Behind the high tempo of flight training operations at Luke Air Force Base, Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) Airmen play a critical role in ensuring aircraft safety and mission readiness at the 56th Fighter Wing. Operating largely behind the scenes, these specialists examine aircraft components for cracks, corrosion, fatigue and other hidden structural defects without damaging the parts.
Non-Destructive Inspection is a highly specialised maintenance discipline that relies on advanced inspection technologies rather than disassembly or destructive testing. NDI Airmen evaluate the structural integrity of metals and composite materials, detecting flaws often invisible to the naked eye. Their work directly supports sortie generation and pilot training operations at Luke AFB.
The wing’s fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft is subjected to repeated takeoffs, landings and high-performance manoeuvres during daily training. Routine and specialised inspections conducted by NDI Airmen identify early signs of structural fatigue before they develop into major safety risks.
“We’re essentially plane doctors,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ahmad May, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection journeyman. “The things we detect, you can't see with a human eye. Knowing my job is trusted to decide whether a jet does or doesn’t take off makes me proud to be NDI.”
NDI technicians operate in both laboratory environments and on the flight line, and their findings influence critical maintenance decisions across the wing. A single inspection can determine whether an aircraft returns to service or requires further repair, directly impacting training schedules and operational capability.
Beyond daily inspections, NDI Airmen contribute to long-term aircraft sustainment by identifying defect trends and preventing recurring issues. Their work improves aircraft reliability, reduces the risk of in-flight emergencies, protects aircrew and safeguards multimillion-dollar assets.
“A lot of people may not know what NDI is, but every time any jet takes off, our inspections help ensure it is safe to fly,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Riley McDonald, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection journeyman. “At the end of the day, it is personal for us. We know there is a pilot strapping into that jet, and we treat every inspection like someone’s life depends on it, because it does.”
As the 56th Fighter Wing continues to advance its F-35 training mission, Non-Destructive Inspection Airmen remain a foundational element of flight safety and operational readiness, ensuring that every aircraft meets the highest technical and accountability standards before taking to the skies.
