The Avionics Department of Pentastar Aviation was granted an FAA STC for the first airborne high speed data system installed in Gulfstream series aircraft capable of transmission speeds up to 256 kbps.

Pentastar notes that this is the first operationally capable 256 kbps data system utilizing the EMS Technologies HSD-128 Aeronautical Data Unit (shown below) and two HSD-X Extension Units which deliver the ability to utilize multiple ISDN communication devices simultaneously without sacrificing bandwidth. What this means, in plain English, is that data services are now available to travelers in the air, at speeds that are comparable to ground based users. The true benefit of this system is that Internet, e-mail, phone, and fax devices can all operate in harmony with no loss of speed or clarity. Executives can maintain full communications with their businesses in real time, no matter what format is required, no matter where their travels take them.

"This is a major accomplishment in the world of high speed data," said Seeber. "Pentastar is now the first and only installation facility to hold an STC on a 256 kbps capable system, and was able to acquire that certification in record time. We've been working closely with hardware and software providers, to achieve this, the third major increase in data transmission speed in the past three years."

"We are the leader in providing unparalleled service in the world of corporate air travel," said Edsel B. Ford, owner of Pentastar Aviation, "and this new system demonstrates our commitment to setting the standard in the field."

Pentastar is an authorized warranty and repair service center for Gulfstream and Rolls Royce Canada.

FMI: www.pentastaraviation.com, www.gulfstream.com