Guimbal Cabri G2 — operating costs and hourly price
An honest, itemised breakdown of what it actually costs to own and fly a Guimbal Cabri G2 — from fuel and maintenance reserves through insurance and hangarage to the realistic all-in helicopter price per hour. Every figure is a 2026 European operator range and reflects our own experience running the largest Cabri G2 fleet in the Czech Republic.
The short answer
The number you pay every time the rotor turns — independent of how many hours you fly per year.
Realistic total ownership cost per flight hour for a private owner flying around 120 hours a year.
At higher utilisation the fixed costs get spread thinner, which is why rental and school operators can quote sharper hourly rates.
Ranges reflect European private-owner economics in 2026 and depend on AVGAS pricing, insured value, region and annual utilisation.
Direct operating cost
Every flight hour — item by item
Direct operating cost (DOC) is what accrues whenever the rotor is turning. It does not include annual fixed costs — those are covered in the next section. Numbers below assume AVGAS 100LL at typical Central-European pump prices and Guimbal factory maintenance schedules.
Fixed annual costs
What you pay whether you fly or not
Fixed costs are paid annually and are independent of flight hours. To convert them into a per-hour figure, divide by your planned annual utilisation — that is why higher-utilisation operators enjoy sharper hourly economics.
Modern certification, modern economics
Modern certification, modern reserves
The Cabri G2 was type-certified in 2007 under the latest EASA CS-27 standard — energy-absorbing airframe, crashworthy fuel tank, three-blade rotor. Reserves per flight hour are lower than legacy 1970s designs because the airframe has no fixed hourly life limit and rotor blades are on-condition.
Fenestron tail rotor
The shrouded tail rotor eliminates the single most common cause of ground damage in light helicopters. Fewer tail-strike repairs means lower insurance loss ratios and lower long-term cost of ownership.
Fuel efficiency
40–45 l/h of AVGAS is comparable to a Robinson R22 and dramatically lower than a Robinson R44 (roughly 55 l/h). Fuel is usually the biggest single variable cost, and the Cabri's low burn keeps the DOC down.
Frequently asked
Ownership questions we hear the most
How much does a new Cabri G2 cost to buy?
A new Guimbal Cabri G2 with a standard avionics package typically lists between €480,000 and €560,000 depending on options. Used aircraft in good condition trade between €300,000 and €420,000. As the exclusive dealer for the Czech Republic and Slovakia we quote current pricing on request.
Cabri G2 vs Robinson R22 — which is cheaper per hour?
Sticker rates can look similar, but reserves tell a different story. The Cabri airframe has no time limit (unique in its class) vs 2,200 h on the R22, rotor blades are on-condition, and fuel burn is comparable to the R22. Over a full engine life the Cabri G2 typically works out 15–25 % cheaper per hour.
Can I offset ownership by putting my Cabri on a rental line?
Yes — we operate a managed rental programme for private owners. Utilisation of 150–250 hours a year is realistic and typically covers all fixed costs. Insurance, hangarage and CAMO oversight can all be bundled through our Part-145 base.
What is included in the "reserves" line items?
Reserves are per-hour provisions you set aside so that engine, rotor and airframe overhauls do not become surprise capital expenses. They are not cash you spend each flight — they are an accounting entry that keeps ownership solvent when the big invoices arrive.
Do I need a CAMO if I own my own Cabri G2?
Under EASA every EASA-registered aircraft needs continuing airworthiness management — either self-declared (Part-ML CAO) or through a contracted CAMO. We operate an approved Part-CAMO and handle the entire lifecycle for owners who prefer to just fly.
Get a personal cost model
Tell us your planned annual hours, base airfield and insured value — we'll send back a written cost-per-hour model tailored to your operation, including managed-rental scenarios.