Aircraft X-rays reveal similarity to medical applications Published Dec. 11, 2006 By Frank McIntyre Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- What does an aircraft nondestructive testing laboratory, or NDI, have in common with hospital radiology class that would bring the two together? The answer is X-ray technology and how it can aid in mending broken aircraft as well as broken bones. A recent visit to the NDI shop on Vance AFB by the Autry Tech students provided them an opportunity to see how the technology they are studying is used in an industrial setting. "The class was very impressed with the way X-ray technology was applied to finding damage to aircraft parts," class instructor Sharon Johnson said. "The genuine interest the DynCorp staff showed in the students made them feel most welcome." The students were hosted during the touring by aircraft component repair supervisor Brian Rochester, sheet metal lead technician Mike Kitterman, NDI lead technician Bud Durheim and sheet metal specialist Jimmy Bell. "We showed them how our sheet metal shop views the X-ray film to detect water entrapment and cracks inside of aircraft parts," Mr. Rochester said. "Then we followed the cycle the defective part takes to the sheet metal shop where the part is heated to remove moisture. Then the part is returned for additional X-rays to ensure it had been fixed correctly and the moisture removed." "Everything we do here is similar to what an X-ray would do for a human," said Mr. Rochester. "We X-ray aircraft similar to the way a hospital lab X-rays patients to find damage to bones and other internal body areas. Then we evaluate the radiographic film to find defects." During the visit the students learned what type of X-ray film and paper the NDI lab uses, the type of equipment involved, hazards associated with the process and how the technicians are protected. "This trip showed us an aspect of the field we weren't really aware of before," class president Ted Bellman said. "It showed us another other avenues to pursue in addition to health-related radiology. It'd be great if this was made a regular part of our curriculum." Students taking the tour are currently enrolled in a 24-month radiography program at the Autry campus in Enid.