A SmartSky-equipped Citation CJ3+ currently sits at the NBAA-BACE static display at Henderson Executive Airport, where showgoers can learn about SmartSky Network’s air-to-ground inflight connectivity system. Owned by pilot/operator David Natinksy, the 2023 CJ3+ received its SmartSky system at Textron Aviation in Wichita shortly after delivery. Natinsky is meeting with convention attendees interested in his first-hand experience.
“We’ve all flown with other providers, and we all know the majority of the time when you try to send something, it doesn’t go through until you land,” commented Natinsky. “On a trip last week, I had eight passengers who were on the internet the whole time. We landed and everyone was ready to go.
“On the way back, we landed and everyone was ready to go. What usually happens is when you land, you’re going to the hotel or going home and spending the next hour or two hours catching up from when you were flying. With SmartSky, you’re not having to do that anymore.”
SmartSky offers two hardware configurations—SmartSky Lite for turboprops and light jets and SmartSky Flagship for midsize to large-cabin jets. Both systems deliver streaming-level connectivity and all service plans include streaming and no limitations on the number of simultaneously connected devices.
SmartSky maintains STCs for a wide range of aircraft models and has nearly a dozen in progress or awaiting certificate issuance from the FAA.