Robinson R22 vs Guimbal CABRI G2

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

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
Guimbal CABRI G2
For sale now
15
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
2010–2026

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)Robinson R22Guimbal CABRI G2
All events5201
Serious471
Fatal1120
Fatalities1570
% Fatal22%0%
View full Robinson R22 NTSB record →View full Guimbal CABRI G2 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Robinson R22 Guimbal Cabri G2
Robinson R22
View 145 listings →
Median $107,000
 Guimbal CABRI G2
View 15 listings →
Median $339,000
Price Range $39,000 – $377,766 $286,228 – $1,318,686
Category Piston Helicopters Piston Helicopters
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 124 HP 145 HP
Cruise Speed 96 kts (178 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 209 nm (387 km) 380 nm (704 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) —
Max Gross Weight 1,370 lbs (621 kg) 1,543 lbs (700 kg)
Useful Load 454 lbs (206 kg) 530 lbs (240 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

Robinson R22

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

Guimbal Cabri G2

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

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 R22 if…

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

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Robinson R22 or Guimbal Cabri G2?
It depends on your mission and budget. The R22 cruises at 96 kts with 209 nm range. The Cabri G2 cruises at 100 kts with 380 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 Robinson R22 and Guimbal CABRI G2?
R22 engine: Lycoming O-320 (124 hp). CABRI G2 engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (145 hp). Cruise: 96 vs 100 kts. Range: 209 vs 380 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?
R22: 2 seats / 454 lb useful load. CABRI G2: 2 seats / 530 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?
R22: 2,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$60,000. CABRI G2: 2,200-hour TBO. 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