Gamebird GB1 expands EFTA fleet

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Two recently delivered Gamebird GB1 aircraft, operating over the skies of the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), add new diversity to the academy and expand its fleet. This addition raises the standard of training to a new level and provides cadets with unique training opportunities.

Diversity in the EFTA fleet

With the addition of the Gamebird GB1, the Emirates Flight Training Academy now has a fleet of 30 aircraft, including Cirrus, Phenom, and Diamond models. These four different aircraft types enrich the training experience, which is unique in aviation education. The Gamebird GB1 aircraft are the Academy’s first aerobatic aircraft, specifically designed for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), providing cadets with the necessary control and responsiveness.

Advanced training techniques

The new Gamebird GB1 aircraft offer cadets the opportunity to complete five hours of UPRT, equipped with advanced technology for a versatile training experience. These aircraft are designed to meet the cadets’ demanding training and high-performance flying needs, significantly increasing graduate confidence and skill.

EFTA’s vision and commitment

Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President of EFTA, emphasized that the academy has always pursued its vision of being a leader in aviation training. The introduction of the Gamebird aircraft represents a further step in this direction, ensuring that cadets are equipped with the latest tools and technologies to meet the challenges of the future.

Technical superiority of the Gamebird GB1

With an impressive endurance of up to 7 hours and 30 minutes, as well as 1.5 hours of aerobatic maneuvers and high-performance capabilities, the Gamebird GB1 demonstrates its efficiency and versatility in fleet operations. These features allow cadets to explore the full range of flight capabilities during training, ensuring thorough preparation for their future careers in aviation.

The Emirates Flight Training Academy is renowned for its world-class pilot training, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure and innovative curricula. The academy is internationally recognized for its high-quality programs and remains a cornerstone of pilot development in the global aviation industry.

About the Emirates Flight Training Academy

Based at DWC, EFTA was established by Emirates in 2017, initially to train UAE nationals and later international students. The academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies with a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train even cadets with no flight experience. EFTA’s fleet includes 32 aircraft: 20 single-engine Cirrus SR22 G6 pistons, five multi-engine Diamond DA42NG pistons, two Gamebird GB1s, and five very light Embraer Phenom 100EV jets.

EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, equivalent to an area of ​​200 football fields, features 36 modern training rooms, six 6-axis full-motion flight simulators, an independent air traffic control tower, and its own 1,800 m runway with its own instrument landing system.

The academy has produced 273 graduates since 2020, a clear majority of whom now fly as First Officers with Emirates.