WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2023 ~ At the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Forum in Denver, Airlines for America (A4A) and SAE International presented the 19th Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Innovation Award to a team of representatives from Structural Monitoring Systems, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp, Delta Air Lines, DR Engineering, Aero X Aviation Services and Delta Engineering. The award was given for their work in furthering the science and efficacy of nondestructive testing.

The team developed the first FAA-approved application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for their Comparative Vacuum Monitor (CVM) sensor technology. This technology is used to detect cracks via inspections on the Gogo (Intelsat) 2Ku wi-fi antenna support structure on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This milestone in SHM and NDT inspection methods will help carriers significantly increase operational efficiency while reducing operating costs.

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The CVM sensors have been installed on more than 20 aircraft operated by Delta Air Lines and can be used to perform an inspection at the gate in an average of 12 minutes as opposed to repositioning aircraft to a hanger to perform a traditional eddy current inspection.

Robert Ireland, A4A Vice President for Safety, Maintenance and Engineering said "A4A congratulates this year's award recipients for the innovation in developing the first FAA-approved SHM inspection method that offers accurate, reliable in-situ monitoring of the structural integrity of the aircraft while also offering a time-saving and affordable alternative to traditional eddy current techniques."

The NDT Forum is celebrating its 64th year with a four-day conference where industry leaders are discussing current trends, issues and successes in NDT methodologies. Presentations are being held on achievements and lessons learned about technologies that help ensure the longevity and safety of aircraft structures by detecting defects well before they can be seen or cause a failure.

The team behind this innovative application has achieved significant process improvements by applying this SHM technology which will benefit airlines around the world.

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