NDI: safety on a microscopic level Published Aug. 11, 2011 By Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With over 130 aircraft, Nellis Air Force Base has one of the busiest flight lines in the U.S. Air Force. Computer Science Corporation is contracted for the Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Shop. Technicians find defects in parts, aircraft structures, and engines. With the information collected by NDI, aircraft mechanics can immediately begin repairing the affected area. By finding the error prior to it becoming a problem, mechanics can work efficiently and pilots can fly safely. John Sanders, aircraft mechanic 3 lead nondestructive inspection technician, ensures the operation continuously runs 24 hours a day, six days a week. "Our job is to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft," said Sanders "Unfortunately we don't have a visible final product; our final product is the aircraft and pilots safe return." Complications and defects of all types can occur when using mechanical devices, electrical equipment, and hydraulic systems. By using nondestructive testing methods, technicians can examine different defects in materials in a variety of ways. Some testing methods include ultrasonic, X-rays, dye penetrant and magnetic-particle testing. Using nondestructive methods has proven cost efficient while saving hours of labor. Doing so, makes it possible for products to be repaired or replaced quickly and efficiently allowing the mission to continue. "This is the busiest shop I've worked in; I test up to 80 oil samples a day." Stephanie Zvonik said, aircraft mechanic 1 nondestructive inspection technician. "By testing the engine's oil I can tell if parts are beginning to wear. This can be crucial when identifying important components that can cause catastrophic errors, saving not only time and money, but lives." Along with the variety of aircraft NDI services, they also assist visiting aircraft and support temporary duty assignments. Nellis' NDI shop supported 21 temporary duty assignments in 2010, and 13 since January 2011. Employees work on over a thousand engine parts monthly while pin pointing damage to aircrafts and their structures. Working on such large assortments of engines requires certification for each individual aircraft. CSC employees receive their certification from the National Aeronautics and Standard after completing 15 exams in five days. NDI employees ensure the parts coming through are performance ready and can be used safely by Airmen. While at the same time, ensuring faulty parts don't make it onto any aircraft.
