IHST Adds a HUMS Toolkit to its Safety Arsenal
In cooperation with helicopter safety experts within the industry, the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) has developed a Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS program) toolkit. The free manual will serve as a step-by-step guide for helicopter operators considering or currently implementing a HUMS program or condition-based maintenance program. The guide also will address some unique maintenance challenges specific to helicopter operations.
HUMS programs are designed to automatically monitor the health of mechanical components in a helicopter, as well as usage of the airframe and its dynamic components. They enable aircraft to record structural and transmission usage, transmission vibrations, rotor track and balance information, and engine power assurance data. They also monitor the health of rotating components such as gearboxes, bearings, shafts, engines, and rotors through vibration, and can record parametric data from the aircraft’s bus for usage and event analysis.
The intelligence gained from the use of a HUMS program allows aircraft maintainers and fleet operators to make informed decisions about flying and maintaining their aircraft. As a result, HUMS programs can enhance safety, decrease maintenance burden, increase availability and readiness, and reduce operating and support costs.
This new IHST guide includes case studies, industry best practices, and detailed information of management decisions. Additional HUMS program guidance and resources are included as appendices to the document. The online link to the guide is: