EASA Certifies Piston Engine Helicopter in Europe

Alain Leroy, Head of Product Department, handed over the type-certificate to Hélicoptères Guimbal for the “Cabri G2” and the associated Design Organisation Approval (DOA) on Saturday, 15 December 2007. The “Cabri G2” is the first Part-27 piston engine helicopter certified in Europe since decades.

In order to meet the Agency’s demanding certification requirements, Hélicoptères Guimbal performed 300 flight test hours and many ground tests, over a period of two and a half years. At the same time, a comprehensive assessment of the organisation has been done, allowing the issue of a DOA, which is required for this kind of type-certification.

The “Cabri G2” is an entirely new two-seat piston engine helicopter which features many safety-oriented innovations such as a high-manoeuvrability composite main rotor, a shrouded tail rotor, a crashworthy structure, seats and fuel system, protection against lightning and radio-frequencies, and a digital multiple display.

The EASA “type-certificate” is valid throughout the European Union, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, where the “Cabri G2” can now be legally registered and operated.