1.1 General
This document establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of personnel performing nondestructive testing (NDT), nondestructive inspection (NDI), or nondestructive evaluation (NDE) in the aerospace manufacturing, service, maintenance and overhaul industries. For the purposes of this document, the term NDT will be used and will be considered equivalent to NDI and NDE.
In Europe, the term "approval" is used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual has met specific requirements and has operating approval. The term "certification" as defined in 3.3 is used throughout this document as a substitute for the term "approval". Except when otherwise specified in the written practice, certification in accordance with this document includes operating approval.
1.2 Purpose
1.2.1 Applicability
This document applies to personnel who:
- use NDT methods or equipment to test and/or accept materials, products, components, assemblies or sub-assemblies;
- are directly responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods and equipment used;
- operate automatic interpretation or evaluation systems;
- approve NDT procedures or work instructions;
- audit NDT facilities; or
- provide technical NDT support or training.
This document does not apply to individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technology for subsequent implementation and approval by a certified Level 3. See Clause 8 regarding applicability to personnel performing specialized inspections using certain direct readout instruments.
1.2.2 Implementation
This document addresses the use of a National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB). NANDTBs are only used as specified per Annex C and it is not mandatory to have such a board for compliance with this document. Personnel certified to previous revisions of NAS410/EN 4179 need not recertify to the requirements of this document until their current certification expires.
1.2.3 NDT methods
This document contains detailed requirements for the following NDT methods:
eddy current testing (ET)
penetrant testing (PT)
magnetic particle testing (MT)
radiographic testing (RT)
shearography testing (ST)
thermographic testing (IRT)
ultrasonic testing (UT)
When invoked by engineering, quality, cognizant engineering organization or prime contractor requirements, this document applies to other NDT methods used to determine the acceptability or suitability for intended service of a material, part, component, sub-assembly or assembly. Such methods can include, but are not limited to, acoustic emission, neutron radiography, leak testing, and holography.