Game Composites Gb1 Gamebird

Single Piston

The Game Composites GB1 GameBird is a high-performance single-seat aerobatic aircraft that entered production in 2017, designed by Philipp Steinbach and built in Bentonville, Arkansas. Constructed entirely from carbon fiber composite, the GameBird was engineered from the outset for unlimited aerobatic competition and advanced training, with a design load factor of +10/-10g — among the highest of any certified aircraft. Powered by a 300-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-540 engine driving a constant-speed propeller, it delivers exceptional roll rates exceeding 400 degrees per second and can sustain inverted flight indefinitely. The type received FAA certification under 14 CFR Part 23 in 2017, making it one of the few factory-built aerobatic aircraft available to civilian pilots seeking competition-grade performance without requiring experimental certification. Its clean composite airframe and relatively light empty weight of approximately 1,350 pounds give it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals purpose-built aerobatic designs like the Extra 330 and Edge 540, while offering the regulatory advantages and resale value of a type-certified aircraft. The cockpit accommodates pilots up to 6'4" and features a sliding canopy with excellent visibility. The GameBird has been adopted by aerobatic schools, competitive pilots, and formation teams, filling a niche between vintage warbirds and experimental aerobatic types. Its operating envelope includes a never-exceed speed of 240 knots and a maximum structural cruising speed of 205 knots, with benign stall characteristics at 54 knots in landing configuration. The type's relatively modest production numbers reflect its specialized mission, though its presence at airshows and aerobatic competitions has grown steadily since certification. SkyMeter has tracked 111 flights across 35 airframes and 30 operators, with ALPINE PEAK HOLDINGS LLC the largest observed operator.