GPMS Releases Program Manual to Help Operators Maximize the Value of HUMS
The openly available HUMS Program Manual designed to help operators turn data into repeatable, real-world decisions, regardless of which system they use.
GPMS International has released a new Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) Program Manual and is making it openly available to the rotorcraft industry to help operators turn HUMS data into repeatable, real-world decisions, regardless of which system they operate. The guide is intended to expand access to structured HUMS practices for organizations that have never had a formal program framework, while supporting safer, and more effective use of health monitoring across diverse fleets.
While HUMS adoption continues to grow across air medical, utility, and government fleets, many operators still struggle with what comes next after data collection. According to GPMS, the new manual focuses on process accountability, repeatability, and leadership, which are often the missing pieces in long term HUMS success.
“HUMS data is only valuable if it actually influences decisions,” said Josh Kethan, director of customer success, at GPMS. Most operators understand the technology, but where they often struggle is building the internal processes that make HUMS part of everyday maintenance dispatch and safety discussions. This manual gives them a practical starting point.”
Moving HUMS from Data to Decisions
Rather than focusing on sensors or analytics, the manual concentrates on how operators organize, manage, and sustain a HUMS program over time. It lays out clear roles, review cycles, and decision pathways, along with practical templates for logs reports and close monitoring activities.
The guide reflects a broader industry shift toward using HUMS more proactively identifying early degradation, reducing unscheduled events, and supporting Safety Management Systems (SMS). Key elements include
- Defined roles for HUMS program managers, steering committees, and technicians
• Structured processes for data review validation and trend analysis
• Guidance on linking condition indicators with regimes and physical inspections
• Risk assessment tools including severity and consequence ratings
• A HUMS Action Matrix that aligns alerts with operational responses
• Training expectations for personnel involved in HUMS activities
Built to Be Adapted
GPMS emphasizes that the manual is not intended to function as a rigid standard. Instead, it serves as a flexible template that operators can tailor to their aircraft types, mission profiles, maintenance philosophies, and risk tolerances. That flexibility becomes increasingly important as regulators and contracting authorities continue to evaluate more formal HUMS program expectations for certain mission sets.
“We kept hearing the same thing from operators,” Kethan said. “They wanted something repeatable and auditable, but not overly prescriptive. This manual captures what works in real operations and gives teams the freedom to adapt it to how they fly and maintain their aircraft.”
Leadership Makes the Difference
A recurring theme throughout the manual is the role of leadership. Without defined escalation paths routine oversight and documented processes HUMS benefits are often underutilized. “When leadership supports HUMS with policy and processes, the technology becomes a strategic asset rather than an occasional diagnostic tool,” Kethan said. “This framework helps organizations get to that point.”
Available Now
The HUMS Program Manual is available now to all operators and is not limited to GPMS customers. Because it is provided as an editable template, operators can implement it directly or adapt it to fit their existing maintenance programs, SMS, or operational structures.
For more information or to request a copy of the HUMS Program Manual contact GPMS at [email protected]. Learn more about Foresight MX and see the full list of STCs at www.gpms-vt.com.
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