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Gogo LTE Upgrade Means Classic ATG Operators Will Need To Upgrade Too

Gogo LTE Upgrade
Gogo LTE Upgrade

At the start of 2023, Gogo announced that their current ground network will be upgraded for the first time to LTE.  This upgrade will create more bandwidth for aircraft with the AVANCE platform installed.  The LTE upgrade is currently underway and set to launch on January 1, 2026.

When the LTE network goes online, those aircraft with a Gogo AVANCE L3 will see a 40% bump in bandwidth and AVANCE L5 systems will see a 10% bump.  Aircraft with existing Classic ATG systems (ATG 1000/2000/4000/5000/8000) will no longer be able to send and receive data as their aircards do not support LTE.  What this means for Classic ATG operators is they have from now until December 31, 2025 to upgrade to an AVANCE L3 or L5 in order to not have an interruption of service. 

To assist operators in upgrading their Classic ATGs, Gogo is offering lucrative rebate promotions for those that install in 2023.  A $25,000 rebate will be given to the operator when an AVANCE L3 Plus or Max system is installed, and a $50,000 rebate will be given when an AVANCE L5 is installed.  The rebate will be delivered to the operator once the L3 or L5 is installed and activated with a new service plan.  The Classic ATG LRU must be sent back to Gogo as well as part of the rebate requirements.  The Classic ATG operator must fill out an online promo form and have an active subscription with the account in good standing to qualify.

Gogo has numerous active Classic ATG systems in service and it would be wise to upgrade your system sooner than later.  As time gets closer to the LTE launch date, those who haven’t upgraded could have trouble finding available slots within Gogo’s dealer network.  Remember ADS-B Out?  It will look a lot like that.  Securing your AVANCE upgrade now ensures you’ll find a slot that fits your flight schedule while enjoying the best pricing and rebate promotions that will be available during this period.

West Star Aviation has four major sites to help facilitate your Gogo install.  East Alton, IL (ALN), Chattanooga, TN (CHA), Grand Junction, CO (GJT), and Perryville, MO (PCD) are ready to help with your Gogo needs, or any other needs you may have for your aircraft.  Reach out to any of the Avionics Technical Sales Managers below for questions or to schedule your aircraft for upgrade.

Aaron Berg

Aaron Berg

Technical Sales Manager Avionics (GJT)
Office 970.243.7500
aberg@wsa.aero

Jim Ellis

Jim Ellis

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office 618.258.8065
jellis@wsa.aero

Josh Peterson

Josh Peterson

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (CHA)
Office 423.661.8928
jpeterson@wsa.aero

Walt Marcy

Walt Marcy

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (GJT)
Office 970.248.5258
wmarcy@wsa.aero

Mike Sichmeller

Mike Sichmeller

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office 618.258.8863 msichmeller@wsa.aero

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero

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Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in January 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/careers or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.