Starlink raises prices for GA pilots

Many GA pilots worldwide have been using the Roam and Priority plans typically in conjunction with a Starlink Mini device to obtain internet access in their aircraft for enhanced situational awareness, or even passenger entertainment and connectivity.

Permitted speeds on the plans had been steadily dropping, with this newest change seemingly pushing all pilots toward Starlink’s newly created aviation plans—which come with 20GB monthly limits and start at $250 per month for up to 300 mph and $1,000 monthly for up to 450 mph—pricing the service beyond the budget of many if not most GA pilots. Previously, the monthly cost for Roam and Priority plans was between $50 and $65.

“A large number of general aviation operators across the globe have used Starlink as a safety-enhancing tool, and it is unfortunate that the company has now priced out the lion’s share of general aviation pilots,” said Jim Coon, AOPA senior vice president of government affairs and advocacy. “I hope Starlink will consider the concerns raised by pilots who have invested significant resources into the technology and are now faced with an incredibly steep rate hike, which will undoubtedly result in large numbers of subscription cancellations and less revenue for the company.”

A Change.org petition had amassed just over 4,000 signatures as of March 4 from pilots who had begun integrating Starlink into their flying.

Many are expressing their frustration, having already invested the hardware cost for the Starlink Mini Kit at $250. Some had even spent additional money for hardware to mount the units in their aircraft. Some high-performance turbine and jet operators might be pushed into even more expensive monthly plans, as the $1,000 aviation plan limit of 450 mph is still well below the cruise speed of those aircraft.

Starlink did not reply to AOPA’s request for comment.