Wifi/4G/LTE in cockpit

[CharlieCharlieSierra]

Hi fellow rotorheads.
I am trying to find a suitable (and EASA approvable) solution to utilize 4G in flight, ideally through a router enabling wifi connectivity to iPads in the cockpit.
Does anyone have any experience with this and willingness to share?
This link is an example of the type of device I am looking for, but this one is still undergoing development and awaiting approval:
INSYS aero | MLX 100 Airborne Gateway


Thanks!

[RVDT]

You could also try these guys who have most of it covered.

Flightcell

[Kulwin Park]

I know that LENOVO don't do one. I tried to get one as an EFB last night.

[Flying Bull]

Well,
you could ask Airbus Helicopters ;-)
As far as I know, the new police H145T2 is equipped with LTE and WLAN on board, but hadn´t had the chance to see that so far.

[canterbury crusader]

Why not just use another iPad or mobile and make a hotspot? It would be the cheapest and easiest option.

[Flying Bull]

@canterbury crusader
cause there is a difference between just doing things and
doing thing in a certified way...
An accident board would ask questions in case of no1.....

[krypton_john]

Not wired in so no problem with certification that I can see.

But when flying cross country you may find yourself out of coverage.

The flightcell and other similar products will automatically switch to satellite when the cellular service is lost. They are wired in so no messing with cables and no flat battery issues and you get built in tracking. Nice unit.

[Flying Bull]

Well, even with not wired in, what does the manufacture say to the use, interferences with avionics, of mobile devices inside your aircraft???
If not tested/ certified- you can assume it is forbidden, at least in EASA land....

Even so I might see lesser problems with old style helicopters with mechanical fuel regulation
Things could be totally different with FADEC-systems.
Mobile Phones go to full power and get busy to communicte with mobilephonestations on the ground, cause it will reach much more once airborne.
(You can actual hear the interference, when your Smartphone comes close to your Headset-cable...)
Travelling along won't make things easier ...
Add a defect isolation and a little bit of Murphys Law...

So I think it's not such a bad idea to look for an integrated solution!

Originally Posted by krypton_john

Not wired in so no problem with certification that I can see.

But when flying cross country you may find yourself out of coverage.

The flightcell and other similar products will automatically switch to satellite when the cellular service is lost. They are wired in so no messing with cables and no flat battery issues and you get built in tracking. Nice unit.

[lowfat]

flightcell all the way

[CharlieCharlieSierra]

Hi All.
Thanks for the feedback.
EASA has moved from being restrictive to be more allowing in their wording regarding the use of EFB's, but still require EFB's to comply with ED-130 and other documents, especially if it involves T-PEDs (transmitting personal electronic devices, i.e. iPad with 4G simcard). ED-130 is somewhat of a nightmare to navigate and require specialized testing equipment, so based on that I consulted you brilliant lot, to see if somebody allready were using approved solutions.
Thank you for the discussions so far, I will post my findings and solution here, and I am still open for input...

[jimf671]

Originally Posted by Flying Bull

Well,
you could ask Airbus Helicopters ;-)
As far as I know, the new police H145T2 is equipped with LTE and WLAN on board, but hadn´t had the chance to see that so far.

ESN-ready?

[Phoinix]

Our 135 is being upgraded and will also have that. I've been told the wifi hotspot will be restrected to on ground opeartion only whilst the LTE connectivity of mission computer will work in flight.