Starlink Mini & SafeSky: A Practical Test
- Tristan Fily
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Departure from EBST
We departed from Saint-Trond (EBST), where DronePort operates. While preparing for takeoff, we were already connected to the internet through the Starlink Mini, which had a clear view of the sky through the rear windshield.
On the ground, SafeSky was receiving nearby traffic, including several co-operative drones flying test missions near DronePort. These were also visible in SkyDemon via SafeSky's traffic feed. Once the drones landed and went silent, they disappeared from SafeSky: a concrete example of real-time awareness, even before leaving the ground.
Why Starlink Mini in Flight?
Starlink Mini has generated increasing interest in the pilot community. It offers high-speed, low-latency satellite internet in a compact form factor and at an affordeable price. With more pilots equipping their aircraft, from 3-axes ultralights to certified General Aviation, the goal was to verify whether the system could support SafeSky and other apps reliably in normal GA operations.
The unit costs 249€ in Europe. Subscriptions are flexible: 40€/month for full-speed 50GB, or a €5/month standby option at 500kbps, more than enough for SafeSky, METARs, NOTAMs, and EFB weather radar.
Equipment and Installation
The Starlink Mini was installed on the rear windshield using a rotatable suction mount for 37,99€
For power, we used a Bluetti power bank, as the SR20's 12V outlet isn’t sufficient to handle Starlink’s peak draw (~60W on startup, ~30W in cruise).
Alternatively, a dedicated aviation-ready power setup like the PeakDo LinkPower (integrated power bank + mount) is available and well suited to this use case for $139.00
In-Flight Observations
From engine start to landing, we did maintain a stable internet connection. We confirmed download speeds of 250 Mbps and 35 Mbps upload during cruise. Internet access was available before takeoff and remained consistent at FL80.
SafeSky was running on a standard iPhone. The app received one GPS update per second without any dropouts for the flight duration of 2 hours. All surrounding traffic was visible throughout the flight.
During cruise, we also used ForeFlight frequently to monitor weather using live radar. A weak return was spotted ahead, helping us prepare for light rain and slight deviation: a good example of real-time weather decision support.
On approach to EDJA, SafeSky showed another aircraft already flying the circuit. We spotted it on the app well before ATC reported it as priority traffic. We confirmed visual contact and maintained separation as we turned base.
You are not alone: other Pilots Flying with Starlink and SafeSky
This setup is far from unique. Over the past 10 months, a growing number of early-adopter pilots have equipped their 3-axis ultralights and certified general aviation aircraft with Starlink Mini. A quick search on YouTube or Google shows that "Starlink Mini in aircraft" has become one of the most frequently searched aviation tech topics, confirming the strong and growing interest within the flying community.
In a VFR 3-axes ultra-light example, a recent formation flight in June 2025 to the North Cape with several VL3 Elite aircraft used Starlink Mini in the leader aircraft. The connection helped maintain group coordination through SafeSky and provided continuous weather updates, essential in areas where conditions change quickly.
We also receive many feedbacks from pilots on different SafeSky channels reporting great experiences using StarLink Mini in their ultralights aircraft too:
On the IFR side, we get similar feedbacks. Daniel Marques, a private Piper Seneca pilot, is also using Starlink Mini to access live radar, METARs, and SafeSky traffic throughout his routes.
“I have a TCAS onboard, but now with Starlink and SafeSky, I’m seeing more traffic, especially in uncontrolled areas.”
Daniel Marques, private pilot of Piper Seneca:
Final Thoughts
Starlink Mini, when paired with SafeSky, represents a significant step forward for general aviation, if not game changing!. For the first time, pilots can benefit from a high-speed, continuous internet connection in flight at an affordable cost. This new accessibility transforms what’s possible in terms of situational awareness and general flight safety.
From SafeSky’s live traffic to dynamic NOTAMs, live weather radar, and more, continuous connectivity now allows pilots to access all this information seamlessly, without changing their flying habits. Instead of adopting new tools or investing in new technologies, pilots simply leverage the ones they already use: SafeSky, their preferred EFB, and familiar weather applications, all now kept continuously up to date throughout the flight.
While the industry waits for the broader rollout of technologies such as UAT or ADS-L in the years ahead, it’s already clear that systems like Starlink Mini are changing the game today, setting a new standard for aviation,
True, some may view Starlink as controversial, but it’s available, functional and proving the concept. Meanwhile, competition is already emerging: OneWeb (via Eutelsat Group) in Europe, Project Kuiper from Amazon, and other low-orbit constellations are gearing up for deployment. This competition will drive down costs, increase availability, and ultimately embed the “connected cockpit” as the new normal.
And looking not so far ahead, the next frontier will be even simpler: using your regular unmodified LTE phone or tablet as a connectivity tool in flight, without a dedicated antenna. Starlink is now deploying "Direct To Cell" and is planning to become a telecom operator too!
For us, recreational and general aviation pilots, this means greater safety through better in-flight information, delivered directly to the familiar tools we already use, and all at an accessible cost.
Fly Safe Everyone :-)