A method to measure the heat transfer from a solid surface to liquid helium in the transient mode with a time resolution in the microsecond range is described. A monofilamentary NbTi/Cu compound conductor 52 &mgr;m in diameter is used as a heater by applying a current ≳Icand, via the temperature dependence ofIc, as thermometer with a response time below 10 &mgr;sec. Transient heat transfer can be described by a heat‐flow‐independent transfer coefficienth=5 W/cm2 K below a ’’take‐off’’ timet1. Att1the heat‐transfer coefficient decreases rapidly due to the onset of film boiling.t1is related to the heat flowQby the expressiont1∝Q−2.