[Username Protected]

We are at a tradeshow today and I wanted to show you our Pilot Kit on display. Everything you need to be a happy aviator and keep your Mini safely stowed.

[Username Protected]

This way works very well and the connection is stable, also it’s easy to swap between both sides.

[Username Protected]

More update on international starlink mini usage.

I was flying between EGSS and KMHT. See image below. For a large portion of the flight the starlink was being asked to be oriented north. However, I was not getting any reception pointed north so, I pointed it south. Ping success over the northern part of the route was around 70%, so significant outages.

Starlink said, "Yeah this is way off label I’m sorry to say. I think the issue you’re running into is low beam diversity when you’re up in the poles. We have enough sats up there to be sure that of connection when you have the aviation terminal nice and flat - but a mini with much lower scan angle off boresite that isn’t flat? Gonna be a major struggle."

I'm starting to conclude now that while an STC is crazy expensive, it is going to be worth it for the user experience. And, it is likely going to add equal value to the aircraft.



-(Username Protected)

[Username Protected]

More update on international starlink mini usage.

Starlink said, "Yeah this is way off label I’m sorry to say. I think the issue you’re running into is low beam diversity when you’re up in the poles. We have enough sats up there to be sure that of connection when you have the aviation terminal nice and flat - but a mini with much lower scan angle off boresite that isn’t flat? Gonna be a major struggle."

That is what I (Username Protected)ned while interviewing Starlink on the aviation and Mini antennas. The shear size and power of the aviation antenna is what gives it the capability - I was getting around 500Mbs in the test flight. The external Mini would work better than a window, however it will have some limitations. They also indicated that each launch of the satellites incorporates improved design of the satellites, and coverage.

I still think the mini will have a good market in aviation for a broader deployment on smaller aircraft, and with a more attractive price point for operators - and it still beats nearly an other option by far.

It is awesome that (Username Protected) gets to test the system over an expansive area of the earth! I've used Garmin's Connext to get the weather on trips to Europe, however even a mini might work well enough to get updates along the route.

[Username Protected]

There is now an official way to sign up for starlink mini for aviation. Pasted in from the starlink website. Thank you @(Username Protected) V. for pointing this out.

How do I order and setup aviation service for Starlink Mini?

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Follow these steps to use your Starlink Mini:

• Purchase a Starlink Mini here
• Select a subscription (Roam Unlimited or Roam 50 GB)
• Follow the steps to finalize the creation of your account

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After finalizing your order at Starlink.com and creating your account, you can upgrade your Roam service line based on your aircraft maximum speed:

For aircraft flying at <250 KTS

1. On the ‘Home’ tab, find your service line and click “manage”
2. Click on “change service plan”
3. Select one of the General Aviation plans:

• Roam 50 GB at $50/mo. (ground speeds <100kts)
• Roam Unlimited at $165/mo. (ground speeds <100kts)
• Mobile Priority at $250/mo. (ground speeds <250kts)

For aircraft flying at any speed

Fill in all required fields and in the Details section of the ticket, request an upgrade of your service line to one of the two Business Aviation plans:

1. Business 20 GB at $2,000/mo (additional data available for opt-in at $100/GB)
2. Business Unlimited at $10,000/mo

Click here to open a Support Ticket

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Note: Upgrading service to any of the Business Aviation Service plans requires the user to sign the Starlink Business Service Terms at time of upgrade request. The new aviation-compatible subscription will be active for use only after the request has been completed and the new terms have been signed. Make sure to submit the support ticket before you’re ready to fly and monitor your ticket for responses to prevent delay.

[Username Protected]

(Username Protected),

Thanks for pointing that out. They are now also officially allowing the Mini to be used in flight!

Can Starlink Mini be used in an airplane?

For smaller General Aviation aircraft or for aircraft that we do not have an STC for yet, Starlink Mini may be used as a Portable Electronic Device (PED), on the interior of an aircraft only.

For larger aircraft solutions and information related to our current and upcoming STCs, please see here.

Note, this use of Starlink Mini has not been certified or otherwise approved by the FAA or any other civil aviation authority. As you consider Starlink Mini, we encourage you to contact your local Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) in the US, and familiarize yourself with the FAA Advisory Circular 91.21-1D “Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft” to ensure that you meet all the operational requirements for use of Starlink Mini.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the aircraft operator to determine the antenna position and installation that is optimal, safe, and does not interfere with the operation of the aircraft.

https://www.starlink.com/to/support/...0-f6ea6101d356


What kind of download speeds can I expect with Starlink Mini for Aviation?

Starlink Mini can deliver up to 100Mbps download (and 10Mbps upload speed) in optimal circumstances. Note, the performance of both the antenna and router will depend on many factors, including (but not limited to) aircraft type, placement and angle of the antenna within the interior of the aircraft, cloud coverage, cabin size, obstruction levels including limited view of the sky or cockpit window de-icing technology, etc.

https://www.starlink.com/to/support/...2-90d2d379e05a

Is there an optimal location to place Starlink Mini in an aircraft for best connectivity?


A flat placement with the c(Username Protected)est possible view of the sky is recommended. A vertical placement against a cabin window will usually lead to poor connectivity.

You may experience degraded performance when placing the terminal on the cockpit dashboard or under your aircraft’s canopy or ceiling window (if available) due to the aircraft’s window material, deicing technology and angle of the glass, among other factors.

To optimize your connection, orient the terminal facing north when flying in the northern hemisphere. Conversely, orient the terminal facing south in the southern hemisphere.

As you find the optimal location for your Starlink Mini, always ensure that the terminal is positioned in a location that the aircraft operator has deemed is safe for the crew and passengers and does not in any way, impede visibility, other aircraft systems or the safe operation of the aircraft.

https://www.starlink.com/to/support/...1-ee601f2083d9

[Username Protected]

So what's the reasoning behind the increase in price based on the increase in the speed of the plane? Is it just that wallets are bigger? Or are there exponentially more resources being tied up the faster you go?

(Username Protected)-

[Username Protected]

I have been told exponentially more resources need to be reserved the faster you go.

[Username Protected]

I have been told exponentially more resources need to be reserved the faster you go.

Doesn’t really make sense that the satellites are traveling at 18,000mph and we are doing 460.

(Username Protected)