Making Sense of Wi-Fi
An Operator's Guide to Aircraft Internet Options
As operators research Wi-Fi and in-flight internet options, it’s easy to get confused with all the systems, capabilities and coverage zones. This document helps make sense of it all.
Written by industry experts, the document outlines the criteria for planning a Wi-Fi installation in business aircraft, and includes coverage maps, recommended equipment and available rates.
Aircraft Wi-Fi Topics
- What is Wi-Fi & HSD?
- Wired vs Wi-Fi Accessibility
- Planning A Wi-Fi Installation
- Implementation Considerations
- Wi-Fi Certification Process
- Service Coverage Maps
- Service Types & Capabilities
- Recommended Equipment & Available Rates
- Duncan Aviation's HSD / Wi-Fi STCs
Introduction
When researching aircraft communications solutions for a business aircraft, it’s best to begin with the passengers’ preferences, as their expectations will largely determine the system requirements.
Additionally, determining where an aircraft operates and what equipment is currently installed are also essential to selecting a high-speed data (HSD) system. The data system, in turn, will determine what Wi-Fi options are available.
Aircraft size, service plans and installing agency experience and capabilities also present additional points for consideration.
This document explores the various issues operators face when selecting Wi-Fi for business aircraft, and a comparison of the major service providers and main equipment options for business aircraft.
Duncan Aviation would like to thank the representatives of Satcom Direct, Aircell, Inmarsat, Thrane & Thrane, Honeywell / EMS, ICG, True North, Rockwell Collins and Iridium for their assistance and contributions.
Contributing Authors
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Chene, Adrian - Avionics Tech Rep - Battle Creek, MI (BTL). Aviation professional since 1996. Airframes: Astra, Challenger, Citation, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Learjet, Westwind Direct: 269.565.3561 |
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Elofson, Steve - Avionics Installations Sales Rep. - Lincoln, NE (LNK). Aviation professional since 1989. Airframes: Challenger Direct: 402.479.1603 |
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Harpster, Gary - Avionics Installations Sales Rep. - Lincoln, NE (LNK). Aviation professional since 1977. Airframes: Citation, Hawker, Learjet Direct: 402.475.2611 ext 1374 |
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Ostertag, Chad - Avionics Installations Sales Rep - Battle Creek, MI (BTL). Aviation professional since 2007. Airframes: Citation, Falcon, Learjet Direct: 269.969.8418 |
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Vena, Justin - Avionics Installations Sales Rep. - Battle Creek, MI (BTL). Aviation professional since 1988. Airframes: Astra, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Westwind Direct: 269.968.8789 |
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