VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations Aircraft Center: VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2

VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Pilot’s Operating Handbook

WARNING: DO NOT USE FOR REAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2
MANUAL / POH

GUIMBAL CABRI G2 MANUAL

This document covers the general instructions and Pilot’s Operating Handbook guide for the VSKYLABS Cabri G2 Project for X-Plane 12. It features complementary information and setup instructions for the VSKYLABS Cabri G2 for X-Plane 12, and covers useful information.

The VSKYLABS Cabri G2 was designed to be operated following the real Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter POH (Pilot Operating Handbook).

Here are some useful links:

It is highly recommended to visit the Hélicoptères Guimbal Company website/G2 page: https://www.guimbal.com/cabri-g2/

A very useful resource is CABRI-USA. In their website, the Pilot Flight Manual ("for information only" version - which may not be mandatorily updated) is available for the public.

CABRI-USA website: https://cabri-usa.com/
CABRI-USA G2-Manual page: https://cabri-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/J40-001-Issue-10.1-Cabri-G2-Flight-Manual.pdf

Another very useful resource for additional documents and data can be found in the Cabri G2 page at the BC Helicopters website. BC Helicopters are a Canadian helicopter flight training school, operating the Cabri G2 (and other helicopters). They have a very exciting YouTube channel (called 'Pilot Yellow') in which they share their daily routines, flying practices and world wide adventures.

BC Helicopters website: https://www.bchelicopters.com/guimbal-cabri-g2
Pilot Yellow YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mischagelb

DISCLAIMER: The links that are provided in this document are provided *as is*. VSKYLABS is not responsible for its content. VSKYLABS is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Hélicoptères Guimbal Company, BC Helicopters, Cabri USA or any other entity. The links are brought here for the purpose of sharing common and public information resources for helicopter and Cabri G2 enthusiasts.

REAL vs VSKYLABS CABRI G2:

The VSKYLABS Cabri G2 simulation was developed to follow the real Cabri G2 specs, handling and performance characteristics. It is a robust helicopter simulation model which is making use of X-Plane 12 sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, extracting it to its limits. The VSKYLABS Cabri G2 is making use of X-Plane 12 latest native features, systems and physics. This is assuring a high airworthiness condition in X-Plane, throughout its update process.

Being a PC based simulation, some differences between the simulated Cabri G2 and the real Cabri G2 may be noticeable. These differences may be in the actual appearance of the helicopter and its parts, systems and flight dynamics and handling characteristics.

Although it is a simulated model, a lot of effort was made to bring these differences to a minimum and within reasonable margins. These will be explained along this document, when relevant.

EPM simulation note: EPM - The EPM system in the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 is a simplified version of the actual EPM. Not all of the modes are simulated, but as the development plan is making progress, more and more solutions for non-simulated modes are implemented.

Engine/Powertrain simulation: The interconnected system of engine-clutch-reduction gearboxes, transmissions-rotors of the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 is highly engineered to allow realistic operation in the needed operational and flight envelope regimes. However, due to several aspects of PC based simulation and X-Plane limitations, some differences in engine behavior, performance, clutch reaction times, transmission loads etc… may be noticeable, within reasonable and plausible margins.

VSKYLABS Cabri Joystick/Key assignments:

The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project is designed to utilize X-Plane 12 default assignments map, alongside customized VSKYLABS commands system for easy and direct switch/knobs assignments via the default Joystick assignments screen.

The VSKYLABS assignments system simplifies the Joystick/keys assignment process and improves the usability of some of the systems. We call it the 'Cockpit-Builders-Heaven' assignments layer, as it allows us to assign each and every function of the helicopter, intuitively and directly using the X-Plane 12 assignments system.

Some of the commands work with a Toggle mechanism, while others work with separate 'up' and 'down' functionality, to allow a streamlined operation of 3-state switches, knobs and so forth.

Below is a sample showing how it looks like, in X-Plane 12. Simply type 'VSL' or 'cabri' in the assignment screen and select your command.

VSKYLABS CABRI G2 COCKPIT INTERACTION

VR Interaction zones - 1

It is recommended to take a few minutes to get familiar with the various interaction and touch-zones. All the green-highlighted areas are interaction zones for 2D/3D (VR) modes:

Toggle Autopilot - Click to show/hide the custom VSKYLABS LSA/Experimental type autopilot.
Autopilot - Clickable autopilot panel.
Remove/Install Doors - Click on the attachment point of the doors and the fuselage to remove/Install the doors.
Open/Close Doors - Click on the door handles to open/close the doors.
Move to Left Seat - Click on the left seat area to set the pilot's view to the left seat.
Fuel Valve - Set the fuel valve to ON/OFF position.

Toggle VR Mode for Pedals:

You will find the letters "VR" tagged on the collective's base. Clicking on it will switch the collective operation mode from "Normal" to "FULL VR" modes. The "VR" letters will turn green when the mode is set to "FULL VR":
Normal VR mode will have the collective's head to be operated as "collective" (up/down), and as "throttle" (left right) - note that the throttle grip zone is not on the collective's head, but a bit backwards.
FULL VR mode will have the collective's head to be operated as "collective" (up/down), and as "anti-torque" (left right). This mode will allow you to fly the Cabri without pedals hardware in a VR environment. Although not true to life, it is a very intuitive solution which will allow full helicopter control with ease.

Fold/Unfold Tablet

Click on the tablet's holder attachment point or the tablet's small grip (at its upper right side) to fold/unfold it.

VR Interaction zones - 2

Toggle Autopilot:

Click to show/hide the custom VSKYLABS LSA/Experimental type autopilot. Instructions for the Autopilot are explained in this document.

Backup Switch - Backup switch mode:

Switch the NR switch to "backup" to power the BARC (simplified).
Manage the rotor speed while monitoring the three NR lights. The central green light will turn on when NR is in the green arc.

GNS430:

X-Plane 12 default, fully functional GNS430.
Featuring COM1, NAV1
Use COM volume knob to switch off/on the device (all the way CCW to OFF).

Transponder:

X-Plane's default Transponder system integrated into a Garmin GTX 327 case.
Other than the default transponder modes, the VFR button will set the transponder with 1200 (visual flight rules - VFR) or 7700 (emergency) codes (cyclic button).

Clock/Timer modes:

Set and operate the clock/timer modes in the EPM display.

Brightness:

Set and control the brightness of the EPM display (AR will also be affected).

Warning lights panel:

STARTER is ENGAGED - Release the starter button as needed.
GOVERNOR is OFF - Monitor engine/rotor RPM with twist grip (manual throttle).
BRAKE (ROTOR BRAKE) is ENGAGED.
Oil.P (OIL PRESSURE) is LOW (<25 PSI) - Land immediately.
MGB.T - GEARBOX DEGRADATION: VSKYLABS project version v1.0b1 (initial release) this light is non-operational. It will be integrated into the system down the development road.
LOW FUEL - Fuel is LOW (< 10 L) - Land as soon as practicable. If EPM reads < 10 Liters - Land immediately.
ALT - Alternator charging MALFUNCTION - Check ALT switch ON. Switch off unnecessary electrical charges.
CLUTCH - Belt tension (engaged) or de-tension (disengaged) or clutch pressure too low - reduce power, reduce IAS to 50 KTS, land as soon as practicable, be prepared to enter auto-rotation.

VR Interaction zones - Collective and Fuel Valve

Fuel Valve:

Switch fuel valve to ON or OFF.

Collective Operation Mode (Toggle FULL VR):

Click on the "VR" letters located near the base of the collective.
The "VR" letters will turn GREEN, indicating that the control layout is set to FULL-VR mode, which is allowing the pilot to control the helicopter without the need of hardware pedals gear.
In FULL-VR mode the right hand controller will control the cyclic, while the left hand controller will control collective (up/down) and anti-torque (twist left/right). Although not true to life it will allow full and easy to adapt control layout using only two hands.
NOTE: To avoid VR controllers/hardware controllers conflicts it is recommended to disable cyclic and collective assignments for the physical Joystick/Pedals/Collective during FULL-VR flights.
Check out this demonstration video, showing the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 being controlled with FULL-VR model, without the use of any hardware gear for the pedals: https://youtu.be/L7Oujdvj6CA

Governor switch:

Will engage the governor to have full authority over the engine's RPM.
While the governor is being engaged, throttle can be managed manually. When rotor RPM exceeds ~2000 RPM, the governor will kick into action. Reducing throttle below this threshold will override the governor and will allow manual, low RPM control.
Note that in the initial release version of the project, while the governor is engaged, there is no option to set the RPM manually. This aspect will be addressed during the continuous project development plan.

Starter button:

Push to engage the starter.

VR Interaction zones - Overhead

Ignition Switches:

The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 is equipped with a dual ignition system of the Magneto type. This is due to X-Plane's default systems layout which doesn't include the specific Plasma system. However, the right-hand ignition switch emulates the plasma igniter (simplified).

Rotor Brake Lever:

Engaging rotor brake. It is a single operation lever, however it is tuned to allow realistic rotor-braking power.

Mixture Lever:

Set mixture lever to full/Cut off.

Cockpit Lights:

Click to toggle interior cockpit lighting for night-time flights (Intense / night flight).

VR Interaction zones - 3D checklist

Show/Hide 3D Checklist:

The VSKYLABS Cabri G2 is equipped with a useful 3D checklist viewer. To show it, click on the checklist which is pressed into the left-hand seat base. To hide it, click on the 3D hand (palm).

AviTab Built-In Integration

The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project is "AviTab ready". AviTab is a freeware plugin which allows a tablet for cockpit usage with full support for X-Plane's native VR and normal 2D modes. In general it is a moving map and PDF viewer. It includes a virtual keyboard and lots of useful stuff! It is a great map and information resource in the cockpit (including checklists etc...).

This "AviTab ready" title means that the 3D integration with the plugin is possible on the fly, as an option. The AviTab plugin is a freeware plugin which can be used for 3D and as a pop-up window as well (one can simply install the plugin into X-Plane and use it as a pop-up window with any aircraft flown).

To use the plugin with the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project, simply install the AviTab plugin into X-Plane, and that's it.

IMPORTANT: The AviTab plugin itself IS NOT a part and not included in any of the VSKYLABS projects. This plugin and its developers ARE NOT related or connected with VSKYLABS whatsoever, and VSKYLABS is not responsible for any damage or any other issues that were as a result of using the AviTab plugin. The VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project operation and function ARE NOT dependent on any plugin or other 3rd party software/coding. If one wants to use the aircraft without the plugin, it will have no effect on the project usability and function.

For this reason, the integrated Tablet is in a "normally-folded" state, meaning that it will not be a distraction for the pilots who are not using / haven't installed the plugin. However, the Tablet can be unfolded at any time on pilot's request.

To fold/unfold the tablet simply click on the two interactive click zones shown in the following illustration (top right - "fold/unfold tablet").