Pilots Express Discontent as Starlink Imposes 100 MPH Speed Limit on Aviation Internet Plans
General aviation pilots are expressing their discontent following a decision by Starlink to impose a 100 mph speed cap on its standard Roam and Priority internet plans. This move, announced in early March 2026, has effectively made in-flight connectivity unaffordable for most pilots. Pilots requiring connectivity above 87 knots are now compelled to subscribe to the more expensive aviation-specific tiers.
In the past, pilots had the option to use Starlink’s portable Mini hardware with standard plans that ranged from $50 to $165 per month. These plans allowed for connectivity at speeds of up to 450 mph. However, under the new structure, pilots are forced to choose between the Aviation 300MPH plan, which costs $250 per month and offers only 20GB of data, or the Aviation 450MPH plan, priced at $1,000 per month. This significant price increase—up to five times higher with considerably less data—has triggered a widespread backlash across aviation forums and social media.
A petition on Change.org has already amassed over 4,000 signatures from pilots urging Starlink to reinstate roaming plans that are suitable for general aviation. Many pilots had invested in hardware and integrated Starlink into their safety procedures for real-time weather access, flight planning updates, and enhanced situational awareness. The abrupt change, which did not grandfather in existing users, has left many in the GA community feeling betrayed and scrambling for alternatives.
Source: AOPA News