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

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and services business jet aircraft.

Matt Thurber

The FAA has approved Gulfstream Aerospace’s supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of a SpaceX Starlink satcom system on the G650/650ER. This STC expands the options for G650/650ER owners and enables installation of a Starlink system by Gulfstream service centers. Before this STC, the only available option was installation by a Starlink dealer using the Nextant Aerospace G650 STC that was issued in August 2023.
Starlink's electronically steered antenna mounts on top of the G650/650ER fuselage above the emergency exit windows over the wing. The antenna weighs about 48 pounds and measures 39 inches long and 31 inches wide. At the centerline of the fuselage, the antenna is about 1.3 inches tall and, at the antenna sides, is about three inches.
Retail price of a Starlink system is $150,000 and that includes the antenna, power supply unit, two wireless access points, and wiring harness. Service prices range from $2,000 per month for 20 GB (plus $100 per GB additional) to $10,000 per month for unlimited. Coverage via Starlink’s low-earth-orbit network is worldwide, and download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps.
Gulfstream is developing Starlink STCs for other models, including the G800, G700, G600, G500, G400, G280, GIV, GIV-X/G450, GV, and GV-SP/G550.
“Starlink is an offering that we know is important to operators,” said Derek Zimmerman, president of Gulfstream customer support. “Our team has invested extensive time and resources preparing for this certification, and we are well-positioned across our service network to provide a seamless installation. Having the capability to install this connectivity upgrade at our own facilities, in the hands of our trusted team of experts, is part of our ongoing commitment to our customers.”

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.

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Approval adds option for service center installations

The Starlink electronically steered antenna mounts on top of the G650 fuselage above the emergency exit windows over the wing. 

Gulfstream First OEM To Receive Starlink STC

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STC approval was granted in late August

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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.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

Gulfstream G650/G650ER

Gulfstream

SpaceX

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