Gogo Galileo Solves In-flight Mx Problem over Atlantic

During a transatlantic flight, the crew flying a Gulfstream G280 equipped with a Gogo Galileo HDX satcom system was able to solve an issue with the jet’s jump seat by calling the operator’s director of maintenance (DOM). Galileo operates on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-Earth-orbit satellite network.

The Galileo installation was completed in 10 days by Pro Star Aviation, a Gogo dealer and MRO provider based at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (KMHT) in New Hampshire. Pro Star also coordinated Part 135 documentation and testing—and activation of the Galileo system—to deliver the project on time.

During the recent transatlantic flight, the flight attendant contacted the operator’s DOM via a FaceTime video call over the Galileo network. The flight attendant showed the DOM the problem, which involved a seatbelt obstruction. “The live video allowed the DOM to identify a seatbelt obstruction and guide the crew through a solution before landing,” according to Pro Star.

“It used to be that if they had an issue, they could call me, but the service was not very dependable,” the DOM said. “Now they can call me, FaceTime me, and send high-definition pictures from their devices, which gives me more information.”