Greetings of the day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of introducing a distinguished expert in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Mr. Uğur KILIÇ. With an impressive career spanning 28 years as an NDT technician in the Air Force, and an additional 4 years dedicated to teaching in the Turkish Air Force, Mr. KILIÇ brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.
Mr. KILIÇ holds LEVEL 2 certifications in Penetrant Inspection, Ultrasonic Inspection, Radiography Inspection, Magnetic Inspection, and Eddy Current Inspection as per the EN 4179 standard. He also holds LEVEL 3 certification in Ultrasonic, Magnetic, Eddy Current, and Visual Inspection according to the ISO EN 9712 standard. His extensive experience includes not only hands-on NDT work but also teaching and developing training materials, exam content, and visual aids essential for the Air Force’s NDT needs.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. KILIÇ is passionate about Photoshop and graphic design, skills that have proven invaluable in creating effective training materials. He approaches his work with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to technical accuracy, fostering a collaborative and appreciative work environment.
Join us as Mr. KILIÇ shares his insights and experiences in the ever-evolving field of NDT.
Hello, Uğur KILIÇ. Greetings of the day. Can you introduce yourself to our wonderful audience?
For 28 years, I worked as a Non Destructive Testing (NDT) technician in the Air Force. In the last 4 years, I worked as an NDT teacher in the Turkish Air Force. According to EN 4179 standard, I have LEVEL 2 certificates in Penetrant Inspection, Ultrasonic Inspection, Radiography Inspection, Magnetic Inspection and Eddy Current Inspection. According to ISO EN 9712 standard, I have LEVEL 3 certificate in the field of Ultrasonic, Magnetic, Eddy Current and Visual Inspection. Since I am a teacher in the Air Force, I have been a teacher in LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 courses and a proctor with LEVEL 3 authorization responsible for their exams. I personally participated in the preparation of books, visual materials, exam materials and questions in line with the needs of the Air Force on NDT. I retired in March 2023. In October 2023, I established my own company called "NDTLevel". In my company, I provide Nondestructive Testing services, private NDT trainings and NDT certification bodies in the positions of trainer and examiner. I am interested in Photoshop and graphic design. I like to do business in an organized and procedural manner. I completed my works in the Air Force by taking reference information from technical books in English, examining technical drawings and filling out the necessary forms at the end of the work. I have worked partially in management, administrative affairs, supply, technical library and teaching duties in the positions required by my rank. I attach importance to the technical, proper and proper execution of the work done. In the working environment, I try to impose a unifying attitude and the belief that every staff member is very valuable on my teammates.
… that’s amazing. Could you tell us how you got started in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and what initially attracted you to this field?
I had no knowledge in the field of NDT until I joined the air force. After I was selected for the NDT department in the air force, I obtained my training and experience in the air force.
… with almost three decades of experience in NDT, what are some of the most notable changes or advancements you've seen in the industry?
When we first started in the NDT sector, our devices were more analog and inadequate. There have been big changes, especially in the field of ultrasonics and radiography. New technological developments have made very much rapid progress in phase array and digital radiography.
… can you explain the different types of inspections you are certified in (Penetrant, Ultrasonic, Radiography, Magnetic, Eddy Current) and how they are applied in the field?
In penetrant and magnetic control, applications are mostly adequate, but there is still a lack of knowledge and lack of use of devices. There is more lack of knowledge and practice in ultrasonic and radiography. I think that trainings in NDT methods are insufficient.
Let’s have a few questions related to the technical aspect…
Mr. Uğur, could you elaborate on the significance of the EN 4179 and ISO EN 9712 standards in the NDT industry?
EN 4179 provides information on NDT training and certification in aviation, ISO EN 9712 provides information on NDT training and certification in industry. Training and certification in accordance with standards improves control quality and provides standardization.
… what does it take to achieve a LEVEL 3 certification in NDT, and what advice would you give to someone aiming for this level?
To get a Level 3 certificate, you have to be level 2 in NDT methods. After completing the minimum working hours specified in the standards, you need to receive training and successfully pass the exams. You also need to have knowledge of all NDT methods, not just one NDT method.
Let’s take a few questions related to your personal life…
… what inspired you to start your own company, NDTLevel, after retiring from the Air Force?
To get a Level 3 certificate, you have to be level 2 in NDT methods. After completing the minimum working hours specified in the standards, you need to receive training and successfully pass the exams. You also need to have knowledge of all NDT methods, not just one NDT method.
… how has your interest in Photoshop and Graphic Design complemented your work in NDT and training?
With my knowledge of graphic design and photoshop, it is easier to prepare training documents.
… Mr. Uğur, what motivated you to transition from being an NDT technician in the Air Force to becoming an NDT teacher in the Turkish Air Force?
I did not make this choice. The Air Force wanted me to be a teacher and assigned me as a teacher. After I became a teacher, document preparation and access to more detailed NDT knowledge improved me more.
… Mr. Uğur, how do you unwind yourself? How do you like to spend your me-time?
With my knowledge of Photoshop and graphic design, I make souvenirs. Plaque, writing on glass. My work examples are below
… looking back on your extensive career, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
I am happy to have contributed a lot to both the air force and the industrial sector in preparing illustrative materials for NDT training.
… what key advice would you give to someone just starting their career in NDT?
They should care about both knowledge and experience without underestimating NDT work. They follow technological developments.
… what do you see as the future trends or innovations in NDT, and how do you plan to incorporate them into your business?
I think artificial intelligence will contribute a lot to the NDT sector. I think there will be great developments, especially in radiography imaging systems. We need to be ready for the digital world.
… finally, what are your thoughts on OnestopNDT? Do you think our efforts to provide real, authentic and accurate content are helping the industry? Also, do you think our platform helps the community connect with like-minded people?
I think OnestopNDT is doing useful work in conveying the right information to the sector, uniting the sector, training, and finding a job.
