Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

After SpaceX raised prices for its aviation Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom service earlier this year, the company revised those prices last week. General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on their plan.
The revised pricing lowered the former Aviation 300 (mph) plan from 20 GB for $250 per month to $200 for 50 GB, now called the General Aviation Local plan. The former Aviation 450 (mph) plan provided 20 GB for $1,000 per month, but that has changed to 50 GB for the same amount and is now called General Aviation Global.
While prices for business aviation plans haven’t changed, the names have. The former Business Jet 20 GB ($2,000 per month) is now the Aviation Jet 20 GB. And the Business Jet Unlimited plan ($10,000 per month) is now Aviation Jet Unlimited.
This move coincides with a recent Federal Communications Commission change that “allows Starlink user terminals to operate down to 5 degrees elevation (versus prior operational constraints around 25 degrees),” according to Gil Motta, founder of Avionics Networks, a manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers and Starlink mini antenna mounting systems.
“In aviation, the installation geometry defines whether this change matters, or not,” he explained. Side-mounted Starlink mini antenna installations, which many pilots are using because there is no place to mount the antenna facing skyward, will benefit from this change. “For side-mounted installations…the antenna is naturally horizon-looking, not zenith-looking like rooftop or fuselage-top systems. With the new 5-degree limit, a much larger segment of the satellite trajectory becomes usable.” Avionics Networks offers the Pilot Kit for mounting a Starlink Mini antenna in a side window.
Recognizing the growing interest in Starlink use in light airplanes, Cirrus Aircraft has developed a Mini antenna installation kit for SR series piston singles from the late G3 through G7+ models. The FLEX SR&nbsp;Series Mount for Starlink can be installed by Cirrus authorized service centers, and it mounts in the SR’s rear window, facing the sky. An optional feature is a 100-watt USB-C power outlet, which eliminates the need for a battery pack. Prices range from $1,050 to $1,600, plus installation.
“The new FLEX&nbsp;SR Mount&nbsp;supports the Starlink&nbsp;Mini&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;Cirrus&nbsp;owners with&nbsp;Wi-Fi&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;their&nbsp;flight,” said Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen. “Our team thoughtfully integrated owner feedback to develop&nbsp;a&nbsp;seamless SR series&nbsp;aircraft accessory&nbsp;to&nbsp;enable&nbsp;connectivity during&nbsp;flight.”&nbsp;

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

SpaceX Revises Pricing for General Aviation Starlink Access

New service levels provide more data for the same or lower pricing

General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on the plan.

SpaceX Revises Pricing for GA Starlink Access

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

Charles Alcock

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

In this article

Cirrus Aircraft

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Jet Access Maintenance Earns Starlink Dealer Status

Services span three locations in Indianapolis, Nashville, and West Palm Beach

Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

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