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Aircraft Nondestructive Inspection Technician Overview
 
Aircraft Nondestructive Inspection Technician Overview

The Aviation Non-Destructive Inspection Technician works for a regional or national air carrier, an approved maintenance organization (AMO), or an approved NDI maintenance organization, performs specific inspections of aircraft structures, engines and components, to determine serviceability in accordance with applicable codes, specifications and standards for the following: liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonics and radiography.  In addition, specialty inspections such as acoustic emissions, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography can be performed.

The non-destructive inspection technician works not only with other non-destructive inspection technicians but also with other airline trades, including structural repair technicians, gas turbine repair and overhaul technicians, welders, machinists, mechanical technicians, electrical technicians, maintenance technicians, avionics technicians, interior refinishers, electroplaters, painters and reciprocating engine and propeller technicians.

The non-destructive inspection technician does not certify the airworthiness of the aircraft but does certify the serviceability of tested parts under the AMO authority and documents inspections performed and the disposition of parts.

The NDI technician may employ other methods that can determine the acceptability or suitability for intended service of a material, part, component, subsystem, or system. New methods may be addressed by the National Standing Trade Advisory Committee. 

Certification Requirements 

To qualify for certification with CAMC, the applicant must possess the necessary knowledge and skills and have performed the specified mandatory tasks.  Also, the applicant must have acquired the minimum required work experience to qualify for the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) Level II for each method for which he/she is seeking certification.

CAMC will apply credit for completion of a CAMC-accredited Aircraft Nondestructive Inspection Technician course as part of the minimum requirements on a month-by-month basis.

Following are the three (3) categories under which an applicant who is seeking certification with CAMC may qualify, and the required elements that must be completed in addition to the requirements identified above.

1 - Any technician who is CGSB Level II and working in an AMO must have an approved evaluator sign all sub-tasks pertinent to the method for which he/she is seeking qualification; 

2 - A technician who is CGSB Level II (non aircraft) must have an approved evaluator sign the following sub-tasks for the method for which he/she is seeking qualification:

a)     Task 6.0 – Sub-tasks: 6.08, 6.10, 6.11 & 6.13

b)     Task 7.0 – Sub-tasks: 7.08, 7.11, 7.12 & 7.14

c)      Task 8.0 – Sub-tasks: 8.05, 8.08, 8.09, 8.11, 8.12 & 8.14

d)     Task 9.0 – Sub-tasks: 9.10, 9.12, 9.13 & 9.15

e)     Task 10.0 – Sub-tasks: 10.12, 10.14, 10.15 & 10.17 

3 – An aircraft technician with no NDI experience &/or a student must have an approved evaluator sign all sub-tasks for the method for which he/she is seeking qualification. 

There are five (5) methods applicable to this occupation, they are as follows:

  • Liquid Penetrant
  • Magnetic Particle
  • Eddy Current
  • Ultrasonics
  • Radiography 

The tasks in the logbook were made as generic as possible to accommodate the largest amount of work environments and equipment/tools but do not necessarily cover all tasks performed by individuals.   

Evaluator Instructions 

An Evaluator is an aviation practitioner with experience in the same occupation as the applicant seeking registration; who can attest that the applicant has accomplished the required tasks competently.

Evaluators are appointed by the Council based on recommendations by the applicant’s employer. To nominate an individual for evaluator status, the employer must forward a formal letter of nomination to the CAMC Registrar, along with a completed Evaluator Data Form. A resume outlining the individual’s background and experience in the occupation is also required. Individuals approved by the Council to act as evaluators receive a copy of the national occupational standard as well as a certificate and wallet card confirming their status as an evaluator.

The duties of the evaluator include:

  • Supervising the applicant performing the task/subtask.
  • Filling in the appropriate Evaluator Data Sheet in the logbook.
  • Attesting that the applicant has completed each task/subtask in a satisfactory manner and in compliance with the current standards including:
    • Meeting the appropriate knowledge requirements
      for the level of certification;
    • electing and properly using the correct tools;
    • Performing the task without supervision;
    • Completing all necessary documentation.

The evaluator is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets all of the requirements for certification, including training, experience and knowledge requirement levels to carry out the mandatory tasks and sub-tasks. Any supporting documentation that can attest to the candidates work experience and education (e.g., certificates, diplomas, letter of employment) should be included.Tasks Common to Most Aircraft Nondestructive Inspection Technician

(note that sub-tasks for each task are not shown below) 

Block A — Safety
Task 1 - Demonstrates Safe Working Practices and Techniques   

Block B — Pre-Inspection and Quality Control
Task 2 - Prepares Parts, Components and Assemblies for Inspections
Task 3 – Develops Inspection Techniques and Procedures
Task 4 – Performs Quality Control Checks of Instrumentation and Materials
Task 5 – Performs Visual and Assisted Visual Inspections 

Block C — Nondestructive Inspections
Task 6 – Performs Liquid Penetrant Inspection
Task 7 – Performs Magnetic Particle Inspection
Task 8 – Performs Eddy Current Inspection
Task 9 – Performs Ultrasonic Inspection
Task 10 – Performs Radiographic Inspection  

Block D — Specialized Nondestruction Inspections
Task 11 – Performs Specialty Inspections