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

At the AEA Convention in Dallas this week, Strong Aero Engineering introduced the AeroLink GA system for installing a Starlink Mini satcom antenna in a secure mount on the top of the aircraft fuselage. Pilots have been using Starlink Mini systems in temporary mounting setups inside their aircraft, but Strong Aero is the first to offer a permanent external mount.
The first installation for testing purposes was on a Beechcraft King Air B200. According to company president and CEO Trevor Strong, the AeroLink kit is designed for Part 23 airplanes and can be installed as a major alteration with an FAA Form 337. The kit is not approved under a supplemental type certificate.
Four holes need to be drilled into the fuselage to mount the kit’s fuselage adapter plate, as well as a feed-through hole for the cable to the antenna. The Starlink mini antenna fits inside the Aero Mount aluminum enclosure, which attaches to the adapter with four 10-32 fasteners.
The AeroLink kit retails for $30,000. SpaceX recently updated Starlink Mini aviation services, and these are now available in two packages: Aviation 300MPH (up to 261 knots) for $250 per month and 20 GB plus $10 per GB overage; and Aviation 450MPH (up to 391 knots) for $1,000 per month and 20 GB plus $50 per GB overage.

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.

Strong Aero Engineering AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally

Product can be installed as a major alteration on Part 23 airplanes

Pilots have been using Starlink Mini systems in temporary mounting setups inside their aircraft; Strong Aero is the first to offer a permanent external mount.

Strong AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally

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.

Programs designed to incentivize interest in airborne connectivity opportunities 

Apcela Adds Financing, Field Marketing for Top Dealers

Company plans approval for PC-12 and PC-24 later this year

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink STC List

Available in 3.5- and 4.3-inch sizes for cabin applications or 10.1-inch for galley

Alto Unveils New-gen Touchscreen Cadence Panels

Amy Wilder

Springville facility doubles capacity for interior completions

SureFlight Expands to Utah With Interiors Shop

Chad Trautvetter

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

In this article

SpaceX

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Apcela Adds Financing, Field Marketing for Top Dealers

Programs designed to incentivize interest in airborne connectivity opportunities

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink STC List

Company plans approval for PC-12 and PC-24 later this year

Alto Unveils New-gen Touchscreen Cadence Panels

Available in 3.5- and 4.3-inch sizes for cabin applications or 10.1-inch for galley

SureFlight Expands to Utah With Interiors Shop

Springville facility doubles capacity for interior completions

VVIP Interior Added as Option for Bell 429 Designer Series

VVIP cabin adds premium finishes, lighting, and storage features

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program

Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

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