Background
Since the introduction of the Starlink Mini in July of 2024, there has been a lot of excitement among the Cirrus/COPA Community, along with GA in general. This was primarily for three reasons:
- Size
- Low power requirement and voltage flexibility
- Cheap $50/month service plan
However, the cheap service plans didn’t last long. It went from $50/month to $250/month for speeds of 100-250 knots +/-.
This priced many out of the market. For those in faster SR22T and SETP’s, the 250-knot speed limit really reduced usefulness. For speeds greater than 250 knots, you needed a $2000/month aviation plan, which only a handful of users utilized.
$65/Month Plan!
However, as of 2025-03-17T07:00:00Z, Starlink announced two new plans:
- Local Priority - One country usage up to 350 mph - for $65/month (50GB) + $25 per 50GB thereafter
- Global Priority - Global coverage (where allowed) up to 550 mph - for $250/month (50GB) + $100 per 50GB thereafter
More info on Starlink.com What are Priority Service Plans?
This is truly a game changer for GA.
$65 a month, you get connectivity across the country!
So what is needed to get started?
- 1 - Starlink Mini (obviously)
- 1 - Active Starlink local or global Priority service plan (Do Not Activate ROAM Only Plan) Choose Land Mobility —> then Local or Global Priority
- 1 - Reliable power source (Cirrus center console cigarette jack will NOT work)
- 1 - Proper power cable
- 1 - Window mounting system (for clear view of satellites)
Reliable Power:
Starlink needs 60 watts, primarily for startup (20-30 watts continuous). It can accept 12-48 volts.
There are two paths when it comes to providing reliable power:
- Ship power
- Portable battery packs
Ship Power:
Specifically in the Cirrus, the 12-volt center console cigarette plug is not capable of providing enough power to the Starlink.
Many of the USB-C chargers in the wild are not capable of providing enough power as well.(some are)
The recommended method is: Ship power, via a dedicated 28-volt TSO’d cigarette lighter receptacle.
This needs to be installed by an A&P of your choice.
Installation cost will vary between $800-1500 approx.
The following is a parts list needed for this install, feel free to share with your A&P:
- Qty 1 - Circuit Breaker 5amp
- Qty 1 - 28-volt TSO’d Cigarette Lighter Receptacle
- Approx 20 ft - Shielded 18-2 wire (M27500-18TG2T14)
- Misc parts needed… connectors, wire ties, etc.
The circuit breaker can be used to disable/reset the circuit if needed.
However, a switch should be added if you feel you will enable/disable the Starlink in flight often for various reasons (keeping kids/spouse in line maybe 
). Add the following if you like:
Battery Packs:
Battery packs have risks!
There is also the inconvenience of charging and swapping out the battery packs.
Note: Battery packs should not be left in the airplane. Remove Battery Packs from plane when not in use.
There are two primary types of battery pack technology:
- Lithium Ion (Standard Battery Banks)
- Lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4)
The LiFePO4 battery has the edge over lithium-ion in both cycle life (lasting 3-5x longer) and safety. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire much more easily, while LiFePO4 is extremely fire-resistant and very unlikely to overheat.
When going with either type of battery pack, it’s important to purchase from a reputable manufacturer.
While the following are slightly larger, these are safer and more flexible.
These have been found to be reliable and recommended by the community:
Anker - LiFePO4 Recommended
EcoFlow - LiFePO4 Recommended
Jackery - LiFePO4 Recommended
If you want to go with something smaller and lightweight, with a shorter runtime, some have found the following Anker 737 Lithium Ion Pack to be good. Just understand the risks and we would recommend a Lipo Safe Bag.
You may also need to have multiple of these for longer journeys.
Power Cable:
Depending on what method of power you go with, that weill determine what cable you will want to use.
For those going with ship power, or battery pack with a cigarette plug, you will want the following:
Cigarette Plug to Starlink 5.5x2.5 mm Barrel Connector
For those that will use a battery pack with a USB-C PD port, we recommend the following:
Starlink Mini USB C Cable, USB C to DC Power Cable
If a longer cable is needed, Use the following extention.
Window Mounting System
There are several options for window mounting your Starlink Mini.
The type of aircraft you have, and the generation of that aircraft will play a role in what option is best for you.
The COPA Community has found that utilizing the baggage tiedown brackets, in some way, is the best method. This method takes safety, reliability, ease of install/removal, and space-saving into account.
Cirrus G5 and Newer DIY PVC “BradKit” options:
Cirrus G1/G2/G3 DIY PVC examples:
Join COPA and Look at this link for more info:
Alternatively: You can also utilize Window Suction cups if you prefer.
Note: suction cups can fail, and have been known to cause damage to the window in some cases.
There are some more “profesional” Cirrus Speciffic Mounts as well:
Secure the Starlink Mini to the mount with the included Starlink Mini pole mount and thumbscrew, ensure the mount is secure to the tie-down brackets with Zipties (Reusable ones are nice!).
Setup:
- Setup/activate Starlink Mini for the first time at home/outside with a clear view of the sky utilizing the AC power adapter. Several reboots may be needed, and the first-time boot can take a little longer than you would think. Once updated, connection typically occurs within 2-3 minutes.
- Starlink WILL NOT work inside the hangar.
- Disable the Snow Melt feature of Starlink to Help reduce power draw, freezing temps could auto trigger that melt feature. You can access and adjust the Snow Melt settings in the Starlink app by navigating to Settings > Starlink > Snow Melt
Starlink setup is straightforward, there are tons of how-tos about that. Follow the instructions in the Starlink app.
Using Starlink in Flight:
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Do not allow Starlink to be a distraction. You are PIC! Set phones on DND / set a focus mode / or turn off completely when necessary. Don’t be that person that ruins this for everyone!
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Ensure your WiFi-Calling is enabled to be able to send/receive SMS and make phone calls via Starlink.
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Once connected to Starlink, it is recomended to put phones/devices in airplane mode with WiFi on. This is to optimize battery life of the device and provided better connection quality.
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Do not forget to turn airplane mode off after landing and Starlink shutdown to continue phone connection.
Aviation / Flying Starlink Tips and Tricks:
- Using Windy.com, Aviationweather.gov, and other weather planning tools is great for Weather Planing both on and off the ground.
- Utilze Wifi Calling to call ASOS/ATIS earlier and when convienant.
- Utilze Wifi Calling to call FBO on the phone vs ASRI Freqency.
- Ordering Doordash/Uber Eats for that Quick turn Fuel stop! Use Shedule order feature for your ETA.
- Check Uber/Lyft Rates and aviably enroute.
- Check in with the Family adn Friends on updated ETA.
- Use Focus Modes on your phone to set custom notifcaiton settings while flying
*Consider setting your device to “Low data mode” for the Starlink WiFi. Some users have reported iCloud and other background syncing causing an excessive amount of data to be utilized on Starlink.
