How long does Guimbal Cabri G2 training take?

The programme is 12 hours of theory and 5 hours of flying with an instructor. How long the course actually takes depends on the weather and how tightly we can fit the dates into the calendar.

Can I do a Cabri G2 type rating without a pilot licence?

No. A type rating is added to an existing helicopter licence, so you need at least a PPL(H) and a valid medical certificate. If you are starting from scratch, the first step is PPL(H) training.

How does the Cabri G2 differ from the Robinson R44 to fly?

The Cabri is a two-seater with a three-blade main rotor and a Fenestron instead of an exposed tail rotor, so it reacts differently to power changes and in autorotation. It is a separate type rating, and hours on one helicopter do not replace training on the other.

How much does Cabri G2 training cost?

We do not quote a single figure, because the cost mainly comes from how many hours you fly, and that depends on your existing helicopter experience: the programme allows for five hours in the air, and after a longer break from flying it usually takes more. On top of the hours there is a fee for the skill test and the official fee for the licence entry. Tell us how much flight time you have and on which types, and we will send a quote.

How long is a type rating valid and how do I renew it?

Single-engine helicopter type ratings need periodic renewal: you need a proficiency check with an examiner and flight time on the type within the validity period. Check the deadlines for your licence with your instructor before the entry expires.

Is a rating earned in Poland recognised abroad?

We run the training as an EASA ATO, and the rating is entered into a licence compliant with Part-FCL, so it is valid in countries applying EASA regulations.

Type Rating Guimbal Cabri G2, helicopter type training

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat training helicopter from the French manufacturer Hélicoptères Guimbal, one of the most common training helicopters in Europe. To fly it as pilot in command, you need a type rating entered in your licence. We run the course at our EASA ATO at Radom-Piastów airport, and it finishes with a skill test taken with an examiner.

What sets the Cabri G2 apart among training helicopters

The Cabri G2 is a two-seat piston helicopter with a composite airframe. It has a three-blade articulated main rotor and a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor instead of a classic exposed tail rotor. The seats are energy-absorbing and the fuel tank is built to survive an impact. This combination of features has made the helicopter popular with training centres across Europe, and it is often chosen for learning to fly.

A pilot switching from another type feels the difference at the first hover. The pedal response to power changes is different, the rotor RPM range is different, and the rotor behaves differently in autorotation. The theory in the course is meant to give you an understanding of the systems and limitations of this particular machine, and the flying builds habits matched to its handling.

Who this rating is for

The Cabri G2 type rating is for pilots who already hold a helicopter licence and want to add another type. It makes sense if you plan to build hours on a piston helicopter, or if you are thinking about an instructor course, since this helicopter is widely used in basic training.

Without a licence, the order is different. You start with the PPL(H), and the type rating for the aircraft used in basic training gets entered together with the licence. A separate course is not needed in that case.

What the course looks like: theory and flying

The programme covers 12 hours of theoretical training and 5 hours of practical flight training. The theory covers airframe and rotor construction, the powerplant, onboard systems, operating limitations from the flight manual, performance, mass and balance, and normal and emergency procedures. The theoretical part ends with a knowledge test.

Flying starts with hovering and pedal work, then take-offs and landings from different profiles, circuit flying and manoeuvres in the airport area. Emergency procedures come at the end, including autorotations. We schedule dates individually, with margin for days when the weather does not allow flying.

Skill test and validity of the rating

The course finishes with a practical exam, a skill test, flown on the Cabri G2 with an examiner. What gets checked is flight preparation including documentation, basic manoeuvres, work in the airport area, autorotations and reaction to non-standard situations.

Once you pass, the rating is entered into your licence. Single-engine helicopter type ratings have a limited validity period, and renewal requires a proficiency check with an examiner and flight time on the type. The conditions are set out in Part-FCL, and it is worth reviewing the deadlines with your instructor ahead of time.

Course price and your current flight time

The bill mostly comes down to engine running time, so the amount depends on how many hours beyond the programme's five you actually fly: a pilot flying regularly usually fits within the programme, while after a longer break from the controls it is sensible to plan for some margin. On top of the hours you pay for the skill test and for the official entry of the rating into your licence. We give current rates by email or over the phone.

Training in Radom and where to go next

We train at Radom-Piastów airport as an approved EASA ATO. The Cabri G2 sits in the hangar alongside our other helicopters, and you can find the full list of types we fly on the Fleet page.

Once the rating is in your licence, a natural next step is Night VFR training, another type rating on the Robinson R44 or R66, a CPL(H) commercial licence, or an FI(H) instructor course.

Course programme

12 hours of theoretical training on the Guimbal Cabri G2 type
airframe construction, three-blade main rotor, Fenestron shrouded tail rotor
powerplant, fuel and electrical systems, onboard equipment
operating limitations, performance, mass and balance
normal, non-standard and emergency procedures, including autorotation
theoretical knowledge test before starting flight training
5 hours of practical flight training with an instructor
hovering, take-offs and landings, circuit flying, manoeuvres in the airport area
practising emergency situations and autorotations
type skill test with an examiner

Once you pass the exam, the Guimbal Cabri G2 type rating is entered into your licence and lets you fly this helicopter as pilot in command.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Guimbal Cabri G2 training take?: The programme is 12 hours of theory and 5 hours of flying with an instructor. How long the course actually takes depends on the weather and how tightly we can fit the dates into the calendar.
Can I do a Cabri G2 type rating without a pilot licence?: No. A type rating is added to an existing helicopter licence, so you need at least a PPL(H) and a valid medical certificate. If you are starting from scratch, the first step is PPL(H) training.
How does the Cabri G2 differ from the Robinson R44 to fly?: The Cabri is a two-seater with a three-blade main rotor and a Fenestron instead of an exposed tail rotor, so it reacts differently to power changes and in autorotation. It is a separate type rating, and hours on one helicopter do not replace training on the other.
How much does Cabri G2 training cost?: We do not quote a single figure, because the cost mainly comes from how many hours you fly, and that depends on your existing helicopter experience: the programme allows for five hours in the air, and after a longer break from flying it usually takes more. On top of the hours there is a fee for the skill test and the official fee for the licence entry. Tell us how much flight time you have and on which types, and we will send a quote.
How long is a type rating valid and how do I renew it?: Single-engine helicopter type ratings need periodic renewal: you need a proficiency check with an examiner and flight time on the type within the validity period. Check the deadlines for your licence with your instructor before the entry expires.
Is a rating earned in Poland recognised abroad?: We run the training as an EASA ATO, and the rating is entered into a licence compliant with Part-FCL, so it is valid in countries applying EASA regulations.