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surface to be inspected.
• POST INSPECTION CLEANING - After completion of the fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection, the inspection
areas must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the developer coating and any remaining traces of the penetrant.
2. Magnetic Particle Inspection
A. Personnel
Personnel performing the inspections called out in this manual must meet the requirements as stated in the Introduction Section
of this manual.
B. Processes
(1) Magnetic particle inspection is a method for locating surface and subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials
(i.e. materials capable of being magnetized); consequently, non ferromagnetic materials (such as aluminum alloys,
magnesium alloys, copper alloys, lead, titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys such as Inconel and many stainless steel alloys)
cannot be inspected by this method. Magnetic particle inspection is based upon the principle that any discontinuities laying
in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the magnetic field of the part being magnetized for the test will cause
a leakage field to be formed at and above the surface of the part. The presence of the leakage field denoting the
discontinuity is detected by the use of finely divided ferromagnetic particles over the surface of the part. Some of the
particles are magnetically gathered and held by the leakage field to form an outline indicating the location, size, shape and
extent of the discontinuity. In general, magnetic particle inspection utilizes a variety of types of equipment for magnetization
as well as several methods for application of ferromagnetic particles to the test part. Additionally, the ferromagnetic
particles are available in a variety of colors (including fluorescent) and shapes. Magnetic particle inspections required by
this manual can best be accomplished utilizing the wet continuous method on the standard wet-horizontal-type equipment
with either visible or fluorescent magnetic particles suspended in a petroleum-based vehicle (normally kerosene). Since
magnetic particle indications are best obtained when the discontinuity lies in a direction transverse to the magnetic field,
the following procedures are recommended for optimum detection of discontinuities in both bolts and nuts.
WARNING: Improper operation of magnetic particle inspection equipment, because of faulty equipment or by
untrained persons, can jeopardize the airworthiness of parts being inspected. Minute electrical arc
burns caused during the inspection by improper operation of the test equipment can result in
eventual failure of the part.
• Bolts: Inspection of a bolt is accomplished by longitudinal magnetization in a multi-turn low-fill factor coil (i.e. the
inner diameter of the coil greatly exceeds the bolt diameter). For proper magnetization the bolt is positioned close
to the inside coil wall with the bolt length perpendicular to the winding direction. The magnetic particle suspension is
flowed on the bolt and the appropriate current is applied to achieve adequate field strength. Using the described
procedure, laboratory testing has indicated that the ampere turn values listed in Table 201 provide for optimum
detection of discontinuities perpendicular to the bolt axis.
• Nuts: Inspection of a nut is accomplished by circular magnetization on a central conductor (usually a copper rod) the
approximate size of the inside diameter of the nut. For proper magnetization the central conductor bar is inserted
through the nut and the bar is positioned between the heads of the wet horizontal equipment. The magnetic particle
suspension is flowed on the nut and the appropriate current is applied through the central conductor to achieve
adequate field strength. Using the described procedure, laboratory testing has indicated that the amperage values
listed in Table 202 provide for optimum detection of discontinuities parallel to the nut axis.
(2) After magnetic particle inspection, the parts must be carefully demagnetized and cleaned of the ferromagnetic particles.
Carefully check parts for evidence of any possible electric arc burn that may have occurred during the inspection.
Table 201. Magnetic Particle Inspection (Steel Bolts)
Total Bolt Length Including Head To
Bolt Diameter Ampere Turns
Nearest 1/4 Inch
5/8 Inch 2 1/2 Inch 7900
5/8 Inch 2 3/4 Inch 7100
5/8 Inch 3 Inch 6600
3/4 Inch 3 Inch 7900
3/4 Inch 3 1/4 Inch 7400
3/4 Inch 3 1/2 Inch 6700
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
• Instructor
• Auditor
(3) The following are the four levels of NDT Certification:
• Level 1 "Limited"
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
C. Eddy Current General Inspection Procedure
(1) Applicability
This eddy current procedure is for general use for surface inspection to be used in conjunction with specific procedures
contained within this manual, or when an eddy current inspection is warranted, but no other specific inspection procedure
is in effect.
(2) Personnel
Personnel shall be qualified and certified Level 2 or Level 3 in accordance with NAS 410.
(3) Eddy Current Equipment
WARNING: Eddy current equipment must not be operated in areas where combustible gases and vapors are
present.
CAUTION: Eddy current equipment shall not be used in an environment where strong magnetic fields exist,
such as close to large motors, generators, transformers, power lines or welding equipment.
(a) Use the Olympus 500D, Staveley Nortec 19e II, 2000D, Miz 21-B, Phasec 2d or equivalent phase analysis type
equipment.
NOTE: The Olympus 500D was used to establish the procedures in this manual. Only Phase Analysis
Type equipment may be used for inspection.
(4) Probes
(a) Standard shielded absolute surface pencil probe; 1/8 inch, or 1/16 inch diameter, capable of working in the frequency
range of 100 to 500 KHz; straight, 45°, or 90° as applicable for accessibility to the area in which the inspection is to
be performed. Flexible shaft pencil-type probes may be required to gain access to areas requiring inspection.
NOTE: Eddy current diameters for surface inspections shall not exceed 0.125 inch (Ref. Figure 201).
(b) Specialized probes or probes with required characteristics will be identified in the specific procedures.
(c) Eddy current probes and frequencies used for second layer crack detection shall be as specified per specific
procedures.
(5) Reference Standards - Aluminum Standards
(a) Universal Standard NSN 6635-01-092-5129, P/N 7947479-10 or equivalent. Staveley P/N 1920086, NDT Eng. Corp.
P/N SRS-125A, or equivalent with a minimum of a 0.010 inch and 0.020 inch in depth by 0.010 inch maximum width
EDM notch. Staveley P/N 1920086, NDT Eng. Corp. P/N MHS-12-1A-1, or equivalent with a minimum of a 0.020 inch
in depth by 0.010 inch maximum width surface to surface EDM notch in a hole representative of the diameter hole to
be inspected.
(6) Reference Standards - Steel Standards
(a) Universal Standard NRK-3S or equivalent. Staveley P/N NRK-3ST, NDT Eng. Corp. P/N MHS-12-1S-1, or equivalent
with a minimum of a 0.020 inch in depth by 0.010 inch maximum width EDM notch.
(b) Special application reference standards used for specific inspections will be listed in and specified in the specific
procedure.
(7) Surface Preparation
(a) Clean the inspection surface of the component to be inspected with Naphtha (Item 3, Table 208, 91-00-00). Ensure
the inspection surface is free from grease, oil, sealer, loose paint, or any other substance which would prevent an
adequate inspection.
NOTE: Loose paint shall be removed to allow the eddy current probe to remain in constant contact
with the inspection surface.
(b) All holes requiring bolt hole probe inspections shall be honed with a flex hone or equivalent when the signal to noise
ratio is exceeded. All holes that have been honed should have corrosion protection restored in accordance with the
maintenance manual. At a minimum, the hole shall be cleaned with a cotton swab saturated in naphtha (Item 3, Table
208, 91-00-00) to remove contaminates and debris.
(8) Calibration (Standardization)
NOTE: The operator is to have been adequately trained and be familiar with the equipment used before
performing inspections on aircraft. For instructions on how to operate the eddy current instrument
used, refer to the equipment manufacturer's operation manual.
(a) General Requirements:
• Standardization should be verified at least every 30 minutes. If the original sensitivity requirements are not met
following any standardization verification, all inspections accomplished since the last validated standardization
must be re-accomplished.
• The part to be inspected, calibration standard, inspection unit, and probe must be at ambient temperature to
assure that valid test data is obtained.
• The following instrument settings are meant as a guide, for surface probe inspection. Minor adjustments may
be necessary to optimize the setup; however, the sensitivity level shall be achieved.
• For parts inspected in the painted condition, standardization shall be performed with the equivalent thickness
of non-conductive shim.
• If non-conductive shims are required for lift-off compensation, then the shims shall be placed on the reference
standard during phase adjustment, nulling and establishing sensitivity.
(b) Calibration Procedures
1 Adjust the frequency to the frequency called out in the specific procedure. If no frequency is specified, adjust the
frequency to 200 KHz.
2 Adjust instrument settings to those provided in Table 204 for aluminum components and Table 205 for
ferromagnetic component surface inspections.
3 Place the probe on the reference standard at least 0.25 inch away from the EDM notches and press Null.
4 Repeatedly place the probe on and off of the reference standard, at least 0.25 inch away from the EDM notches
and edges, to produce a lift-off curve. Adjust the Phase Angle to produce a horizontal lift-off curve to the left of
the dot null position.
NOTE: When inspecting ferromagnetic steels and using the High Pass filter, the signal
presentation will result in a positive and negative figure eight response.
5 Place the probe on the reference standard at least 0.25 inch away from the EDM notch and press Null. Scan
over 0.020 inch EDM notch. Adjust the vertical and horizontal gain to achieve, at minimum, a 50% FSH signal in
the vertical direction, and 40% signal in the horizontal directions from the 0.020 inch EDM notch (Ref. Figure
202). For ferromagnetic steels, calibrate to obtain a 50% peak-to-peak signal response from the 0.020 inch
depth EDM notch (Ref. Figure 203).
6 Place the probe on the reference standard at least 0.25 inch away from the EDM notch and press Null. Scan
over the 0.010 inch depth EDM notches to verify that a 20% FSH response from the 0.010 inch deep notch (Ref.
Figure 202).
7 COATING LIFT-OFF COMPENSATION: For inspections performed over painted surfaces, effects from lift-off
caused by the paint thickness affect sensitivity and require compensation for the increased lift-off factor. To
compensate, place the appropriate thickness of non-conductive material (plastic shims) between the probe and
standard during the calibration process. To determine the appropriate thickness of non-conductive shim to be
used during calibration, compare the horizontal position of the dot when placed on the standard, to the position
of the dot when placed on the surface to be inspected. The vertical position of the dot is not of a concern, as the
reference standard and the part under test may have different conductivity values. If the horizontal positions are
within 30% Full Screen Width (FSW), then no compensation is required. If the two horizontal positions are further
than 30% FSW apart, place shims of varying thickness between the probe and the reference standard until the
two positions are within 30% FSW (Ref. Figure 204).
minor variations between the component and the material composition of the standard.
(2) Surface Inspection Around Flush Fasteners
(a) Scan around the entire diameter of the fastener twice. Position the probe's coil immediately outside the edge of the
fastener head. Maintaining a constant, yet minimal distance is required to maintain sensitivity to cracks propagating
from the fastener hole. A circle template made of non-conductive material may be utilized for this to be achieved (Ref.
Figure 206). Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected, due to minor variations between the
component and the material composition of the standard.
(3) Surface Inspection Around Protruding Fastener Heads
CAUTION: When Teflon tape is applied to the probe tip to protect from wear and reduce probe drag, it shall be
applied in a manner as not to affect the lateral spacing required to maintain sensitivity to cracks
propagating from the fastener hole.
(a) Scan around the entire diameter of the fastener twice, positioning the probe's coil adjacent to, yet in contact with the
side of the fastener. Using the fastener as a guide, maintain a positive pressure against the fastener head to ensure
constant spacing for sensitivity to be maintained for detection of cracks protruding from the fastener head (Ref.
Figure 207). Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected, due to minor variations between the
component and the material composition of the standard.
(4) Surface Inspection Around Bushings
(a) Scan around the entire diameter of the bushing twice, position the probe's coil immediately outside the edge of the
bushing. Maintaining a constant, yet minimal distance is required to maintain sensitivity to cracks propagating from
the bushing hole. A circle temple or specialized probe guide made of non-conductive material may be utilized for this
to be achieved. Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected due to minor variations between the
component and the material composition of the standard.
(5) Surface Inspection Of Radii
NOTE: The probe must remain perpendicular to the inspection surface.
(a) Scan the radius in both longitudinal and transverse direction while maintaining the probe perpendicular to the
inspection surface (Ref. Figure 208). A scanning index shall be selected to ensure complete coverage of the area to
be inspected, 1/2 coil diameter maximum. Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected, due to
minor variations between the component and the material composition of the standard.
(6) Surface Inspections Spar Flange Surfaces
(a) Scan the surfaces including the edges of the forward, vertical, and aft flanges (Ref. Figure 209). A scanning index
must be selected to ensure complete coverage of the area to be inspected, 1/2 coil diameter maximum. Re-nulling
may be required on the component being inspected, due to minor variations between the component and the material
composition of the standard. Cracks will typically start at a fastener hole and move to the nearest edge.
CAUTION: Special care must be taken by the operator to ensure that the probe's position is perpendicular to
the inspection surface to avoid possible lift-off effects during surface scanning. The ability to hold
the probe in a steady position depends upon the competence and experience of the operator.
(7) Surface Inspection Wing Spar Fittings
(a) Scan the surfaces of the wing spar bathtub fittings, inspect the radius surfaces, flat surfaces, depressions,
counterbore radius (washer-face areas), around the wing bolt bore, and counterbore walls of each wing fitting. Focus
extra attention on the feathered edges, counterbore radius, counterbore walls, and the slot in the center section
fittings. Scan at 0°, 45°, and 90°. A scanning index should be selected to ensure complete coverage of the area to be
inspected, 1/2 coil maximum. Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected due to minor variations
between the component and the material composition of the standard (Ref. Figures 210, 211 and 212).
(b) Scan the forward and aft faces of the exposed lugs and the bolt bore. Pay particular attention to the area around the
wing attach holes. Scan at 0°, 45°, and 90°. A scanning index should be selected to ensure complete coverage of the
area to be inspected, 1/2 coil maximum. Re-nulling may be required on the component being inspected due to minor
variations between the component and the material composition of the standard (Ref. Figures 213).
(8) Surface Inspection of Wing Spar Fittings Using Ideal Speciality Probes
(a) Calibrate in accordance with the CALIBRATION (STANDARDIZATION) procedure using the Ideal Specialty
calibration standard. Ensure Teflon tape is applied to the surface of the probes coil to protect the coil and reduce
probe drag. Slowly rotate the probe through multiple 360° revolutions a minimum of three times for each hole,
counterbore areas and radius areas that are inspected. Re-nulling may be required on the component being
inspected due to minor variations between the component and the material composition of the standard.
(9) Indication Evaluation for Surface Inspection
(a) Any vertical deflection that is distinguishable (separated) from the background noise and not caused by lift-off or part
geometry shall warrant further examination and scanning of the area of interest.
(b) Mark any repeatable crack-like indications equal or greater than 20% vertical deflections above the baseline/null
point. Any repeatable crack-like indication equal or greater than 20% vertical deflections above the baseline/null point
shall be considered a crack and reported via the reporting instructions.
(10) Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
(a) No cracks allowed. If any evidence of cracks or other discrepancies are found, such as small cracks starting from
rivet holes; hairline cracks in spar caps, sheared or deformed rivets, contact Textron Aviation Technical Support for
consultation.
E. Eddy Current Fastener Hole Inspections
(1) Eddy Current Equipment
WARNING: Eddy current equipment must not be operated in areas where combustible gases and vapors are
present.
NOTE: Eddy current equipment shall not be used in an environment where strong magnetic fields exist,
such as close to large motors, generators, transformers, power lines or welding equipment.
(a) Use Olympus 500D, Staveley Nortec 19e ll, 2000D, Miz 21-B, Phasec 2d, or equivalent phase analysis type
equipment.
NOTE: The Olympus Nortec 500D was used to establish the procedures in this manual.
(2) Probes/Scanner
(a) Standard shielded differential/reflection or absolute manual-type bolt hole probes capable of working in the frequency
range of 100KHz to 2MHz.
(b) Automated fastener hole scanner, with reflection/differential probes capable of working in the frequency range of
100KHz to 2MHz of varying diameter sizes may be used. Operation of the scanner shall be in accordance with the
manufacturers' operation manual.
(3) Fastener Hole Reference Standard - Aluminum Standards
(a) Universal Standard NSN 6635-01-092-5129 P/N 7947479-10, or equivalent. Staveley P/N 1920086, NDT Eng. Corp.
(b) Staveley P/N 1920086, NDT Eng. Corp. P/N MHS-12-1A-1 or equivalent with a minimum of a 0.020 inch in depth by
0.010 inch maximum width surface to surface EDM notch in a hole representative of the diameter hole to be
inspected.
(c) Special application reference standards used for specific inspections will be listed in and specified in the specific
procedure.
(4) Steel Standards
(a) Universal Standard NRK-3S or equivalent, Stavey P/N NRK-3ST, NDT Eng. Corp. P/N MHS-12-1S-1, or equivalent
with a minimum of a 0.020 inch in depth by 0.010 inch maximum width EDM notch.
(b) Universal Standard NSN 6635-01-092-5129, P/N 7947479-10, Steel 4340 or equivalent. Stavey P/N 1920086, NDT
Eng. Corp., Olympus Corp.
(c) Olympus P/N MHS-12-1S-1 equivalent with a minimum of a 0.020 inch in depth by 0.10 inch maximum width surface
to surface EDM notch in a hole representative of the diameter hole to be inspected.
(5) Surface Preparation
(a) Clean the inspection surface of the component to be inspected with naphtha (Item 3, Table 208, 91-00-00). Ensure
the inspection surface is free from grease, oil, sealer, loose paint, or any other substance which would prevent an
adequate inspection.
(b) All holes which exhibit excessive noise during bolt hole probe inspections should be cleaned with a tool such as a flex
hone and re-inspected. At a minimum, the hole shall be cleaned with a cotton swab saturated with naphtha (Item 3,
Table 208, 91-00-00) to remove contaminates and debris prior to inspection.
CAUTION: Holes which have been flex honed, shall have the corrosion protection restored in accordance with
The part to be inspected, calibrated standard, inspection unit, and probe must be at ambient
temperature to assure that valid test data is obtained.
(a) Automated Scanner Fastener Hole Standardization (Calibration)
NOTE: Standardization of the Eddy Current equipment will vary depending on the manufacturer. Use
of the manufacturer's Operation Manual is recommended. The inspection personnel should be
familiar with the equipment and it's operation and limitations.
The following instrument settings are meant as a guide, for automated fastener hole probe inspection. Minor
adjustments may be necessary to optimize the setup; However, the sensitivity level shall be achieved.
1 Connect the appropriate diameter of probe for the hole to be inspected to the scanner.
2 Connect the cable and scanner to the instrument, and turn the instrument ON.
CAUTION: High pass and Low pass filters used with automated fastener hole scanners shall be
appropriate for the hole/probe diameter and the RPM of the automated scanner probe/coil.
Improper filter settings for a given RPM of the probe/coil can suppress relevant crack
responses.
NOTE: Apply Teflon tape (18, Table 210, 91-00-00) to the probe as required to prevent wear,
reduce drag and signal noise caused by scanning rough surfaces. Always confirm
standardization sensitivity when Teflon tape is replaced.
3 Adjust the initial settings to those provided in Table 208.
4 Adjust the filters as recommended per the manufacturer's operation manual.
5 With the scanner turned OFF, insert the probe into the appropriate size hole in the calibration standard for the
hole diameter to be inspected. Position the probe away from the edge of the hole and 90° from the EDM notch.
A snug fit in the hole without binding is required. While holding the probe still, null the instrument. The instrument
should null at the 50% vertical and horizontal positions. If not, adjust the vertical and horizontal positions to 50%
and Null the instrument.
6 Remove the probe from the hole.
7 Ensure the sweep mode of the instrument is OFF, and hold the scanner so that the probe is parallel to the
reference standard. Place the probe in contact with the flat surface of the reference standard at least 0.25 inch
away from any edges or EDM notches. Turn the scanner on to generate a lift-off signal.
8 Adjust the phase angle to achieve a horizontal lift-off signal.
9 Ensure the sweep mode of the instrument is off. Turn the scanner on and reinsert the probe into the appropriate
hole in the calibration standard.
10 Adjust the Vertical Gain and Horizontal Gain independently to place the notch response on the screen at a 45°
angle (1:1 Slope) extending with an 80% FSH and 80% FSW PTP signal (Ref. Figure 212 and Figure 215).
11 Turn the external sweep on(Ref. Figure 216).
12 With the scanner turned off, insert the appropriate size hole in the reference standard 90° away from the EDM
notch and edges of the hole and press NULL.
13 Remove the probe from the hole.
14 Turn the scanner on and insert the probe back into the appropriate hole in the reference standard. Maximize the
signal from the 0.020 inch EDM notch. If the required 80% PTP response is not achieved, adjust the horizontal
and vertical gains simultaneously until the 80% PTP response is achieved (Ref. Figure 213 and Figure 214).
NOTE: Noise in excess of 20% PTP during operation of the scanner while performing calibration
of the inspection system will require correction by replacing the item, causing the
excessive noise, i.e. the probe, cable or scanner.
Table 208. Initial Instrument Settings for the Olympus Nortec 500D Automated Scanner Bolt Hole
Inspection of Aluminum or Ferromagnetic Steel Using a Differential/Reflection Probe
SOFT KEY DESCRIPTION SETTING
FREQ Frequency 500 KHz
H-GAIN Horizontal Gain 70
V-GAIN Vertical Gain 70
Figure 202 : Sheet 1 : Response from 0.010, and 0.020 inch Deep Notches with Acceptable Signal-to-Ration
Figure 203 : Sheet 1 : Response from a 0.020 inch Deep EDM Notch
Figure 209 : Sheet 1 : Scanning Direction of Aft Spar Lower Spar Cap Surfaces
Figure 214 : Sheet 1 : 80% Full Screen Height Calibrated Signal Response From 0.020 Inch Notch, Manual Bolt Hole
Differential/Reflection Probe
Figure 215 : Sheet 1 : 80% FSH and 80% FSW at a 45° (1:1 Slope) Impedance Plane Display
Figure 216 : Sheet 1 : 80% Full Screen Height Calibrated Signal Response From 0.020 Inch Notch, External Sweep Probe Automated
Bolt Hole