Industry Insights

A4A Brings Together Safety Experts, Engineers in Nashville for the 65th NDT Forum

October 11, 2024

Airline engineers from around the world gathered with equipment designers, technicians, vendors, regulatory authorities, aircraft engineers and manufacturers at the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Forum, which was held Sept. 16-19 in Nashville.

This annual meeting provides participants with a premier opportunity to join experts and leaders among carriers and aircraft maintenance providers to discuss the latest advances and successes in safety inspection techniques that feature NDT methods.

This year’s forum included presentations from more than two dozen speakers and featured panel discussions addressing NDT workforce development, as well as unique challenges facing maintenance, repair and operations (MRO).

The three-day event marked the 65th convening of the group, extending a decades-long tradition of reinforcing and enhancing proven safety practices in routine aircraft maintenance.

NDT techniques help ensure the longevity and safety of aircraft structures by detecting defects well before they become visible or pose safety risks.

One example of a new approach highlighted at the event is the NDT Tracker app, this year’s recipient of the NDT Innovation Award—sponsored by A4A and SAE International. Now in its 20th year, this special recognition celebrates the efforts of private and public engineering teams advancing NDT innovation and improving safety.

This year’s award went to a joint team from Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. They developed the NDT Tracker app to reduce inspection times and enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Cybernet Systems Research Engineer Kevin Tang shared details about the app in his presentation to participants and provided demonstrations of the tool in the exhibit space.

Tang credited the aviation-related event with connecting his team to the engineering and airline industry talent necessary to launch their app.

A4A is proud to lead the sharing of knowledge and methods that help aircraft maintenance engineers and personnel continue to meet and exceed the highest standards of safety. We look forward to welcoming participants back to the next NDT Forum — location to be announced soon.