AAI: What Is Non-Destructive Testing?

This post is courtesy of Aircraft Accessories International.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a way to detect and evaluate flaws in materials. In the aviation industry, non-destructive testing is crucial for a lot of reasons: safety, cost-efficiency, compliance, and preventative maintenance are just a few ways non-destructive testing ensures that aircraft remain safe, reliable, and operational.

In this blog article, we’re going to explore why non-destructive testing is important, as well as the methods we use and how we can help. Non-destructive testing is an indispensable tool in this industry and can determine whether aircraft components are in need of repair or if they are safe for operation.

When is NDT Used in Aviation?

NDT is used for several reasons, many of which we highlighted above.

Here is when NDT is useful in aviation:

Safety

NDT allows you to find and identify potential issues in aircraft parts without causing any damage. It also allows you to address issues before they lead to potential failure, which contributes to the overall safety of the aircraft.

Cost Efficiency

NDT can help you avoid costly repairs by extending the life of the aircraft part.

Compliance

NDT helps you meet safety and quality standards that are required by various industry organizations.

Preventative Maintenance

NDT is a crucial part of preventative maintenance for aircraft parts. It can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems.

Advanced Techniques

NDT has a lot of different methods. AAI offers magnetic particle, eddy current, liquid penetrant, and visual testing. All of our inspections are NAS410/SNT-TC-1A compliant.

What NDT Services Does AAI Offer?

AAI offers several NDT services. Here’s some more information about each service from Aerospace Testing International.

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing involves inducing a magnetic field in the test object, applying magnetic particles to it either in dry form or suspended in a liquid, which could be colored or fluorescent, and then examining the object using suitable lighting.

Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing is a sub-surface technique that induces an electromagnetic field in a conductive test object and measures the secondary magnetic field generated around the electric current to determine where flaws are. Eddy current testing is widely used in aircraft maintenance to detect cracks caused by fatigue or corrosion.

Liquid Penetration

Liquid penetration is another simple and quick method widely used in aviation to detect surface defects and structural damage in non-porous materials.

Test objects are coated with a highly viscous dye. Once the dye has settled into any cracks or flaws, the object is cleaned, leaving just the dye which has penetrated the cracks. Some of this remaining dye will flow back out, revealing an indication of cracks and flaws.

Visual Testing

Visual testing is just what it sounds like. It involves looking at a technical component during and after manufacturing to check if it serves its intended purpose.

All NDT inspections are NAS410/SNT-TC-1A compliant.

AAI Can Help You with Your Non-destructive Testing Needs

Non-destructive testing in aviation is important because it helps ensure safety, quality, and reliability of the aircraft parts you’re using in your aircraft. AAI understands that keeping your passengers and crew safe is your number one priority, which is why we make it our number one priority.

Uncertified, untested parts are all over the internet, but do you really want to risk your safety for convenience?

We’ll help you avoid the delays and headaches, and instead get certified, safe, and tested aircraft accessories so that you can fix your aircraft and get back to flying.

1. Call AAI
2. Get a quote
3. Fix your plane and fly

Find the parts you need and get back in the air, fast.