Hotspot in the Plane

[kshaw]

Has anyone tried using a hotspot in the air for internet access? How well does it work if it works at all?

 

[jrcox19]

Have you tried using your cell phone for data? It's going to work about the same.

 

[Josh Mac]

It'll work about as well as your phone if you have data. I've gotten some luck with different providers, but up above a few thousand feet you wont see much signal.

 

[172andyou]

To reiterate what the others have said: If you are low enough and over semi-populated areas, you'll get decent signal frequently. Higher is worse. Fewer people is worse. So, if you want to be able to receive messages while you do a cross country, it's probably good enough. If you want to be able to work, nope.

 

[RyanShort1]

So many variables involved. No perfect answer. I've received texts at 5500' in some spots, but can't at 1000' in others...

 

[WDD]

Starlink ?

 

[Coinneach]

Starlink ?

As long as you're not in a right-hand pattern, sure. (see homeboy's quote about "it only blocks my view in right turns ")

 

[masloki]

Yeah, no. There isn’t a light GA friendly solution right now. You got a TBM? Gogo can get you connected. The equipment is still too big and heavy for smaller aircraft.

 

[Tantalum]

Why would you need it? There are receivers for XM Radio and XM weather already, even for older legacy avionics

I would have to imagine people can tolerate 2 hours in a Piper Cherokee without Wi-Fi..

 

[catmandu]

Speed and altitude hinder. If I slow below 120 KTAS, I can usually get a text out up to 8k or so, maybe an email. Flipping in and out of airplane mode once I slow down helps.

 

[Lachlan]

Speed and altitude hinder. If I slow below 120 KTAS, I can usually get a text out up to 8k or so, maybe an email. Flipping in and out of airplane mode once I slow down helps.

So, like Airplane Mode->Helicopter Mode->Airplane Mode?

 

[MBDiagMan]

For flight data ADS-B IN would be your best bet. If you need it so the kids can play their video games in flight, hand them a paper book.