Ready to burn

Airman Joshua Martinez, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspector, samples oil from an F-15E Strike Eagle for wear metals on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 16, 2009. If a part is cracked in the engine, particles of metal can break off in the oil and causing parts to malfunction. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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Ready to burn

An Airman from the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection section, labels oil samples taken from an F-15E Strike Eagle on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct 16, 2009. Oil labeling distinguishes between which samples have already been tested for traces of metal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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Staff Sgt. Justin Varrato, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspector, inspects a breech bolt for cracks with a video microscope on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 16, 2009. A breech bolt attaches to a shafting assembly found in gas-operated firearms commonly used on the F-15E Strike Eagle . (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

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Ready to burn

Published Oct. 20, 2009
By Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The non-destructive inspection shop inspects aerospace weapon system components and support equipment for structural integrity. The team uses non-destructive inspection methods and performs fluid analysis. The inspector determines the test method, prepares fluids and parts for inspection and interprets test results. They are also responsible for analyzing wear-metal content in engine fluids used in aircraft engines. All inspectors must be knowledgeable in characteristics of metals identification, content, technical orders, directives and flaw detection.