During my career, the NDI (Non-Destructive Inspection) AFSC changed at least
2 or 3 different times (the numerical rating).... why?... don't know, it was AF.
While in SEA (73-75), the AFSC was 53650.
Our primary objective was to check materials (metals and non-metallic) for
cracks, corrosion, discontinuities, etc. At Korat, this entailed some (very
small %-wise) in-shop work, but most was flightline related. At Udorn, the
biggest job for us due to the F4's, was radiographing the intake vari-ramps
(sp?) for FOD, and running SOAP (Spectrometric Oil Analysis Program)samples.
This method utilized atomic absorption techniques of a small oil sample from the
engines to determine which components were wearing down at unacceptable rates. A
"peak" of a specific metal, or two or more in conjunction with one
another, would determine "which" engine component was wearing
excessively. This made engine maintenance much easier to get to the precise
part(s). If any of the troops remember seeing "red flashing beacons"
w/ the circular Radiaton logo on it, that would have been us. All F4's leaving
ANY maintenance, had to come to the Mary Pad (at Udorn) for FOD inspection,
before going to engine run-up. Needless to say, 90% of our time was x-raying the
intakes. Perhaps the other 10% was inspecting the "wing-fold locking
lugs" by using fluorescent dye penetrant inspection (when they were made of
Aluminum, before phasing out for steel-constructed components). Some of the old
timers may remember the days before the "green dye", when many local
shops were doing their own inspecting w/ the "red visible dye"
inspection technique. Red dye was strictly limited to non-aircraft components
only, due to it's corrosive properties. Only one aircraft in the inventory was
"allowed" to use this method. Having to maintain the radiographic film
under "specific" climatic conditions, the air-conditioned darkroom and
shop was a very popular place for FMS types while in SEA.
Hope this covered what you need Larry.
In Brotherhood......... Bzaza
Dennis R. Browne, TSgt (Ret) USAF 11/68-7/89
Korat 388th FMS NDI 7/73-11/73...Udorn 432nd FMS NDI 11/74-8/75
Proud Member [# 405] of TLC-Brotherhood
Life Member of AMVETS-DAV-JWV-NVOA ...
Member of American Legion-TREA
BROOKLYN: 2421 Miles -->
<-- UDORN: 7175 Miles