SD Government announces Federal Aviation Administration STC approval for Gogo Galileo HDX installation on the Pilatus PC-12

SD Government, with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received an STC from the FAA to install the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity system on the Pilatus PC-12.

SD Government in partnership with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop. The approval covers multiple variants, including for special missions.

The first PC-12 modified by Pilatus to include Gogo Galileo in accordance with the Pro Star STC is expected to return to service imminently. The aircraft is part of a previously announced SD Government federal contract for multi-orbit, multi-band airborne global satellite communications to a US government agency.

Gogo Galileo harnesses the power of Eutelsat OneWeb’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally. The Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) offers a compact, lightweight, aerodynamic and low-power solution and is minimally invasive to install.

This new Gogo Galileo HDX STC will bring formerly unprecedented global connectivity capabilities to government, defense and other special missions PC-12 operators, enabling the streaming of time-sensitive data, including HD video, imagery, secure chat, and even real-time medical information for MEDEVAC purposes. Private and business operators can also take advantage of this new FAA STC, enabling high-speed internet services for users in the cabin and cockpit.

Pro Star Aviation, a US Pilatus Sales and Service Center, worked alongside Pilatus to develop and certify the FAA STC. Subsequent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approvals are expected as Gogo Galileo HDX becomes available as both a retrofit for in-service PC-12s and a line-fit option for newbuild aircraft.

“This certification marks another important step in expanding the capabilities of the PC-12 for government, defense, and special missions operators worldwide. Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an essential mission requirement, enabling crews and decision-makers to exchange critical information in real time. Through our collaboration with SD Government and Pro Star Aviation, we are pleased to offer a proven connectivity solution that further enhances the versatility, effectiveness, and operational value of the PC-12 platform for customers operating in even the most demanding environments,” says Möhl Oliver, CEO and President of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.

“We are excited to bring Gogo Galileo HDX to government, defense and special missions PC-12 operators, enabling them to securely stream mission-critical data from the aircraft to connected users, anywhere in the world. The PC-12 is an incredibly popular special missions aircraft – aside from our US Government launch customer, we’re already experiencing high demand for this upgrade from a variety of global operators,” says Ben Massey, SVP of Government Sales for SD Government.

“Working directly with Pilatus and Gogo during the preliminary planning phase allowed us all to develop an installation design that is flexible and compatible with the entire in-service fleet as well as new aircraft production,” adds Jeffrey Shaw, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pro Star Aviation.