When the SmartSky 4G network takes flight later this year, Pentastar Aviation will develop supplemental type certificates (STCs) for Gulfstream G450 and G550 aircraft as well as participate as a partner for hardware sales and installations on other corporate aircraft.

Pentastar serves as a business aviation leader, providing aircraft management, charter, advisory services, aircraft maintenance, avionics services, interior services and award-winnin  fixed-base operation (FBO) services.

“Our clients need the increased speed and reliability for in-flight Wi-Fi and are eager for the true, office-in-the-sky performance SmartSky Networks offers,” says Jesse Beard, Pentastar Aviation avionic engineering manager. “This new connectivity solution promises tremendous value, both now and later at the point of aircraft resale.”

SmartSky’s patented 4G beamforming technology delivers a signal that locks onto each aircraft in the network. Its broadband connectivity system will provide air-to-ground service over the continental United States. An air-to-ground (ATG) platform with 60 MHz of spectrum opens up full-throttle, unrestricted access to the web. Passengers can do it all: stream, chat, text, call, game and videoconference.

“We’re glad to have Pentastar Aviation onboard and know they will be a great partner as we push forward and revolutionize in-flight connectivity,” says SmartSky Networks President Ryan Stone. “Corporate aviation demands seamless connectivity throughout the flight experience and SmartSky 4G is designed to deliver just that.” SmartSky 4G with beamforming stands apart as the only in-flight network capable of offering services where bi-directional high bandwidth and low latency are essential. This includes the use of two-way, live streaming video or in support of such advanced applications as Panasonic Weather Solution’s industry-leading 4DAero application, an Electronic Flight Bag tool for aviation-related weather forecasting.

SmartSky Networks President Ryan Stone

	“We are pleased SmartSky Networks has engaged Pentastar to help bring this impressive technology to the market,” says Greg Schmidt, Pentastar Aviation President & CEO. “The SmartSky network will enable our customers to get the high-speed internet experience they need.” Satcom Direct serves as SmartSky’s exclusive customer service and support provider. Introductory, time-sensitive offers provide a further incentive for people to get on board early. Customers interested in the Early Bird program can visit:  http://smartskynetworks.com/earlybird2016/
Greg Schmidt

Pentastar renews sponsorship of Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Yacht Race

In further news, Pentastar Aviation has announced that it will extend its sponsorship of the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race until 2017. Pentastar first became a sponsor of the race in 2015. The race, organized by the century-old Bayview Yacht Club, is in its 92nd running and begins July 16 in Port Huron and concludes at Mackinac Island on July 22.

“Bayview Yacht Club is excited to have the support of Pentastar Aviation for the 2016 Bell’s Beer Bayview to Mackinac Race,” said Hans Brieden, Bayview Yacht Club vice commodore. “As a leader in the aviation industry, Pentastar brings a valuable partnership to our club, its members and the race participants.”

Image: www.byc.com

Last year’s Port Huron-to-Mackinac regatta featured more than 260 competing boats, 2,500 sailors and 75,000 spectators.

“It’s an honor to support the Bayview Yacht Club and the regional sailing community during this iconic race,” said Greg Schmidt, Pentastar Aviation’s President & CEO. “We are looking forward to another exciting race.”

Registration is open for the race and nearly 160 boats have already signed up. The race begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16 just north of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. The competitors will cover either 204 or 259 nautical miles of Lake Huron, depending on class, over two or three days and finish at Mackinac Island in the Straits of Mackinac.