Game Bird Transition
Spin and upset recovery
training
game bird
TRAINING
TacAero is the official factory training partner for GameBird, offering programs tailored to the GB1. Courses include Transition Training, Spin Endorsement, and Upset Recovery Training. With a focus on safety, precision, and performance, these courses are designed to prepare pilots for the unique handling and mind-bending capabilities of the high-performance GB1.
Spin Endorsement Training
The Spin Endorsement Training program provides a thorough introduction to spin awareness, entry, and recovery. This concentrated half-day session includes 2 hours of ground study and a dedicated flight, with detailed pre- and post-briefings to reinforce learning. Conducted individually with an instructor, the course can be flown in either the agile Gamebird GB1 or the classic Waco UPF-7, depending on your preference. Ideal for CFI candidates or any pilot looking to broaden their skill set, this training ensures you’re prepared to manage spins with clarity and composure.
Upset Prevention andRecovery Training (UPRT)
The Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) Course sharpens your ability to recover from unexpected flight attitudes. Over 2.5 days, you’ll complete 6 hours of ground instruction and 4 intensive flights in the Gamebird GB1, each paired with comprehensive pre- and post-flight debriefs. Conducted one-on-one in a dedicated aircraft, this training provides a highly tailored environment to refine your reactions. By the end, you’ll have the awareness, reflexes, and control needed to confidently handle the unexpected.
Comprehensive GB1
Transition Course
The Comprehensive GB1 Transition Course is designed for experienced tailwheel pilots preparing to step into the Gamebird GB1. Over 2.5 days, you’ll complete approximately 20 hours of 1:1 instruction. This includes ground training, advanced mixed-reality systems academics, tailwheel cart ground simulation, and 9 flights to develop mastery of the aircraft’s unique handling qualities. With one-on-one instruction and exclusive use of the airplane, you’ll get focused, distraction-free training. By the conclusion, you’ll be comfortable, capable, and ready to fly the GB1 with confidence.
ANNUAL REFRESHER Training
TacAero offers one-day annual refresher instruction for experienced Gamebird pilots seeking personalized training or to meet annual insurance requirements. Tailored to individual needs, this option allows pilots to focus on specific skills or maneuvers with the dedicated guidance of experienced Certified Flight Instructors. Ideal for those looking to refine their proficiency or address unique training goals, annual refresher training delivers expert training to keep your skills sharp.
AN AIRCRAFT UNLIKE
ANY OTHER
Thinking about adding a GB1 GameBird to your hangar? We’d love to chat. We know these aircraft inside and out, well beyond the spec sheet. If you’re serious about getting into one, we’re happy to dig into the details with you, from the engineering to the way it flies at the edge of the envelope. Want to feel it for yourself? Come out for a demo flight and experience what makes the GB1 such a unique machine. No pressure, just real flying and real conversation.
Questions pilots ask
Are you the factory training partner?
Yes. TacAero is Game Aerospace's official factory training partner for the GB1.
What do I need before the transition course?
A tailwheel endorsement. If you don't have one, you can earn it earlier the same week in our Basic Tailwheel Endorsement Course. If you need a high-performance endorsement, we can provide it as part of the course.
How many flights is the transition course?
Nine, one-on-one in the GB1, along with ground lessons and time on our tailwheel cart.
Will it satisfy my insurance company?
Many insurers recommend a TacAero course, and nearly all accept a TacAero graduation certificate in place of a set number of hours.
Can I get a spin endorsement here?
Yes. It's a half day: ground study and one dedicated flight, in either the GB1 or our Waco UPF-7.
Can I bring my own headset?
Yes. The GB1 takes standard GA plugs and LEMO.
I'm thinking about buying a GB1. Can we talk?
Yes. We fly and maintain these airplanes every week, and we're glad to talk through whether one fits your flying.
Questions about booking, deposits or weather? See our FAQ page.
GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY PILOTS
TacAero is a trusted training provider for U.S. government agencies, with proven experience supporting operations for the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Interior (DOI), and other federal entities. Our partnerships with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and various government departments demonstrate our ability to deliver mission-focused, specialized flight training.
We offer flexible programs tailored to the specific needs of agency pilots and flight departments. Whether it’s a custom course for an individual or coordinated training across multiple aircraft and crews, our experienced instructors and versatile fleet enable scalable, high-capacity training solutions. TacAero is fully equipped to run multiple concurrent sessions, making us an ideal partner for military units, agency operations, and government contractors.