FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 5. Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) | 1. General | 5-7. Types of Inspections
9/8/98
TABLE 5-1. Advantages and disadvantages of NDI methods.
METHOD
ADVANTAGES
VISUAL
DYE PENETRANT
Inexpensive
Highly portable
Immediate results
Minimum training
Minimum part preparation
Portable
Inexpensive
Sensitive to very small discontinuities
30 min. or less to accomplish
Minimum skill required
MAGNETIC
PARTICLE
Can be portable
Inexpensive
Sensitive to small discontinuities
Immediate results
Moderate skill required
Detects surface and subsurface discontinuities
Relatively fast
EDDY
CURRENT
ULTRASONIC
X-RAY
RADIOGRAPHY
Portable
Detects surface and subsurface discontinuities
Moderate speed
Immediate results
Sensitive to small discontinuities
Thickness sensitive
Can detect many variables
Portable
Inexpensive
Sensitive to very small discontinuities
Immediate results
Little part preparation
Wide range of materials and thickness can
be inspected
Detects surface and internal flaws
Can inspect hidden areas
Permanent test record obtained
Minimum part preparation
ISOTOPE
RADIOGRAPHY
Portable
Less expensive than X-ray
Detects surface and internal flaws
Can inspect hidden areas
Permanent test record obtained
Minimum part preparation
5-8.5-14. [RESERVED.]
AC 43.13-1B
DISADVANTAGES
Surface discontinuities only
Generally only large discontinuities
Misinterpretation of scratches
Locate surface defects only
Rough or porous surfaces interfere with test
Part preparation required
(removal of finishes and sealant, etc.)
High degree of cleanliness required
Direct visual detection of results required
Surface must be accessible
Rough surfaces interfere with test
Part preparation required
(removal of finishes and sealant, etc.)
Semi-directional requiring general
orientation of field to discontinuity
Ferro-magnetic materials only
Part must be demagnetized after test.
Surface must be accessible to probe
Rough surfaces interfere with test
Electrically conductive materials
Skill and training required
Time consuming for large areas
Surface must be accessible to probe
Rough surfaces interfere with test
Highly sensitive to sound beam -
discontinuity orientation
High degree of skill required to set up and
interpret
Couplant usually required
Safety hazard
Very expensive (slow process)
Highly directional, sensitive to flaw orientation
High degree of skill and experience required for
exposure and interpretation
Depth of discontinuity not indicated
Safety hazard
Must conform to Federal and State regulations for
handling and use
Highly directional, sensitive to flaw orientation
High degree of skill and experience required for
exposure and interpretation
Depth of discontinuity not indicated
Par 5-7
Page 5-7 (and 5-8)