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Fairchild Air Force Base

The fluorescent frontier of inspection

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amare Francois, 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician, shines an ultraviolet light on a piece of equipment at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. The fluorescent dye in the penetrant Francois rubbed onto the equipment glowed brightly under ultraviolet light, allowing him to see flaws that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

A U.S. Air Force 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection Airmen inspects a piece of equipment under ultraviolet light at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Fluorescent penetrant inspection is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface defects in materials under an ultraviolet light. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amare Francois, 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician, rubs penetrant on a piece of equipment at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Francois used a process called fluorescent penetrant inspection, which allowed him to see flaws on equipment under an ultraviolet light. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amare Francois, 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician, demagnetizes a piece of equipment at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Demagnetized equipment prevents residual magnetism which ensures accurate inspections by eliminating the risk of attracting debris containing or consisting of iron that can mask flaws. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

A U.S. Air Force 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection Airmen sprays magnetic particles on a copper bar at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Magnetic particles acted as visual indicators of magnetic field leakage by accumulating at flaw locations on equipment, making them visible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amare Francois, 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician, tests oil for its elemental composition at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Oil analysis improves aircraft safety by identifying potential problems early on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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The fluorescent frontier of inspection

A U.S. Air Force 92nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection Airmen tests oil for its elemental composition at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 12, 2025. Elemental composition of the oil provided valuable insights into the health of the aircraft’s engine, allowing for proactive maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan St Marks)

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