JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
People are encouraged to get annual health checks to reinforce
building a long, healthy life. For the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, those
“health checks” are completed each day they fly.
The fifth generation fighter jet’s health is kept up to par
thanks to the help of the nondestructive inspection team at Joint Base
Langley-Eustis. They are responsible for detecting signs of abnormalities in
parts and aerospace ground equipment, related to the F-22 to prevent any
mishaps with the jets.
“Everything we do is a process; we make sure the aircraft is
good to fly,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. MaQuell Allen, 1st Maintenance
Squadron NDI NCO in charge. “A small fatigue crack could turn into a
catastrophic failure.”
Like doctors, NDI technicians have many different methods
they use to test and diagnose a potential problem.
According to Master Sgt. Nadine DelPalacio, 1st MXS NDI
section chief, NDI technicians evaluate aircraft and look for actual wear metal
breakdown disruptions in advanced composites of aircraft and the correct electrical
currents in parts.
If any abnormalities are found, the component in question is
sent to the center that owns the part to let them know about any problems. For
example, if a crew chief takes a part to NDI for inspection and something is
found, NDI informs that said crew chief. The part may then require further
inspection and ultimately be sent for repair.
According to DelPalacio, finding those problems is a science
her team must understand the theory behind in order to prevent potential aerial
catastrophes. Anyone can dip a part into liquid or run oil for analysis, but
the important thing to her is that they are able to see what the results
looking back at them say.
“With the skill level we have inspecting our jets, were
definitely helping the longevity of the aircraft,” said DelPalacio. “We’re
making sure it’s safe and that the structural integrity is intact so we can go
out there and fly those missions.”
Ultimately, the most important factor in finding any issues
with the jet is pilot safety. “We want to make sure the correct data is being sent
with the aircraft,” said DelPalacio. “The big thing is making sure that the aircraft
(are sound) and capable of flying, and getting to the mission safely.”
For the 1st Fighter Wing, NDI’s mission is far-reaching as
their Raptors not only push the limit in every day training at JBLE, but they
also breached the fight in the Middle East and produce a continuous show of
force world-wide.