AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - June 2013 - 85

connectivity on his iPad from the existing
ground-based network.
So while a purpose-built system for small
GA aircraft is unlikely, the next generation
of ground-based cellphone infrastructure
could make connections more available. “As
that technology grows, we’ll get it in the airplane—and when that happens, you’ll have
innovation. Just look at what’s happened in
flight planning. That’s just the beginning.”
Uczekaj said unlocking the Internet in
flight for light aircraft will require a connection to the ground—and a gateway device
that provides a barrier between uncertified devices and applications, and certified
aircraft systems. Aspen’s Connected Panel
technology already serves the latter function, providing a wireless link between
tablets or smartphones and certified panelmounted avionics.
Connectivity and open systems—instead
of closed systems, which, he said, stifle creativity and innovation—will bring GA into a
new era. “I’m a firm believer that’s going to
attract people into aviation,” Uczekaj said.
“I can’t even dream what’s going to happen
next.”
John Zimmerman, vice president of
new product development at Sporty’s Pilot
Shop, is also excited about the prospects of
Internet access in flight. “I think that’s the
next big thing, and it will be a revolution,”
he said. “It’s also a long way off.”
Five years ago, Internet access was an
exotic option on business jets, and today it’s
frequently standard, Zimmerman noted,
adding that he can receive ground-based 4G
data signals pretty reliably at 2,000 feet. “I
don’t get it at 10,000,” he said. He compared
the potential impact of in-flight Internet on
general aviation to GPS. “It doesn’t do anything itself, but it enables a lot. That will
change the way we fly.”
What would a successful in-flight
Internet product look like for GA? “It needs
to weigh five pounds, cost $1,000, and have
no subscriptions,” Zimmerman said.
Before you write off that idea, answer
this question: Four years ago, did you foresee the iPad—and what it could do for GA
pilots?
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AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - June 2013

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