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Nondestructive Inspections flight's new tech saves time, money and the environment

  • Published
  • By Airman Sean A. Campbell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 92nd Maintenance squadron nondestructive inspection flight acquired a new digital x-ray machine that increases the capabilities of the shop.

The main goal of NDI is to find discontinuities in aircraft parts, such as cracks and fractures, before they develop in to a severe problem. Also included in their mission is the certification of welders before they are allowed to work on the flightline.

As a part of the certification process they take an x-ray image of a weld and analyze the image for any discontinuities. Before receiving the new digital x-ray machine, NDI Airmen had to take a film image of the weld and develop it using iron-based chemicals, said Tech. Sgt. Natasha K. Washington, 92nd MXS nondestructive inspection NCOIC.

"For each image, there would be the possibility of needing to make multiple images in order to get the correct exposure to accurately view it," Washington said. "This could take multiple days per image."

With the new machine, it cuts that possibility of multiple days down to a few hours. It also removes the chemicals from the developing process drastically reducing the environmental impact and cost of the process, said Airman 1st Class Atreyeu C. Taylor, 92nd MXS nondestructive inspection journeyman.

"The new digital images produced are more detailed and can easily have the contrast and clarity adjusted from the new machine," said Taylor. "This speeds up and improves the welder certification process."

The other aspect of the NDI flight's mission here at Fairchild is inspecting parts for discontinuities and cracks that cannot be seen by simply looking at the part, added Washington.

"We are plane doctors in a sense," said Taylor. "We're the Airman who determine what is wrong if there is anything wrong."

They conduct several different types of inspections including eddy current, ultrasound, penetrant and magnetic particle. They also analyze aircraft oil for metal content which will inform them whether or not the engine is functioning properly, said Washington.

"NDI saves airplanes; they save lives and they keep the readiness of the fleet," said Maj. Len Shores, 92nd Maintenance Squadron commander. "They don't impact just the KC-135. They impact the helicopters and any transient aircraft that come through Fairchild. People don't realize how much they affect and how important they are."