In production, every aircraft structure component will undergo inspection by one of the primary NDT methods. In-service aircraft will experience subsequent nondestructive testing, eddy current inspection being one the primary methods. This article serves to highlight the more common forms of eddy current applications on in-service aircraft.

Mike Terrell is the quality assurance manager at B&B Airparts Inc., a machine shop that specializes in manufacturing high precision parts for aerospace OEMs. B&B Airparts Inc. has been in business for over twenty years, offering machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly capabilities.

For nearly 85 years, quality professionals have used SPC to monitor, control, and improve their manufacturing processes. Using statistical tools to detect variability before a sub-standard part can be produced—and thus, reduce scrap, downtime, and rework costs—began in the mid-1920s with handwritten control charts.