Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, inspects a KC-135 Stratotanker part April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists use the penetrant liquid inspection method to detect defects in small aircraft parts, ensuring the parts’ structural integrity and ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and air crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, puts on safety equipment April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists play a role in ensuring the safety of equipment, ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and crew members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, inspects a KC-135 Stratotanker part April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists use the penetrant liquid inspection method to detect defects in small aircraft parts, ensuring the parts’ structural integrity and ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and air crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, dips a KC-135 Stratotanker part into a hydrophilic emulsifier April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists use the penetrant liquid inspection method to detect defects in small aircraft parts, ensuring the parts’ structural integrity and ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and air crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, holds a vial of magnetic particle inspection liquid under a black light April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI uses X-rays, ultrasonic testing, eddy currents, magnetic particle testing and dye penetrant inspections in equipment cracks and structural weaknesses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, dips a KC-135 Stratotanker part in liquid penetrant April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Liquid penetrant seeps into any cracks in a metal or non-porous object and glows under ultraviolet light, making any flaws visible when inspected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, fills a centrifuge tube with particle inspection liquid April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists view the centrifuge tube under an ultraviolet light to check parts for defects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, rinses penetrating fluid off a KC-135 Stratotanker part April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists use the penetrant liquid inspection method to detect defects in small aircraft parts, ensuring the parts’ structural integrity and ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and air crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, checks a water temperature gauge April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists play a role in ensuring the safety of equipment, ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and crew members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

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Beyond the naked eye: Nondestructive inspection

Published April 3, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Paula Arce
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 931st Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection section chief, inspects a KC-135 Stratotanker part April 1, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. NDI specialists use the penetrant liquid inspection method to detect defects in small aircraft parts, ensuring the parts’ structural integrity and ultimately protecting the lives of pilots and air crew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)