Knowledge
Bluetooth adapters on airplanes: what is allowed?
"Can I connect this to my radio?" is the most common question before purchase – and a valid one. Here is the objective classification for ultralight, experimental, and certified aircraft.
The short answer
Plugging it in is not the same as installing it – that's the crucial point.
From a regulatory perspective, one point makes all the difference: A permanently installed device modifies the approved avionics installation. A plug-in accessory that can be removed at any time is different – exactly where the line is drawn depends on the aircraft class and the specific case. The SD-Link plug-and-play adapters are technically designed to fall on the pluggable side of this boundary.
UL & Experimental
That's what SD-Link is made for.
In the ultralight (UL) sector, the owner is responsible for the equipment in accordance with national regulations – a pluggable adapter for the radio is a simple addition. For experimental and homebuilt aircraft , the owner also decides on the equipment within the framework of their type certification. These are precisely the aircraft that SD-Link targets – our customer gallery consists of them.
Certified aircraft (E-class)
The real question: Change or mobile device?
For certified aircraft, changes to the approved installation require a recognized procedure – either as a minor change or via the predefined EASA standard changes (CS-STAN) . The classification of a plug-in adapter is not definitively settled : On the one hand, it is simply plugged in, does not permanently alter the radio or onboard wiring, and can be removed at any time without leaving any residue. On the other hand, it is thus located in the signal path of the permanently installed radio – whether this should be classified as a portable accessory or as a modification of the installation is a question for which there is no universally accepted answer.
This assessment is not our responsibility as the manufacturer, but rather that of the owner in conjunction with the inspector, CAMO, or avionics operator. Our clear recommendation: Clarify the intended use beforehand and bring this page along as a basis for discussion. Without this clarification, we do not recommend use in certified aircraft – our adapters are designed and intended for experimental and ultralight aircraft.
The SD-Link Universal is hardwired via RS-232 – this involves altering the wiring and therefore requires installation work. In certified aircraft, this work should be carried out by qualified personnel.
UL and Experimental: uncomplicated, that's what SD-Link is designed for. E-Class: first clarify with the inspector or CAMO, then decide – without this clarification, we do not recommend its use there.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about approval & installation
Is SD-Link permitted for ultralight aircraft?
Yes. In the ultralight (UL) sector, the owner is responsible for the equipment in accordance with national regulations. SD-Link is plugged in between the radio and the existing wiring harness, does not alter the onboard wiring, and can be removed at any time without leaving any residue.
Do I need an avionics company for the connection?
This doesn't apply to plug-and-play adapters: they are simply plugged in between the radio and the wiring harness without any modifications to the existing cabling. The universal version with fixed RS-232 wiring is different—this requires professional installation and should only be done by qualified personnel.
What is CS-STAN?
CS-STAN is an EASA collection of predefined standard modifications and standard repairs for simply constructed aircraft. It describes work that is permitted without a separate modification procedure. It becomes relevant if the installation is considered a modification of the installation in your case—it's best to clarify this classification beforehand with your inspector or CAMO.
Does this also apply to certified aircraft (E-class)?
The technology is the same: plug-in, removable without leaving any residue. However, the legal classification is not yet definitively settled because the adapter sits in the signal path of the built-in radio. Clarify its use beforehand with your inspector, CAMO, or avionics specialist—we do not recommend it for certified aircraft without this clarification. Our adapters are designed and intended for experimental and ultralight aircraft.
Does the adapter interfere with the radio or the vehicle's electronics?
SD-Link is located in the radio's cable run and uses Bluetooth Low Energy, meaning it transmits at low power. The pilot remains responsible for the interference-free operation of electronic devices on board—this should also be discussed with the examiner.
This page provides factual information from the manufacturer's perspective and does not constitute legal advice. The applicable regulations and the assessments of the relevant authorities are binding.
Is SD-Link compatible with your radio?
The adapter finder shows you the right adapter in three steps – ready to plug in for your device.