Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

GPMS International is developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) to install its Foresight MX health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) on the Airbus EC145 helicopter. The company has partnered&nbsp;with its certified installer Metro Aviation to bring the upgrade to market under an agreement announced at the Heli-Expo show on Tuesday.
According to GPMS (Booth B3214), Foresight MX is a predictive HUMS package that combines machine condition monitoring, optimized rotor track and balance, and fleet data and exceedance monitoring. The Vermont-based company now holds STCs covering the installation of the system on helicopters including Bell’s 407, 429, 212, and 412 models, as well as the MD 530F, the Airbus AS350B2 and H125, the Mil Mi-8/17/171, and Sikorsky UH-60A. It also intends to certify it for the H135 aircraft.
“Nearly 75 percent of the EC145 fleet is flying in public safety or air medical configurations today,” said John Byos, GMPS’s director of sales for the Americas. “Aircraft availability is critical for these operators as the lives and safety of the people they serve are dependent on their ability to fly when needed. With Foresight MX, there is a tremendous opportunity for operators to improve the safety and efficiency of their operations while improving their service rate as well.”
Metro Aviation (Booth C4012) is a U.S.-based helicopter completions house. The Atlanta-based company also operates air medical transportation services.
In addition to the agreement with Metro, GPMS signed a memorandum of understanding with Columbia Helicopters (Booth C6427) to jointly develop an STC to install Foresight MX on the Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook and CH-47 aircraft. The companies&nbsp;expect&nbsp;the STC, which will cover both new-build examples of the helicopter and as a retrofit for in-service models, to gain approval&nbsp;by the end of 2023.

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