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The method follows the requirement.
The method follows the requirement.
Five inspection methods for aviation maintenance. Material, access, the condition being investigated and the applicable technical data define the technique.
The applications below are representative uses of each method. The specific aircraft or component, technique, equipment and personnel authorisations are confirmed for each engagement.
Eddy Current Testing — ET
Eddy Current Testing — ET
Electromagnetic inspection for surface and near-surface discontinuities in electrically conductive materials.
What it investigates
Surface-breaking and near-surface cracking, including fatigue indications.
Typical aviation applications
Fastener holes, skin joints and accessible metallic component surfaces.
Inspection considerations
Probe selection, geometry and material condition determine the applicable technique.
Ultrasonic Testing — UT
Ultrasonic Testing — UT
High-frequency sound is used to investigate internal discontinuities or measure material thickness.
What it investigates
Internal reflectors, wall loss and, with a suitable technique, separation in bonded structures.
Typical aviation applications
Aircraft skin thickness checks, metallic components and specified composite or bonded assemblies.
Inspection considerations
Access, coupling, geometry and reference standards are reviewed for each task.
Liquid Penetrant Testing — PT
Liquid Penetrant Testing — PT
Penetrant reveals discontinuities open to the surface of suitable non-porous materials.
What it investigates
Surface-breaking cracks and other open discontinuities.
Typical aviation applications
Removed engine and airframe parts, machined surfaces and accessible component features.
Inspection considerations
Surface preparation and the specified penetrant process are essential to a valid inspection.
Magnetic Particle Testing — MT
Magnetic Particle Testing — MT
Magnetisation and magnetic particles reveal surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials.
What it investigates
Cracking associated with fatigue or processing in suitable steel parts.
Typical aviation applications
Steel landing gear parts, shafts, bolts and fittings where the maintenance data specifies MT.
Inspection considerations
Material suitability, field direction and post-inspection requirements are checked against the procedure.
Infrared Thermography — IRT
Infrared Thermography — IRT
Infrared imaging assesses surface temperature patterns and thermal response under defined test conditions.
What it investigates
Thermal anomalies that may indicate moisture or subsurface separation when a validated technique is applicable.
Typical aviation applications
Specified aircraft composite panels and honeycomb assemblies.
Inspection considerations
The structure, heating conditions and inspection procedure determine what can be assessed.
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