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 The device modifies the approved avionics installation. Plug-in, removable accessories This is distinct from that – where exactly the boundary lies depends on the aircraft class and the individual case. SD-Link Plug-and-play adapters are technically designed to be on the pluggable side of this boundary:
UL & Experimental
for is SD-Link they endure
Im UL area The owner is responsible for the equipment in accordance with national regulations – a pluggable adapter on the radio is a simple addition in this regard. Experimental and self-built The owner also decides on the equipment within the framework of their aircraft registration. These aircraft are precisely the target group of... SD-Link - 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 procedures. EASA Standard Changes (CS-STAN)The classification of a plugged-in adapter is then not definitively clarifiedOn the one hand, it's simply plugged in, doesn't permanently alter the radio or the vehicle's wiring, and can be removed without leaving any residue. On the other hand, it sits in the Signal path of the permanently installed radio – there is no universally applicable answer as to whether this should be classified as mobile accessories or as a change to the installation.
This assessment is not our responsibility as the manufacturer, but rather that of the owner in conjunction with the inspector, CAMO, or avionics service provider. Our clear recommendation: Clarify the deployment in advance Please take this page with you as a basis for discussion. Without this clarification, we do not recommend using them in certified aircraft – our adapters are designed and intended for experimental and ultralight aircraft.
The SD-Link Universal It 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 professionals.
UL and Experimental: uncomplicated, but that's what it is. SD-Link Done. 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 UL sector, the owner is responsible for the equipment in accordance with national regulations. SD-Link It is plugged in between the radio and the existing wiring harness, does not change the vehicle wiring and can be removed at any time without leaving any residue.
Do I need an avionics company for the connection?
Not so for plug-and-play adapters: they are plugged in between the radio and the wiring harness without any modification to the existing wiring. This is different for... Universal-Variant with fixed RS-232 wiring — this is a real installation job and belongs in expert hands.
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 It sits in the radio's cable run and transmits using Bluetooth Low Energy, meaning with low transmission 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.
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