ENSTROM HELICOTPER 280FX SHark vs Guimbal Cabri G2 vs Robinson R22

The Enstrom 280FX Shark and the Guimbal Cabri G2 are both light, piston-powered helicopters commonly used for training and private flying, but they differ in emphasis. The Enstrom 280FX Shark is typically positioned as a robust two-seat light helicopter that can be configured for training or personal utility work, with handling often described as stable and “helicopter-like” in feel. The Cabri G2 is also a two-seat light helicopter, but it is especially associated with modern ab-initio training thanks to its contemporary design choices and strong safety-and-maintenance-oriented reputation. In passenger capacity, they are effectively the same: each is a two-seat aircraft (pilot plus one passenger or student). In range, both generally fall in a similar “short cross-country” category typical of piston trainers; depending on fuel load, operating conditions, and reserves, either is commonly used for flights on the order of a few hundred miles rather than long-distance touring. In practice, the better choice often comes down to training philosophy, local support, and acquisition/operating costs rather than headline capacity or range.