Pro Star Aviation wins FAA approval for first Galileo LEO upgrade on Pilatus PC-12

Pro Star Aviation has secured FAA supplemental type certificate approval for installing Gogo Galileo on the Pilatus PC-12, opening the first low-Earth-orbit connectivity option for the turboprop. The move gives operators a new upgrade path for global in-flight internet and sets up wider certification efforts outside the U.S. Why it matters: - Pro Star Aviation’s FAA approval gives Pilatus PC-12 operators a new satellite internet option built for aircraft that fly beyond the reach of traditional air-to-ground systems. - The certification creates the first low-Earth-orbit connectivity path for the PC-12, a widely used single-engine turboprop. - The approval expands upgrade choices for both new aircraft and in-service fleets. What happened: - Pro Star Aviation received FAA supplemental type certificate approval for installation of the Gogo Galileo connectivity solution on the Pilatus PC-12. - The company said the new STC approved design is available now. - Jeff Shaw, Pro Star Aviation’s director of sales and marketing, said the company is proud to support PC-12 operators with the first-of-its-kind LEO internet connectivity solution. The details: - Gogo Galileo is a low-Earth-orbit satellite internet system designed for aviation. - The system uses a compact antenna installed above the aircraft’s cargo door on the PC-12. - Galileo can operate as a standalone system through the Galileo Smart Cabin router. - Galileo can also complement existing Gogo AVANCE air-to-ground connectivity systems. - The system offers takeoff-to-touchdown connectivity with near-global coverage. - Gogo Galileo is designed to work over water, across remote regions and in polar operating environments. - Pro Star said the service has few limitations beyond select geopolitical restrictions. - Pro Star Aviation is an authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center. Between the lines: - The FAA approval positions Pro Star Aviation as an early mover in bringing LEO connectivity to the PC-12 fleet. - The installation path above the cargo door suggests the upgrade is tailored to the aircraft’s size and layout. - The ability to pair Galileo with existing AVANCE systems gives operators a more flexible modernization path instead of a full connectivity replacement. What’s next: - Pro Star Aviation plans to pursue international validations in Europe, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Brazil. - Those approvals would broaden access for operators outside the U.S. seeking PC-12 connectivity upgrades. - The company is aiming to support broader adoption of the Galileo solution across the global PC-12 fleet. The bottom line: - The FAA STC turns Galileo into a practical upgrade path for PC-12 operators who need wider-coverage connectivity in more flight environments.