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.
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