FAA Orders Crack Checks on Guimbal Helicopter Swashplates Now
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found cracks in some main rotor parts called swashplates and now requires regular checks to catch any cracks early. Starting January 13, 2026, you’ll need to inspect these parts often and replace any cracked ones to keep flying safe—no shortcuts allowed!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Remove and Replace Any Cracked Swashplate
If an inspection finds a crack, you must remove the cracked swashplate and install an airworthy swashplate before further flight. Also, as of January 13, 2026 you may not install a swashplate P/N G41-00-000 unless it has passed the required inspection.
Mandatory Swashplate Inspections Start
If you operate a Guimbal Cabri G2 with swashplate P/N G41-00-000, you must start repetitive visual inspections on January 13, 2026. For serial numbers 801–1077 do the first inspection within 30 hours TIS or 4 months; for serial numbers 1078 and higher do the first inspection within 60 hours TIS or 6 months. After the initial check, inspect all six arms of both rotating and non-rotating swashplates at intervals not to exceed 60 hours time-in-service or 14 months, whichever comes first. Paint removal for inspections was removed as a general requirement; remove paint only if there is paint damage per the service bulletin.
Estimated Inspection and Repair Costs
The FAA estimates the AD affects 59 U.S.-registered Cabri G2 helicopters. The estimated cost per inspection cycle is $22 per helicopter (0.25 work-hours at $85/hour), totaling $1,298 for all U.S. operators per cycle. On-condition costs: removing paint, inspecting, and repainting is estimated at $230 per swashplate (2 work-hours = $170 labor plus $60 parts); replacing a swashplate is estimated at $7,576 per product (6 work-hours = $510 labor plus $7,066 parts).
Special Flight Permits Prohibited
The AD prohibits special flight permits for affected Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters. That means you cannot fly the helicopter under a special permit to move it for maintenance if it would otherwise violate this AD.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.
2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22289 — Federal Travel Regulation; Reorganizing and Streamlining the Federal Travel Regulation To Improve Operational Efficiency
Starting December 8, 2025, the government is making federal travel rules simpler and easier to follow. These changes affect all federal employees who travel or relocate for work, cutting out confusing and repeated rules to save time and taxpayer money. It’s a smart update that keeps things modern and efficient without losing important protections.
Next: 2025-22322 — Rescinding Regulations Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities (General Provisions)
The Department of Energy is pushing back the start date for canceling rules about nondiscrimination in programs they help fund. This delay gives more time to review feedback and follow new government orders about fairness. People and groups relying on DOE funding should watch for updates, as the changes won’t kick in until March 9, 2026, with no immediate cost impact.