When Philipp Steinbach set out to develop a new aerobatic airplane in 2013, he aimed to produce one that could also serve as an everyday traveler. What resulted was the GameBird GB1—a sleek composite, two-seat tandem, glass-canopy-covered beast with a 303 hp Lycoming engine built by Game Composites in Bentonville, Arkansas. What the company has achieved in just a few years—with 50 aircraft now built—is simply remarkable.
The GameBird was first introduced at EAA [Experimental Aircraft Association] AirVenture in Oshkosh in 2016. It was yet to be certified and the company was in the process of relocating from Great Britain—where Steinbach started aircraft development—to its current head-quarters in Bentonville. At that time, aerobatic performer and world champion Rob Holland gave me an impressive demonstration of what the airplane can do.
