Published: 28 March 2022
Effective: 28 March 2022

ATA Chapter: 76

Subject:

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is raised to draw operator’s attention to findings with Guimbal Cabri G2 engine control cables, and to Guimbal and Lycoming Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (ICA) requirements pertaining to engine control cables.

Applicability:

All Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopters.

Purpose

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is raised to draw operator’s attention to findings with Guimbal Cabri G2 engine control cables, and to Guimbal and Lycoming Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (ICA) requirements pertaining to engine control cables.

Background

The CAA has been made aware of three recent incidents of engine mixture and throttle cable failures on Cabri G2 helicopters.

Recommendation:

The CAA strongly recommends the following:

Operators carrying out daily, or pre-flight checks should pay particular attention to the engine throttle and mixture controls, ensuring that they are free and smooth throughout the range of motion. It should be noted that failure of these cables may be preceded by a gradual increase in friction of operation over an extended period. Operators should discuss any observations or concerns with their maintenance provider.

Maintenance providers are reminded of the engine manufacturers ICA, which includes the following requirement:

50- HOUR INSPECTION (ENGINE) Fuel and Induction System – Check the mixture control and throttle linkage for travel, freedom of movement, security of the clamps and lubricate if necessary.

It may be necessary to disconnect cables from their linkages to ascertain the source of any restrictions.  

Note:

The CAA would like to know if operators and/or maintenance providers find any issues with the mixture control, or throttle control cables on Cabri G2 helicopters.

Please report any negative findings to the CAA by completing a CA005 Defect Report form. Please provide as much engineering detail as possible. This will enable us to determine the extent of any issue with the mixture and throttle control cable system of Cabri G2 helicopters. The CA005 form can be obtained here [PDF 82 KB] and the completed form can be emailed to ca005@caa.govt.nz.