Helicopter Finance

Guimbal Cabri G2 Finance Guide

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is the leading light helicopter training type in the UK, combining superior safety, modern avionics and excellent fuel economy. Doulton Bridging Finance arranges Cabri G2 finance for ATOs, flight schools and private buyers at competitive rates.

Finance guide updated October 2026. Rates and figures are illustrative; subject to lender credit assessment.

Guimbal Cabri G2 - Aircraft Overview

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat piston training helicopter designed and manufactured by Guimbal Helicoptères in France. Certificated by EASA in 2007, the Cabri G2 was designed by Bruno Guimbal - a former Eurocopter engineer - specifically to address the safety limitations of older training types such as the Robinson R22. Its fenestron enclosed tail rotor, composite airframe, and modern cockpit ergonomics have made it the benchmark for light helicopter training.

Key Specifications

Engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A piston (145 hp)
Max cruise speed: 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range: approx. 500 km
MTOW: 700 kg
Seats: 2 (side-by-side)
Certification: EASA CS-27

Typical UK Uses

PPL(H) ab initio training
CPL(H) training (selected tasks)
Instructor training (FI(H))
Private touring and personal use

The Cabri G2 is now widely regarded as the gold standard for light helicopter flight training in the UK and across Europe. Its superior safety record, modern cockpit, and Guimbal's strong manufacturer support make it an increasingly common choice for UK Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) looking to upgrade from ageing Robinson R22 fleets.

Guimbal Cabri G2 Finance - What to Expect

At a purchase price of £275k–£310k for a new aircraft, the Cabri G2 is one of the more accessible helicopter finance transactions. Several UK lenders are comfortable with the type, particularly for established training organisations or professional buyers.

Typical Purchase Price

New: £275,000–£310,000 Pre-owned: £160,000–£230,000

Minimum Deposit

From 20% (approx. £55,000 on a new aircraft)

Finance Rates Available

From 6.6% p.a. (HP) Finance lease from 6.9% p.a.

Typical Term

3–5 years (HP) Shorter terms preferred on high-hours training aircraft

Training helicopters accumulate hours rapidly - a busy ATO may fly 800–1,200 hours per year on a single aircraft. Lenders will take into account projected hours and associated maintenance costs when assessing residual value. We advise on structuring the application to address these concerns proactively.

Worked Finance Example

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Guimbal Cabri G2 cost to finance?

A new Guimbal Cabri G2 is priced between approximately £275,000 and £310,000 as of October 2026. With a 20% deposit of approximately £55,000–£62,000, the financed amount is around £220,000–£248,000. Our worked example shows approximately £4,550/month on a £230k loan at 7.0% over 5 years.

Why is the Cabri G2 so popular with training schools?

The Cabri G2 was designed from the outset as a training helicopter. Its composite construction, fenestron tail rotor (significantly safer than conventional tail rotors in training environments), dual controls, and modern avionics make it an outstanding and safe training platform. Its lower operating costs compared to turbine types, combined with Guimbal's excellent support network, make it the preferred choice for many UK flight training organisations.

Can I finance multiple Cabri G2s for a training fleet?

Yes. Fleet finance is available for training organisations looking to acquire two or more Cabri G2s simultaneously. Fleet purchasing can sometimes attract volume discounts from the manufacturer and may allow lenders to structure a single facility covering multiple aircraft. Speak to us about fleet finance options.

What deposit is required for Cabri G2 finance?

Lenders typically require a minimum 20% deposit for Cabri G2 finance, equating to approximately £55,000–£62,000 on a new aircraft. For training schools with an established track record and demonstrable student demand, some lenders may work with 15–20% depending on the overall covenant strength.

Is the Cabri G2 a good investment for a helicopter school?

The Cabri G2 has an excellent reputation as a training helicopter and holds its value well relative to alternatives. Its lower accident rate and the strong support from Guimbal contribute to its appeal as a business asset. That said, the return on investment for any training helicopter depends heavily on student hours flown - we advise clients to model this carefully before committing to finance.

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Finance taken for business purposes is not regulated by the FCA. Rates shown are indicative as at October 2026 and depend on credit profile, term, aircraft and deposit. We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Your aircraft may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.