When I was flying the Super Puma in the 80's we didnt have the HUMS gizmo
We relied purely chip detectors.
If the gearbox was suspect it was probably replaced, this happened on a regular basis, on average...pulling a gearbox once a month!
Now this gizmo lets gearboxes go for a much longer time, this is a bit scary because I dont think it is that good at detecting a major fault.
Its not that intelligent, trend analysis or what?
OK for jet engines but not ok for helicopter gearboxes
There seems to me to be a major design flaw.
History will prove this fact.
I know this is not comforting info but I just want to view my feelings about this particular helicopter from my own experience of flying it.
I want to fly with confidence, I never felt confident with this particular helicopter.
Who remembers the first Super Puma to be written off at ABZ G-TIGD yes a flaw that was known in the Puma but forgotten in the Super Puma
Hums is a weak secondary back up, what is needed is a sound design that everyone feels safe with.