If you are asking about Cirrus, they are using Irridium satellite network. If you are talking about everyone else - no one gives a rat's ass about FCC rules.

I've heard this opinion expressed before, but is it based on someting found in actual FCC documents, or just on inferrence that "cellular" means analog by definition?

Jason,

Can't you do that with your G1000 if you had a GSR 56 installed? It might suck without the keyboard. Isn't this the same thing? Except, as you say, Cirrus wins with marketing. Instead of calling it G1000 w/GSR 56 they call it Cirrus Global Connect ©®™, throw up a couple of flashy photos and now everyone wants one.

Brilliant.

This is what I can piece together:

The FCC restriction only applies to 800mHz analog AMPS 'cellular' phones. There is no such restriction in the licensing for the 1900mHz 'PCS' systems.

The restriction on using all cellphones came from the airlines who wanted to sell the GTE 'airphone' service (which used cell technology with a set of antennas tilted upwards). That said, my GSM cell can create quite some interference in all kinds of electronic stuff,

The Cirrus product is a globalstar sat-phone and as you are the 'operator' of the aircraft you can come up with any usage policy you want.

I understand that:
- a 'no airborne use' restriction was included in the licensing for 800mHz band (which was taken back and resold by the FCC last year)
- no such restriction is included in the licensing for the 1900mHz band.
- 1900mHz is within the listed range of frequencies for aeronautical use (so is marine VHF and public service/EMS VHF)

The FAA just says that the operator has to make sure that RF transmissions don't interfere with nav and comm equipment. As the airlines can't certify that for every cellphone in use, they won't take that liability (they also profit from selling on-board wifi and have no interest in you using your aircard to circumvent their monopoly)

It's not just texting....

How are they getting World Wide Weather?

My airplane is one of my few sanctuaries left. To say nothing of the need focus on the task at hand. It would just suck some more of the life out of the joy of aviation as well. If can't run my business and my life without texting or receiving texts in flight I will consider something in my business/ life needs repair in a hurry.
For me: Never Happen.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=271&pID=13270

Why can't you install this in yours?

Jim and Ben......

It's not about what I can install myself or what flying means to each of is. It's about Cirrus's total domination of innovation and marketing when it comes to it's competition.

You don't have to like the innovations but go to Cirrus website and compare to Beechs. There's a reason Cirrus sold more planes in 10 years than Beech sold Bonanzas and Barons in 60 years.

Our beloved Beechcraft is getting bitch slapped by the little plastic airplane company because they're too beuracratic to run their business right. These innovations by Cirrus are not rocket science. It's just that they're taking the time to "try harder".

True, hell they don't even have the new interior shown on beechcraft.com. You have to extract that knowledge from a .pdf posted on their parent website (hawkerbeechcraft.com).

Beech is surviving off a 60 year old design that someone put a lot of love into when they designed it. Beech was dragged kicking and screaming to do anything "upgrade wise" the these airplanes. I have a Bonanza because of the design created 60 years ago.

Companies like Tornado Alley exist because for this reason.

You think I'd let some other company take my product and upgrade it to what it should be? Hell no. I'd be the one with the innovation. How can someone else "out invent" your own product? It's crazy

Jason, you are correct that Cirrus is out playing the HB Bonanza line but HB couldn't care less. We're lucky HB still produces the Bonanza/Baron line. Cirrus basically has one airplane with variations of same and they have done a great job with it. HB has a lot bigger fish to fry. Too bad but just a business decision on HB's part. Right or wrong???

+1 some solid marketing and innovation, new interior and paint would breath life into this airframe, and make the older birds more desirable. More Cool factor.

Beech can be run profitably with just the Baron and Bonanza.

Beech can be run profitably with just the Baron and Bonanza.