto-rotation practice.. They are in Germany, France, Sweden and Australia, wonder if they ever will be accepted into the US markets??

 

Check it out... Thoughts?

 

Cabri G2 website

[rotorwashed]

it seems like a perfect training helicopter, but its more expensive then the r22 in both initial cost and maintenance. add in the fact that the r22 is already established as the go to training helicopter, I doubt the G2 will get farther then a few relatively wealthy people. basically it could replace the private use R22's, but even then, there are so many used r22's out there that I doubt it would be too popular in that market either.

[lelebebbel]

Due to the Euro/Dollar exchange rate, it is unlikely to take off in the US any time soon. You could buy a R44 for that money.

 

Different story in Europe or here in Australia.

I hope I'll get to fly one in a few months. They could really take off as a mustering machine, plenty of folks around here who wouldn't mind spending a few dollars extra for more crashworthiness, less maintenance, and a more comfortable cockpit.

 

Don't pay attention to Robinsons "estimated operating costs", those don't have anything to do with the real world.

Maintenance costs for the Cabri should be well below Robinson products - there are no life limited parts on the machine except the engine.

[EC120AV8R]

Due to the Euro/Dollar exchange rate, it is unlikely to take off in the US any time soon. You could buy a R44 for that money.

 

Different story in Europe or here in Australia.

I hope I'll get to fly one in a few months. They could really take off as a mustering machine, plenty of folks around here who wouldn't mind spending a few dollars extra for more crashworthiness, less maintenance, and a more comfortable cockpit.

 

Don't pay attention to Robinsons "estimated operating costs", those don't have anything to do with the real world.

Maintenance costs for the Cabri should be well below Robinson products - there are no life limited parts on the machine except the engine.

 

 

Judging from the photos, the detail, fit and finish and overall appearance of these ships look a lot nicer than every Robinson I have been in. The cockpit looks a whole lot nicer than an R22, and it has two standard cyclics. I just never had much love for that T-bar.

[500E]

We are looking at it for flight training, went to factory impressive, but weather stooped flight trial (Bu***r) going to go again & fly.

Nice finish, looks good, lots of other good points, but still awaiting maintenance info, will replace a 300,

The factory are not good on communication, there appears to be a reticence to commit\reply to enquires a really bad trait, could break the deal! even if the machine fits.

Still E\Copter, French, thing I suppose.

 

lelebebbel

With you on costs not just Robinson though.

[rick1128]

We are looking at it for flight training, went to factory impressive, but weather stooped flight trial (Bu***r) going to go again & fly.

Nice finish, looks good, lots of other good points, but still awaiting maintenance info, will replace a 300,

The factory are not good on communication, there appears to be a reticence to commit\reply to enquires a really bad trait, could break the deal! even if the machine fits.

Still E\Copter, French, thing I suppose.

 

lelebebbel

With you on costs not just Robinson though.

 

500 after dealing with Eurocopter and Bombardier it is definitely a French thing. It is amazing that they sell anything at all. And since the Cabri is associated with Eurocopter what else would you expect?

Edited May 12, 2011 by rick1128

[JDHelicopterPilot]

I liked what I read about it and seems like a good helicopter and trainer. While it may be more expensive than the R-22 I think if it gets into the U.S. market it would sell well. It could be a good replacement for the 300CBs.

[500E]

Had insurance quote :blink: eye watering £15+k

We insure 300s & 500s with them the private 500 is £5K same value

rick1128

Tend to agree, think the idea is dead to many negatives, poor responses before buying not good,+ other downsides leaves you wondering regarding ASS

[mechanic]

I would think that new technology and "NEW" aircraft would bring a higher premium until it has a few years under it's belt.

 

Oh well, maybe Scotts can get the 47 back in action again with some updates.

[rick1128]

Had insurance quote :blink: eye watering £15+k

We insure 300s & 500s with them the private 500 is £5K same value

rick1128

Tend to agree, think the idea is dead to many negatives, poor responses before buying not good,+ other downsides leaves you wondering regarding ASS

 

I do like some of the ideas that the Cabri is using. Like the individual codes to start the machine and having the on board computer communicating flight times to the office. Add satellite tracking like Blue Sky or Sky connect makes for an interesting package. At what these machines cost now a days, it is not an unreasonable investment.

[500E]

Tend to agree rick1128.

BUT customer interface sucks big time, spending this amount one expects calls returned same day not weeks, emails answered within hours not weeks, but as you say dealing with ec & b

Thread on another site mentions service & lack of interest