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Based on mode selective monitoring of the transport of guided ultrasonic waves with high temporal resolution achieved by correlation techniques, a helicopter tail boom section, manufactured from aluminum, has been monitored concerning structural health and load including monitoring under shaker driven conditions. The characteristic sensitivities of the developed health and load monitoring schemes are presented together with methods suitable for the compensation of the influence of temperature variations during monitoring. Concerning the detection of loose joints, a novel monitoring scheme has been introduced capable to detect fluctuations in joints including riveted joints and connections by high-locks. The currently operated system is fully remote controlled and can be operated by internet. Concerning the rather compact size and power consumption, the developed instrumentation is already suitable for in-flight respectively for on-ground hand hold and battery powered operation. The observations, achievements, and results are presented, explained, and discussed.

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