Features

No fracture left undetected

October 5, 2017
by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Tech. Sgt. Claudia Marshall, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection craftsman, inspects x-ray film of a pipe weld Sept. 6 at Ramstein. The 86th MXS NDI Airmen inspect welds for 86th MXS Metals Technology personnel who are attempting to gain welding certifications. Inspections ensure personnel are capable of producing strong welds, allowing them to manufacture quality aircraft parts and keep the 86th Airlift Wing’s fleet in top condition.
Senior Airman Clarence Tobias, 86th Main­tenance Squadron nondestructive inspection journeyman, uses a black light to look at magnetic particles on a hoist hook Sept. 6 at Ramstein. The 86th MXS NDI uses a variety of black-light methods to inspect tools and aircraft parts to detect small defects and hairline fractures otherwise undetectable to the naked eye. After NDI detects the imperfections, other MXS personnel such as the metals technology and aircraft structural maintenance flights have the ability to manufacture and repair parts.
Tech. Sgt. Claudia Marshall, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection craftsman, prepares a spectroil unit to detect wear metal in engine oil Sept. 6 at Ramstein. Detecting wear metals indicates whether any components are failing in an engine, allowing the 86th MXS to keep aircraft in top condition.
Senior Airman Clarence Tobias, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection journeyman, uses a parker probe to demagnetize a hoist hook Sept. 6 at Ramstein. Tobias briefly magnetized the hook so black light-sensitive magnetic particles would align on the poles of any hairline fractures, making it possible for Tobias to detect them. The 86th MXS NDI personnel are part of the extensive maintenance safety process that keeps the 86th Airlift Wing’s fleet and equipment in safe operating condition.
Senior Airman Clarence Tobias, 86th Main­tenance Squad­ron non­destructive inspection jour­ney­man, uses a black light to inspect a hoist hook for hairline fractures Sept. 6 at Ramstein. 86th MXS NDI personnel use black lights and black-light sensitive mediums to inspect equipment and aircraft for small imperfections like hairline fractures, which, if left undetected, could lead to costly and dangerous malfunctions.
Senior Airman Clarence Tobias, 86th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection journeyman, measures the magnetism on a hoist hook Sept. 6 at Ramstein. Tobias briefly magnetized the hook so that black light-sensitive magnetic particles would align on the poles of any hairline fractures, making it possible for Tobias to detect them.
« Previous × Next »