Photo By Airman 1st Class Sydney Franklin | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Fernandez, 52nd Maintenance Squadron nondestructive...... read more read more
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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – In a dimly lit inspection bay, the glow of UV light cuts through the darkness as Airmen coat F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft parts with fluorescent dye fluid, searching for flaws invisible to the naked eye. The hum of machines and the steady focus of Airmen create a rhythm of precision where every scan and reading could mean the difference between a safe flight and a grounded jet.
Using tools such as magnetic particle inspection and eddy current analysis, the 52nd Maintenance Squadron’s nondestructive inspection technicians uncover microscopic cracks in F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, a role that is about identifying issues that could compromise safety and prevent catastrophic failure, said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Alcantara, 52nd MXS NDI journeyman.
“Our overall mission is to ensure aircraft parts are safe and reliable, allowing jets to operate safely and effectively,” said Alcantara.
The meticulous attention to detail not only guarantees safe aircraft parts but also protects pilots, aircraft, and the success of missions. NDI Airmen work behind the scenes but their impact is front and center for the 52nd Fighter Wing.
“As a whole, NDI is pretty critical to the airframe,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Fernandez, 52nd MXS NDI craftsman. “We call ourselves the doctors of the jets because we diagnose and figure out what is wrong.”
Fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle inspections are among the most common techniques performed in the NDI shop. Airmen also rely on eddy current testing and magnetic chip detection to identify defects that could lead to engine failure. Each method ensures small cracks or flaws are detected early to maintain aircraft safety and readiness, Alcantara said.
Each technique demands precision and trust in training but also confidence, especially when findings may ground an aircraft.
“The most challenging part is having confidence in calling cracks,” said Fernandez. “Being able to sign off on parts that are safe or unsafe, especially as a young Airman and being assertive in your decision is the hardest part.”
A foundation of trust, steady communication and mutual respect is crucial in the work environment, allowing technicians to back one another and build assurance in their decisions, creating a culture where both technical accuracy and personal well being are supported.
“Communication is a big thing,” said Fernandez. “Just small talk, making sure people are okay. Usually you can tell if someone’s off. It feels like a family here.”
Whether at Spangdahlem or downrange, NDI Airmen enable mission success by ensuring aircraft are safe to launch when needed. Their inspections protect pilots, preserve aircraft and keep the wing ready to project combat airpower.
“NDI may be behind the scenes but without it, jets don’t fly,” said Fernandez.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 549508 |
| Location: | SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Behind the scenes, NDI keeps fighters flying, by A1C Sydney Franklin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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