Pilots of the Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 can tap additional horsepower from the aircraft’s Lycoming 0360-J2A piston engine, now that the FAA has approved Service Bulletin 17-009. Previously, the allowed power had been capped at 145 hp. The new rating allows the pilot to use 160 hp without any negative implications to operating costs or additional inspections, the company said last week.
U.S flight schools had been awaiting this approval. Chris Bailey of Midwest Helicopters, which operates four Cabris with more planned to come in 2018, said, “The Cabri has been a safe and reliable training platform for our school. With the new Bulletin, the additional power will further enhance the margins of safety we've come to rely on.”
The power upgrade is accomplished via software download into the aircraft's electronic pilot monitor (a system similar to the Airbus VEMD).
The worldwide Cabri G2 fleet now has nearly 140,000 flight hours and no serious injuries from accidents to date. The 200th aircraft was delivered this year and aircraft number 215 is in production now. The company recently boosted its annual production rate to 55 per year. More than 10 percent of the fleet has made its way to the U.S. since it received FAA certification in 2015. It is distributed in the U.S. by Precision Helicopters of Newberg, Oregon.