Aerospace NDT Training Ltd.

Course Description

This 16 hour course is intended to provide the participant with a thorough understanding of basic radiation safety and an awareness of the contents of the Ionising Radiations Regulations.

This course meets the requirements for the PCN Basic Radiation Safety Examination and is an ideal programme for all radiography trainees, assistants, health and safety personnel, quality control inspectors, or any personnel involved in projects where radiographic inspection is being conducted.

Course Content

• Basic concepts
• Equipment
• Radiation units and dose limitations : quantities and units, brief summary of legislation, dose limitation
• Biological effects
• Principle of protection from external radiation
• Shielding calculations
• Personal dosimetry
• Radiation monitoring
• Specific requirements of regulations
• Accidents and hazards in perspective
• Emergency procedures

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Have an understanding of the basic concepts of ionising radiations.
2. Be familiar with the terminology used in radiation protection.
3. Be familiar with the main requirements of the following: Ionising Radiations Regulations (1999), The Approved Code of Practice Associated Guidance Notes, and The Ionising Radiations (Outside Workers) Regulations (1993).
4. Have an understanding of the potential hazards (health effects) associated with the use of ionising radiation.
5. Have an understanding of the principles of practical protection to minimise exposure to ionising radiation.
6. Have an understanding of the good working practices required to keep radiation doses as low as reasonably practicable.
7. Be able to calculate source outputs and dose rates, and have an understanding of the inverse square law.
8. Be aware of the appropriate action to take in emergency situations.

Course Description

This 3-day course provides an introduction to the manufacture and failure modes of composite materials and covers all of the theoretical aspects of bond testing. It is fully supported by 50 per cent practical sessions.

Students are encouraged to practice on their own supplied samples in addition to the range of components held by Aerospace Inspection Training.

Course Content

• Aerospace composite technology
• Manufacturing processes and failure modes
• Introduction to bond testing methodology
• Mechanical Impedance Analysis testing, Resonance testing
• Pitch Catch Testing – Swept Frequency
• Pitch Catch Testing Impulse
• Practical applications
• Defect sizing
• Selection of method
• Other bond testing methods and latest technology

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of bond testing.
2. List the main methods of bond testing.
3. Describe the cause and effect of various types of mechanical bond testing.
4. Describe the operational steps required to carry out a bond test in each of the main methods.
5. Perform a bond test in each of the main methods.
6. Interpret and evaluate the test results.
7. Locate defects in various composite structures with a high probability of detection.

Note: This course is targeted at students who have previous experience in ultrasonic inspection of aircraft structure. Although previous knowledge in Ultrasonic inspection is not essential, Aerospace Inspection Training are able to provide a 2 day introduction course covering ultrasonic theory in preparation for this course.

Course Description

This 80 hour course covers analogue and phase analysis principles and the detection of surface and subsurface flaws, cracks and corrosion. It is fully supported by 50 per cent practical sessions and lectures on the latest developments.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology
• Basic principles of eddy currents
• Factors affecting eddy currents
• Coils and probe design
• Practical eddy currents
• Electrical theory
• Basic test set circuits
• Phase analysis
• Practical impedance plane analysis
• The writing of reports and development of procedures
• Modulation analysis
• Bolt and fastener hole inspection using rotating probe equipment
• Latest developments in eddy current technology

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of the eddy current test method.
2. List several applications of the eddy current test method.
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the eddy current test method.
4. Describe the cause and effect of various types of discontinuities.
5. Describe the operational steps in the eddy current test and understand the importance of each step following a written procedure.
6. Interpret and evaluate the test results with respect to the applicable standards.
7. Complete the required test reports, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction (Procedure).
8. Locate defects in various aircraft materials, components and structures with a high probability of detection.
9. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

Only Available On Request

This 16 hour course is designed for manufacturers, service organisations and overhaul agencies who require their technicians or engineers to be trained in the process of Etch Inspection. The course includes all common applications of etch inspection to Nickel Base and Titanium Alloys and Surface Temper. Applications of both chemical and electrochemical processes are included.

Safety practices are emphasised in this course which meets the needs of all known qualification and certification programs at Level II, and includes 50 per cent hands-on etch inspection and interpretation of results for defective and good specimens.

Course Content

The course shall include, but not be limited to :

• Grain formation theory
• Chemical etch theory
• Electro chemical etch theory
• Nickel base alloy anodic etch
• Titanium etch anodisation
• Surface temper etch
• Surface temper inspection
• Etch process practical
• Etch result interpretation
• Types of discontinuities discernible in materials
• Acceptable standards

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental processes of etch inspection for grain determination, discontinuity evaluation and the detection of grinding abuse.
2. Carry out examination of specimens of all types following grinding to detect grinding abuse.
3. Control chemical etch processes to maintain correct etch.
4. Recognise different discontinuities which may be revealed by etch inspection.
5. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

The eight day, 64 hour training course includes both theoretical and practical applications of thermographic inspection for a wide range of aircraft and aerospace components and structures with lectures on the latest industrial developments.

It is fully supported by 50 per cent practical sessions principally concentrating on the detection of water ingress within aerospace components.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology Basic principles of thermography The thermographic camera
• Thermal science
• Heat transfer modes
• Radiation heat transfer
• Thermal image interpretation
• Thermal image analysis
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Factors influencing emissivity
• Measuring emissivity
• Camera calibration
• Thermographic laws and formulae

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the basic principles of the thermographic test method.
2. List several applications of the thermographic test method.
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the thermographic test method.
4. Understand basic and intermediate thermodynamic principles
5. Describe the operational steps in the thermographic inspection and understand the importance of each step following a written instruction.
6. Compensate for atmospheric conditions necessary for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
7. Interpret and evaluate the thermogram with respect to the applicable specifications.
8. Complete the required test reports, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction.
9. Locate ingress of water and geometrical differences in various aircraft structures with a high probability of detection.
10. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

This is a 24 hour introductory seminar on non-destructive testing for engineers, auditors, managers, quality assurance personnel, or newcomers to NDT technology, who require an in-depth introduction to the subject. The seminar identifies the practical and management aspects of non-destructive testing.

The advantages and limitations of each main method are described with practical demonstrations and hands-on sessions to enable the student to objectively understand each method’s reliance on the inspecting technician. NDT reliability is discussed, together with international personnel certification.

Course Content

• Introduction to NDT
• History and development of NDT
• Personnel considerations – certification, the future; a common system
• Discontinuities
• Visual testing
• Penetrant testing
• Magnetic Particle testing
• Radiographic testing
• Ultrasonic testing
• Eddy Current testing
• Other NDT methods
• Human factors : NDT reliability and probability of detection (POD)
• Glossary of NDT terms

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Have an understanding of international personnel certification systems.
2. Recognise the advantages and limitations of each NDT method.
3. Identify the basic areas of audit by FAA and CAA auditors.
4. Understand the critical human factors effecting probability of detection of defects.
5. Cost effectively manage and co-ordinate the NDT personnel within a technical department.
6. Better plan short term and long term NDT logistic requirements.

Course Description

This 40 hour course covers all theory aspects of the method including field aerosol and production line immersion systems as well as providing 50 per cent practical ‘hands-on’ workshop experience of the various techniques.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology
• Introduction to the liquid penetrant method
  Penetrants, removers and developers
• Pre-testing, cleaning and pre-cleaning, and post-cleaning
• Mechanism, properties and application of penetrant
• Penetrant removal
• Developers
• Inspection and interpretation
• Materials and process control
• Special purpose materials
• Writing of reports, instructions and procedures.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles and theoretical aspects of the liquid penetrant test method.
2. List several applications of the liquid penetrant test method.
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the liquid penetrant test method.
4. Describe the cause and effect of various types of discontinuities.
5. Describe the operational steps in the liquid penetrant test and understand the importance of each step.
6. Perform liquid penetrant examinations with both contrast and fluorescent penetrant, following a written procedure.
7. Interpret and evaluate the test results with respect to the applicable standards.
8. Complete the required test reports, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction (Procedure).
9. Locate defects in various aircraft materials, components and structures with a high probability of detection.
10. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

This 40 hour course covers all theory aspects of the method and provides 50 per cent practical ‘hands-on’ workshop experience of the various techniques.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology
• Introduction to magnetic particle inspection
• Magnetising ferromagnetic materials
• Method of magnetisation
• Detecting media
• Equipment used for magnetic particle inspection
• Demagnetisation
• Practical procedures
• Interpretation of indications
• Assessing amperage
• The writing of reports and development of procedures

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles and theoretical aspects of the magnetic particle test method
2. List several applications of the magnetic particle test method
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the magnetic particle test method
4. Describe the cause and effect of various types of discontinuities
5. Describe the operational steps in the magnetic particle test method and understand the importance of each step
6. Perform a magnetic particle test method following a written procedure
7. Interpret and evaluate the test results with respect to the applicable standards
8. Complete the required test reports, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction (Procedure)
9. Locate defects in various aircraft materials, components and structures with a high probability of detection
10. Pass the end of course test

Course Description

This 40 hour seminar is a comprehensive source of the metallurgy necessary for use by personnel involved in designing, using, or evaluating nondestructive testing of aerospace products, materials and structures. The syllabus has been kept general in order to retain technical value but is broad enough to include all phases of the aerospace manufacturing industry and most of the materials used, together with information on in-service defects and their source.

The depth of training has intentionally been kept low so that airline and manufacturing NDT personnel, without a great amount of formal education, will develop understanding of the material. Ideally, participants will already have a knowledge of NDT. Wherever practical, mention and demonstration is made of NDT methods that might be suitable for the type of defect under consideration and their limitations.

This course is also suitable for students intending to take ASNT Level III or PCN Level 3 examinations as it covers the Materials and Processes portion of the Basic exam.

Course Content

• Introduction
  Materials and Processes
  Iron and Steel Production
  Grain Size
  Ingot Casting
  Recrystallisation of Grain Structures
  Metal Forming
  Welding
  Casting
  Other Secondary Processes

• Discontinuities and Defects
  Definitions
  Inherent Discontinuities
  Processing Discontinuities
  Secondary Processing
  Further Processing Discontinuities
  In-service Discontinuities

• Aircraft Related Materials Science
  Introduction to Metallic Structures
  Structures of Metals
  Strengthening of Metals
  Precipitation Hardening
  Fracture Life Prediction
  Fatigue
  Environmental Cracking
  Electro-chemical Corrosion
  Surface Hardening of Steels
  The Selection of a Metal

• Airframe Materials
  Aluminium Alloys
  Magnesium alloys
  Hardness Testing
  Carbon Steels
  Maraging Steels
  Stainless Steels
  Steels for Use at Elevated Temperature
  Metals for 500-1150 Degrees Celsius (Superalloys)
  Non-ferrous Heat Treatment

• Airframe Materials
  Titanium Alloys
  Non Metals
  Adhesives in Aircraft Structures
  Sandwich and Honeycomb Structures
  Fibre Reinforced Plastic

• NDT Capabilities and Limitations
  Introduction
  Performance Criteria Breakdown
  Summary
  Purpose
  Mode of Presentation
  Non-destructive Evaluation Technique Catalogue

Course Description

The Workshop covers Refresher Training for individuals wishing to take:

• Employer Based recertification examinations at Level II
• Corporate Employer Based examinations or ASNT Central Certification examinations at Level III
• PCN Examinations at Level 3

Course Content

Subjects covered are:

• Penetrant
• Magnetic Particle
• Eddy Current
• Ultrasonic
• Radiography
• Visual

For the ASNT Level III Basic:

• The Documents SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP189 and Code of Ethics
• Materials and processes
• An overview of all methods, including:
  Thermal/Infra-red
  Leak Detection
  Neutron Radiography
  Acoustic Emission

For the PCN Level 3 Basic and Part C3:

• The Document PCN
• General Materials and processes
• Overview of the NDT methods for PCN Basic Part B
• Procedure Writing and key processes

Subjects may be reviewed in an order mutually agreeable to the participant and the instructor for the Workshop.

Participants are grouped by NDT Method and work at their own pace doing practice examinations under the constant supervision of a Level III (3) instructor. Student problems are addressed as they occur.

Learning Objectives

1. The objective of the Level II Workshop is to optimise preparation of the participant for employer based re-certification examinations at Level II by identification of weaknesses.
2. Although we may recommend the number of days according to the method, our aim is to meet the requirements of the individual participant.
3. The objective of the Level III (3) Workshop is to prepare the participant for Employed Based Corporate Level III, ASNT Level III, and PCN Level 3 examinations or renewals by concentration of work in weak areas. Again we may recommend the number of days according to the method and type of examination being taken, but our aim is to meet the requirements of the individual participant.
4. The Level III Workshop is for Level II inspectors who meet the experience requirements to take Level III examinations.
5. It is stressed that this is a refresher course and should additional training be required prior to Level III examinations, it is recommended that the participant attend all or part of the Level II courses detailed in this brochure.

Course Description

A specialised 40 hour course for developing skills in the art and science of evaluating radiographs. The first 16 hours will cover radiographic inspection processing and all of the varying parameters that contribute to the final radiographic image quality.

The remaining 24 hours will provide information on the film interpreter’s role and capability, paying particular attention to the practical interpretation of radiographs (12 hours ‘hands-on’). The practical session radiographs are concentrated towards the product technology of the participant.

Course Content

Days 1 and 2

• Exposure variables
• Practical exercises on exposure
• Processing variables
• Practical exercises on processing
• Contrast. Definition

Days 3 to 5

• Fundamentals : specifying non-destructive tests
• Standards, codes and specifications
• Visual acuity
• Radiographic viewing conditions and equipment
• Densitometers
• Radiographic interpretation reporting
• Conclusion

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Understand the basic principles of the radiographic inspection procedure.
2. Understand the radiographic film processing procedures.
3. Recognise limitations in exposure quality.
4. Understand potential causes of processing artefacts.
5. Assess radiographic quality.
6. Understand viewing condition requirements.
7. Interpret radiographic codes and specifications.
8. Write reports based on code requirements.
9. Understand origins of defects.
10. Locate and recognise radiographic images of defects with a high probability of detection.
11. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

This 80 hour course covers both X and Gamma Radiography with an equal balance of theory and practical sessions.

As well as working through their own supervised practical exercises, students will receive full instruction on darkroom procedures and radiographic interpretation.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology
• Introduction to radiography
• Photographic aspects
• Sensitometry
• Production of x-rays
• Factors governing exposure
• Factors affecting sensitivity
• Health physics
• Gamma rays
• Applied radiography
• Film interpretation
• The writing of reports and development of procedures
• Other methods of radiography and latest developments

(This course does not cover PCN Level 2 Safety Endorsement, or PCN Level 2 Interpretation of Radiographs). Please see separate course outlines.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of the radiography test method.
2. List several applications of the radiography test method.
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the radiography test method.
4. Describe the cause and effect of various types of discontinuities.
5. Describe the operational steps in the radiography test method and understand the importance of each step.
6. Perform a radiographic examination, following a written procedure.
7. Manually process film for high contrast and resolution.
8. Interpret and evaluate the test results with respect to the applicable standards.
9. Have an overview of the safety precautions necessary when using ionising radiation.
10. Have an overview of film interpretation.
11. Complete the required test report, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction (Procedure).
12. Locate defects in various aircraft materials, components and structures with a high probability of detection.
13. Pass the end of course test.

Course Description

This 5-day course provides an introduction to the theory and operation of Phased Array Ultrasonics using either the Olympus Omniscan or Sonatest Veo series of phased array flaw detectors. It is fully supported by 50% practical sessions.

Students are encouraged to practice on their own supplied samples in addition to the range of components held by Aerospace Inspection Training

Course Content

• Phased Array probe theory
• Probe characteristics
• Scan modes
• Introduction to digital equipment
• Analog to digital conversion
• Nyquist limit and sampling
• Delay laws
• Focal laws
• Beam steering, forming and focussing
• Practical application in aerospace aluminium, steel and composite components
• The Boeing Scribeline inspection
• The Airbus A320 rear spar/trailing edge corrosion inspection using the Sonatest WheelProbe

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the basic principles of phased array ultrasonic theory
2. List the main techniques of phased array ultrasonics
3. Set up the phased array ultrasonic flaw detector for simple inspections
4. Interpret and evaluate the test results
5. Locate defects in composite and metal structures with a high probability of detection

Note: This course is targeted at students who have previous experience in ultrasonic inspection of aircraft structure and have had Level 2 EN4179/NAS410 or PCN Aero ultrasonic training.

Aerospace Inspection Training are able to provide a 10 day course covering ultrasonic theory and practical application in preparation for this course.

Course Description

This 80 hour course covers all theoretical aspects of the ultrasonic method including application skills, defect sizing, immersion techniques and calibration. It is supported by providing 50 per cent practical sessions and lectures on the latest developments.

Course Content

• Aerospace product technology
• Introduction to ultrasonic inspection
• Generation and detection of ultrasonic energy
• Propagation of ultrasonic waves in material
• Sound distribution from crystals
• Behaviour of ultrasound at materials interfaces
• Probe design operating frequency and identification
• Ultrasonic flaw detector principles
• Practical applications
• Immersion techniques
• Defect sizing
• The writing of reports and development of procedures
• Calibration and performance checking of equipment
• Other ultrasonic testing methods and latest developments

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this seminar the student should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of the ultrasonic test method.
2. List several applications of the ultrasonic test method.
3. List the types of discontinuities detected with the ultrasonic test method.
4. Describe the cause and effect of various types of discontinuities.
5. Describe the operational steps in the ultrasonic test method and understand the importance of each step.
6. Perform ultrasonic test method, following a written procedure.
7. Interpret and evaluate the test results with respect to the applicable standards.
8. Complete the required test reports, and prepare a clear and concise written instruction (Procedure).
9. Locate defects in various aircraft materials, components and structures with a high probability of detection.
10. Pass the end of course test.