Green Power Monitoring Systems (GPMS) has received an FAA STC for its Foresight MX health monitoring system on the AS350 AStar helicopter platform. The initial certification is on the H125 (AS350-B3). The company plans to file a Transport Canada CA and pursue EASA approvals and STC amendments to include B2 variants.

CEO Eric Bechhoefer says: “The industry is talking about the role connected fleets and predictive analytics can play in asset optimisation, and the return on investment for Foresight is fairly immediate. We're proud to share this achievement given the validation a STC represents.”

Foresight is a next generation helicopter health monitoring system. Providing predictive engine and component monitoring, rotor track and balance, and flight data monitoring with exceedance alerting, the system helps maximise readiness, lower maintenance costs and enhance safety. Cloud-based, the system moves data automatically via WiFi or cellular and can be accessed via any browser equipped device. Foresight breaks from legacy solutions by fitting the weight and budget constraints of light helicopter operators. On the AStar it weighs less than six pounds, and is sold on a HUMS-as-a-service model to lower upfront costs and ensure affordability.

Patric Wells, president of East West Helicopter, which completed the initial installation with the GPMS team comments: “This is a truly exciting system, offering operators and maintenance facilities the ability to remotely monitor their aircraft, engines and systems. It has taken a long time for anyone to develop a reliable lightweight HUMS which can be financially justified for the entire helicopter industry, including light and intermediate turbines.”

East West Helicopter, and its associate company Panterra Heli Support, will serve as sales agents and installers of the system.