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
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-13472 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jewett, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Hub Field in Jewett, Texas, to help pilots use new instrument flight procedures safely. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Jewett, making flying safer and smoother without extra costs or delays. So, if you’re a pilot or involved in local aviation, get ready for clearer skies and better guidance!
2026-13475 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by fixing door handles that have been coming loose during pre-flight checks. Starting August 6, 2026, airlines must install new parts and do inspections to keep these doors secure. This update helps prevent safety issues without causing big delays or costs.
2026-13477 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that tracks important airplane maintenance and repairs to keep flying safe. This affects aircraft owners and mechanics who fill out Form 337 after major fixes or changes, which takes about an hour each. Comments are open until August 3, 2026, and this process helps ensure safety without adding extra 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.