How to offer in flight wifi on 703 planes

[digits_]

Hi all,

I was wondering how one could offer in flight wifi to passengers on small planes, eg Navajo, King Air, Caravan, ...

Goals:
- support 10 smartphones
- altitude 2000 - 12000 ft
- somewhat affordable
- preferably without STC's

Regards,
digits

[esp803]

Very good data plan, in a place with cell service, and use your cellphone as a hub.

Or, one of those hard wired modems that run on the Cell network.

Or, I'm sure there is a satellite based option, it might be as expense as the navajo.

E

[SuperchargedRS]

Lots of options.

But is the ROI there for a 703 operation?

[PilotDAR]

It would be difficult to equip an aircraft with Wifi services without the equipment itself being STC approved. Such an installation would be classified as a major modification.

Refer to Standard 571, Appendix A - Criteria for the Classification of Modifications and Repairs...

(1) General

The following criteria outline a decision process for assessing the classification of a modification or repair.

Information Note:

For each issue it shall be determined whether the modification or repair to be accomplished could have other than a negligible effect on those characteristics contained in the definitions of "Major Modification" and "Major Repair", pursuant to section 571.06 of this standard. The following questions are answered with either a YES or NO response. A YES answer to any individual question indicates that the modification or repair shall be classified major.

(e) Other Qualities Affecting Airworthiness

Does the modification or repair:

.......

(6) affect flight controls or an autopilot?

(7) alter an electrical generation device, or the electrical distribution system between the generating source and either its primary distribution bus, or any other bus designated as an essential bus?

Information Note:

The electrical distribution system includes its associated control devices, and all its protection devices.

.....

(9) affect a communication system required by the approved type design?

(10) affect instruments, or indicators that are installed as part of a system required by the approved type design?

My bold.

[digits_]

Lots of options.

But is the ROI there for a 703 operation?

What options are you referring to ? I find lots of info on how to equip airliners, but not small airplanes.

And yes, the ROI is what I am trying to find out

[springlocked]

I might be blowing smoke here but it would need to be satellite based. Normal cellular networks while they do have a certain amount of coverage and can be utilized in low flying aircraft it is not licensed air to air or air to ground so this means you could not license the system. So you are right back to a boot leg tethering if you are in an area of coverage.

Complimentary bar and hookers to help with the people who can't live without their phones and tablets.

[goingnowherefast]

http://business.gogoair.com/services/gogo-biz/

This is an STC, and depends on your definition of "somewhat affordable"

[human garbage]

It would be difficult to equip an aircraft with Wifi services without the equipment itself being STC approved. Such an installation would be classified as a major modification...

While I agree totally with your first statement about the STC, it could be possible as minor mod too. Predicated on finding an engineer willing to stick their neck that far out of course I've had to do it. AC 43-13-2A Sec. 209/210 is the angle to getting acceptance as a minor.

As PilotDAR states, you must demonstrate no impact to the aircraft systems. This means a lengthy and expensive process in my experience. Have fun sitting for hours in the plane with an electrical engineer, his test equipment, regulated ground power, and in flight configuration. What can't be replicated on the ground must be done in the air on a flight permit, such as the autopilot operational check. Its a royal pain... BTDT.

I almost didn't make it through the process because of a bluetooth interface (surprising wideband interference from that) and lack of burn certification for components. It was like pulling teeth to get data on the latter from the manufacturer too. In my case it took a month and a half and tens of thousands to get the final sign off. And this was for a device that didn't involve transmission as a primary function. I imagine the bar would be set higher for wifi. Basically don't underestimate how onerous the process will be if you DIY so to speak. You have to buy and install before you know if it will pass. Its a big gamble.

I would again suggest an STC solution instead of the above if at all possible. Putting uncertified electronic devices in airplanes ain't easy. Let someone else do the heavy lifting unless the cost is astronomical. Or just go with the hookers and wet bar...

[CID]

First of all, do you want WIFI or Internet access with WIFI? If you want internet access, you are really asking for the moon and stars. The systems and the service is not inexpensive and depending on where you operate the only option may be satellite and the types of systems that can give any reasonable bandwidths need some pretty massive antennas that can't be installed on small aircraft.

If you go with the Gogo option, you need to check the coverage which in Canada is dismal especially at lower altitudes. And...it's also very expensive.

On the WIFI side, which is somewhat useful for access to an onboard media service or by sending and receiving emails via an Iridium SATCOM, there is no way to do it without an STC. The relevant guidance (believe it or not) is FAA PS-ANM-25-13. You not only need to approve the installation of the router and other equipment, you need to have an interference test done for that equipment AND you need to have another test to determine the effects of the smartphones and computers and tablets (etc) on the aircraft systems.

Once that's done you need to apply for a waiver to the operating rules to allow transmitting devices on board and that must include SOPs that direct the flightcrew what to do if they suspect interference, how to direct passengers to turn off their stuff and when it all needs to be turned off.

The approval will include a flight manual supplement that sets the parameters for usage and provides the operating procedures for the system.

If you plan to use COTS equipment (consumer off the shelf) instead of certified equipment, you will have the extra burden of qualifying the units which may include flammability testing (burning one).

Airborne internet iand/or WIFI s not cheap or easy. Airplanes, especially older ones, were just not designed to allow for random uncontrolled radio transmitters to be operated by passengers so these systems are potentially hazardous and certainly more so on smaller, older aircraft.

[digits_]

The goal is to get internet access, preferably via wifi.

It can even be on vfr only flights if that helps for certification.

[boeingboy]

It can even be on vfr only flights if that helps for certification.

No - it doesn't


Forgive me - but why bother? on the legs you would be running with aircraft like that......people can live without there phone for 30 min.

[digits_]

It can even be on vfr only flights if that helps for certification.

No - it doesn't


Forgive me - but why bother? on the legs you would be running with aircraft like that......people can live without there phone for 30 min.

It would be for a specific event where internet access would be required during flight.

[D33139723]

I work for a 702/703 operator with wifi on some of their aircraft (AC 690 and C 337). PM for more details if you are still interested.

[Strobes]

I remember my ADF needles going haywire whenever one of the pilots had forgotten to put their cell on flight mode, and received texts and notifications. Not sure you want that to happen in the north on final on an NDB app to minimums. That's probably going to be a pretty big hurdle right there.

[x-wind]

Check this out: https://www.iridium.com/products/details/iridiumgo

It was my plan for the corporate C90. Never did implement it but it fit the bill for the corporate gig.

Cell phones are UHF & ADFs are LF or MF so there shouldn't be interference ... Worst thing for an Lf/MF nav aid like the ADF is a pocket calculator I think.