News: Inspection lab keeps aircraft healthy
Story by Senior Airman Christopher Willis
RAMSTEIN, Germany - The 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection lab is in many ways similar to the services provided by a medical lab. They both use high-tech equipment to see things invisible to the naked eye and aid in preventative maintenance. Their goal is to keep the mission essentials healthy and in the fight.
The 86th MXS NDI lab is one of the most integral parts of the fabrication flight. The fabrication flight, as a team, is responsible for the detection and repair of any service, or maintenance, induced cracks and damage for all aircraft, aircraft subsystems and ground support equipment. The NDI lab ensures aircraft and related equipment are “Fit to Fight.”
“The detection and repair can be a daily struggle with today’s aging fleet and equipment,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Cole, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician. “Ramstein, however, is lucky to have newer C-130 Super Hercules J-models, which have not accumulated the high flight hours of many other Air Force aircraft.”
Preventative maintenance measures like x-ray examinations, magnetic particle and penetrant inspections determine if our planes are ready for take-off.
First step for x-ray examination is to process the film. Using an automatic film processor the image is developed, fixed, washed, and dried, making it ready for viewing. Much like a medical x-ray examining bone fractures, NDI x-rays aircraft structures to pinpoint cracks in critical structures.
Fluorescent magnetic particle bath sprays tiny fluorescent magnetic particles over suspected damaged parts, preparing it for inspection. During magnetic particle inspection, specific parts are checked for structural integrity. When confirmed that no cracks exist, the part can be placed into service.
Penetrant inspection process uses an emulsifying bath, which removes traces of excess penetrant, allowing crack indications to be more visible. Any penetrant that seeps into the cracks will be visible due to its natural fluorescence under a black light.
Using a series of NDI inspections, it is possible to extend an aircraft’s life another 50 to 60 years, saving the Air Force money and saving lives.
“Any defect that goes undetected can potentially cause a catastrophic failure,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Brandon, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection craftsman. “It would not be safe for planes to fly if we didn’t perform certain inspections.”
The NDI lab keeps aircraft in the air with constant check-ups and preventative measures to reduce the chance of an aircraft being totally grounded, keeping our fleet and airmen in good health.