The pilot and passengers of a SmartSky LITE-equipped Pilatus PC-12 operated by Davinci Jets are praising its connected, streaming level performance following a series of trans-US trips. Davinci Jets was appointed a SmartSky sales and installation partner in March of this year.

“SmartSky has developed a system that is highly capable and reliable, which my passengers have all mentioned after flying. Its ability to power many devices at the same time, with no system degradation, is truly impressive,” says Barry Blackwood, veteran pilot of the aircraft that is managed by the North Caroline-based operator. “Once you fly with a SmartSky-equipped aircraft, it’s hard to think about a world where you don’t fly with it.”

The single-antenna SmartSky LITE system is the first streaming-level system available for smaller business aircraft. Its hardware systems are quick to install, and the software-defined network and radios allow easy updates. It can move data from the aircraft as easily as to it.

“It’s a total game changer flying with SmartSky. Having the system on board is immensely valuable in aiding aviators with communications and access to real-time flight information,” says Blackwood.

This capability includes plenty of bandwidth for the cockpit to connect to situational awareness applications and electronic flight bags during the flight, without interruption.

“We could not be happier with the positive feedback we are hearing from our customers. Many passengers on the other legacy IFC-equipped aircraft we manage land frustrated because of inconsistent, unreliable connectivity. Now word is getting out about SmartSky’s superior inflight performance, and we are booking more installations and are excited to be bringing this long-awaited level of connectivity and affordability to our management and MRO customers,” says Davinci Jets CEO Eric Legvold.