Guimbal CABRI G2 vs Robinson R22

The Guimbal Cabri G2 and Robinson R22 are the two main two-seat piston training helicopters — the Cabri modern with a fenestron tail and fully-articulated rotor, the R22 the long-time lower-cost standard.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Guimbal CABRI G2
For sale now
15
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
2010–2026
Robinson R22
For sale now
147
Median asking
$107,000
Range
$39,000–$377,766
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1984–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Guimbal CABRI G2Robinson R22
All events1520
Serious147
Fatal0112
Fatalities0157
% Fatal0%22%
View full Guimbal CABRI G2 NTSB record →View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Guimbal Cabri G2 Robinson R22
Guimbal CABRI G2
View 15 listings →
Median $339,000
 Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
Price Range $286,228 – $1,318,686 $39,000 – $377,766
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 145 HP 124 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 96 kts (178 km/h)
Range 380 nm (704 km) 209 nm (387 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,543 lbs (700 kg) 1,370 lbs (621 kg)
Useful Load 530 lbs (240 kg) 454 lbs (206 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 17.0 gal (64 L)
Fuel Burn — 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,200 hrs 2,200 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $60,000
Annual Fixed — $15,000
Hourly Variable — $140
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Guimbal Cabri G2

Robinson R22

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $43,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Guimbal CABRI G2 or Robinson R22?

Bottom line: Choose the R22 for lowest acquisition cost and the largest training fleet/network; choose the Cabri G2 for a modern fenestron design, strong safety reputation and crashworthiness (higher cost). R22 = cost/fleet; Cabri = modern/safety.

Pick the CABRI G2 if…

  • Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 96 kts.
  • Longer range — 380 nm vs 209 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2008 vs 1979.

Pick the R22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,000 vs $286,228, you save ~$247,228.
  • More inventory — 145 listings vs 15.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Guimbal Cabri G2 or Robinson R22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Cabri G2 cruises at 100 kts with 380 nm range. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Robinson R22: from $306,758. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Guimbal CABRI G2 and Robinson R22?
CABRI G2 engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (145 hp). R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp). Cruise: 100 vs 96 kts. Range: 380 vs 209 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
R22: about $140/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
CABRI G2: 2 seats / 530 lb useful load. R22: 2 seats / 454 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
CABRI G2: 2,200-hour TBO. R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data