GB1 GameBird at LIMA 2023
By V. Sivaji
The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 will see the debut of Malaysia’s newly acquired GB1 GameBird aerobatic aircraft.
The new aircraft has been procured by the Layang Layang Flying Academy (LLFA). The aerobatic aircraft is capable of performing unlimited aerobatics.
As such, LLFA has become Malaysia’s first flight academy to achieve several milestones, including becoming the First Advanced UPRT and Aerobatic Training Academy in Southeast Asia, registering the GB1 GameBird aircraft as the First Malaysia-Registered Aerobatic Aircraft in Malaysia, and recognizing Captain John Sham an experienced Malaysian Air Force fighter instructor pilot as the First Advanced UPRT and Aerobatic Pilot and Instructor in Malaysia.
The American made plane is known for its speed, range, comfort and comes at a cost of RM2.7 million or US607,700. It has a maximum speed of 175kts or 324.1km per hour.
Meanwhile, LLFA takes great pride in its pilot competency and aircraft readiness, represented by Captain John Sham, is also a Krisakti Air Display pilot who has been performing in the LIMA airshow since 1997.
Captain John completed his Type Rating GB1 GameBird training in the United States in December 2022 and underwent Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT), Aerobatics and Formation Flying training at the British Aerobatic Academy in March 2023.
Approved and recognised by Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Civil Aviation Authority UK (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In preparation for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 Airshow, Captain John has undergone intensive aerobatic training with Maciej Kulaszewski, a World Aerobatics Champion and renowned aerobatic trainer, to ensure that the GB1 GameBird is safely operated at the international professional level.
LLFA is committed to Malaysia’s National Transport Policy and aims to strengthen the country’s air transport safety aspect to meet ICAO standards.
As such, LLFA has taken the initiative to lead Advanced UPRT and Aerobatic training in Malaysia, a project that will benefit long-term flight training and public aircraft operations in Malaysia while raising the level of the country’s aerosports activities.
With the GB1 GameBird aircraft in Malaysia, LLFA is excited to provide top-notch training that enhances the country’s flight training capabilities. This project is a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia’s air transport safety and promoting the growth of the aviation industry in the country.
Additionally, LLFA will represent the Ministry of Transport Malaysia in the upcoming LIMA 2023 airshow, demonstrating its commitment to promoting Malaysia’s air transport safety and the country’s aerosports to the international community.
The Layang Layang Group also has an aerospace division. They have flying academies in Ipoh, Perak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
LIMA 2023 will be held from May 23 to May 27, 2023.
