Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

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Utility helicopter operator PJ Helicopters has ordered GPMS International’s Foresight MX health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for its fleet of MD530Fs, Bell 407s, 429s, UH-60s, and Boeing CH-47s. The helicopters are used for utility, power line, and firefighting operations in the U.S.
Foresight MX features connectivity that allows PJ Helicopters to monitor the health of its aircraft remotely. SMS and email notifications alert the operator of any exceedances or negative trends after every flight, according to GPMS. The HUMS provides predictive health information, engine and flight data monitoring, and rotor track-and-balance capabilities.
The installation of the HUMS gives PJ Helicopters an advantage when competing for contracts, GPMS explained. “In the new U.S. Forest Service MATOC [multiple award task order contract]…awards and preferences are given to ‘modern helicopter’ operators, which includes HUMS as a minimum aircraft requirement.”
PJ Helicopters is a member of GPMS’ customer advisory board and helped develop the supplemental type certificate for installation of Foresight MX on the Bell 407 and UH-60. “With their unique HUMS-as-a-service business model and their continuous investments in Foresight, we know they’re vested in our success,” said Justin Gunsauls, v-p and director of maintenance at PJ Helicopters.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

PJ Helicopters Orders GPMS Foresight MX Health and Usage Monitoring System

The HUMS equipment helps the helicopter operator manage its utility fleet

Foresight MX features connectivity that allows PJ Helicopters to monitor the health of its aircraft remotely.

PJ Helicopters Orders GPMS Foresight MX HUMS

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