SAE International and Airlines for America (A4A) recently presented an award in recognition of efforts for furthering the efficacy and science of nondestructive testing to a team of researchers from Sandia National Laboratories, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delta Airlines, NORDAM, and NDT Solutions.
The FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center convened industry experts from equipment manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, and Bombardier, as well as airlines, and other industry stakeholders to develop improved training curricula for inspectors. The effort assures better training and incorporates physical specimens for hands-on experience.
The annual Better Way Award recipients include Russell Jones and David Westlund of the FAA; John Bohler, Robert Hager and Alexander Melton of Delta; Stephen Neidigk, Tom Rice and Dennis Roach of Sandia; Daryl Graham and Jeff Harper of NORDAM; and Larry Culbertson of NDT Solutions.
“A4A congratulates this year’s winning team for their innovative approach toward improving aircraft inspector training, while further strengthening the U.S. airline industry’s world-class aviation safety record,” said Billy Nolan, senior vice president of Safety, Security and Operations at A4A.
The award reflects the industry’s commitment to utilizing the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation through all phases of flight to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for 2.2 million customers flying on U.S. airlines every day, he added.
The awards were presented at A4A’s Nondestructive Testing Forum held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The forum features a series of presentations on technology achievements that help to ensure the safety of aircraft by detecting weaknesses before they can cause a failure. For 2017, featured topics included composite structures, additive manufacturing and new repair methods for older aircraft.