In April 2025, technical specialists from the Mexican Air Force participated in a hands-on training session focused on eddy current testing (ET) for helicopters. The session used the EDDYCON CL, a portable ET flaw detector developed by OKOndt GROUP. Participants learned how to use the device to nondestructively inspect aircraft parts and identify flaws in critical components.
Sonoflow-Innovative, the official distributor of OKOndt GROUP in Mexico, organized the training under the leadership of Director Diego González, with technical support from NDT Specialist Brisa Aguilar.
Eddy Current Testing in Aviation
Eddy current testing (ET) is an effective nondestructive (NDT) method for evaluating electrically conductive helicopter structures and components—from landing gear and main rotor parts to airframe elements. ET enables the precise detection of surface and corrosion cracks, as well as structural discontinuities caused by fatigue or operational stress. The technique also allows for evaluation of the depth and estimated length of detected flaws.
An ET inspection can be performed at any point in the aircraft's lifecycle, from factory production to on-site maintenance.
Features of OKOndt GROUP eddy current flaw detectors
OKOndt GROUP's portable eddy current flaw detectors are designed for efficiently inspecting critical details of aircraft parts without disassembly or removal from service. The key benefits of the EDDYCON CL and other ET flaw detectors include:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Visual and audio indicators for defect detection.
- Reduced sensitivity to lift-off between the probe and the inspected surface.
- Minimizing the lift-off between the sensor (probe) and the surface of the test object maintains diagnostic accuracy.
- Material electromagnetic variability has a minimal influence.
- Integrated software for visualizing and transferring data to a PC.
- The ability to review saved test results directly on the flaw detector's display.
Brisa Aguilar (Sonoflow-Innovative) demonstrates the operation of the EDDYCON CL
For over 30 years, the OKOndt GROUP has developed and delivered technical tools and systems for nondestructive testing to markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania. The OKOndt GROUP's NDT equipment helps ensure the safety and uninterrupted operation of inspected objects while reducing associated repair and replacement costs.
Users of the EDDYCON CL and other NDT tools from OKOndt GROUP can benefit from personalized training sessions. These sessions enable NDT specialists to swiftly grasp all the features and capabilities of the devices, ensuring their reliable and efficient use in the field or during hangar maintenance.
