Non-Destructive Testing and Composite Technologies

What We Do

Welcome to DASA Non Destructive Testing & Composite Technologies (NDT&CT). NDT & CT is located at RAAF Base Amberley, Building 410, Level 2.
The role of NDT&CT is to provide:

(a)    Training and Personnel Certification. NDT&CT delivers specialist training in Non Destructive Testing (NDT) and Aviation Composite Technologies (ACT) to ADF and Industry, and the recertification required by DASR 145.A.30(f) Personnel requirements.

(b)    Engineering Support. NDT&CT designs NDT procedures to support the Continuing Airworthiness and structural integrity of ADF platforms.

(c)    Centre of Expertise (CoE) Advice. NDT&CT provides CoE advice to the ADF on NDT & ACT related matters.  

It is important to note that whilst NDT&CT is administratively part of DASA, the Specialist services listed on this page are provided in the Directorate of Aviation Engineering’s Structural Integrity (SI) Centre of Expertise (CoE) capacity.  Being located at RAAF Base Amberley, NDT&CT are also geographically remote from the remainder of DASA.

How to Contact NDT&CT

Please email enquires to one of the following teams:

NDT training and Personnel Certification

Defence NDT Training and Certification Framework

Defence NDT Responsible Level 3. DASR 145.A.30(f) requires DASR 145 Maintenance Organisations (MOs) to appoint a NDT Responsible Level 3 (RL3) as the management position responsible for implementing a training and certification system compliant with European standard EN4179 Qualification and approval of personnel for non-destructive testing.

To ensure all ADF Non-Destructive Inspection Technicians (NDITECHs) are trained to the same level of competency and to avoid the burden of each ADF DASR 145 MO appointing their own NDT RL3 and establishing NDT training and certification frameworks, DAVENG performs the Defence NDT RL3 function and manages all NDT training and certification activities for ADF members, Department of Defence employees and other staff members working as part of ADF DASR 145 MOs. The Director of Aviation Engineering appoints a suitably qualified senior NDITECH to be the Defence NDT RL3, with that individual approved by the DASA as a Form 4 Holder.

ADF DASR 145 MO NDT Certification Framework.  ADF DASR 145 MO Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring that staff conducting NDT are certified by the Defence NDT RL3 (or delegate) before being authorised to certify maintenance. This includes:

(a)   Staff who have obtained training from external training providers or third parties, and
(b)   External Industry or Contracted service providers working in an ADF DASR 145 MO.

The Defence NDT certification system complies with the DASR 145 A 30(f) requirements as follows.

(a)   Course Content. The NDT RL3 is responsible for ensure that the NDT course content meets the requirements of the organisation. Where the NDT RL3 determines the course content is best delivered via a competency based training program in lieu of the minimum training and experience hour requirements stipulated in EN4179 section 6, then the course program will be approved by DASA. Refer to DASR 145 A 30 (f) GM.

(b)   Initial Certification. Initial certification in a NDT Method/Technique is obtained after the Defence NDT RL3 (or delegate) verifies an applicant has completed the relevant training and experience requirements, general and specific examinations, practical examinations and visual acuity testing. These requirements are verified at the completion of the relevant DAVENG NDT training course(s).

(c)   Ongoing Validity. EN4179 has a range of ongoing requirements to retain certification, including both annual requirements and re-certification examinations. Whilst DAVENG organises and supports these activities, units are responsible to plan and fund staff attendance as necessary to maintain certifications. Specifically:

1. Level 1 Limited – Re-Certification. EN4179 requires Level 1 Limited staff to be re-certified annually, including completing visual acuity testing. DAVENG conduct Level 1 Limited re-certification on the applicable platform at the operating or maintenance unit.
2. Level 2 - Annual Requirements. Annually, staff are required to pass a visual acuity test and have their technical proficiency verified for each NDT method (Annual Maintenance (AM)). AM Course (PMKeyS: 217106) is conducted at DAVENG for the senior NDT staff member in each unit (or location). The senior NDT staff member in each unit (or location) can subsequently conduct AM on all other NDT staff in the unit (or location). The completion of annual requirements is to be reported to the Defence RL3 (or delegate) via Objective so certification records can be updated.
3. Level 2 - Re-Certification: Every 5 years, staff need to conduct re-certification assessments. This is conducted by attending a 10 day NDT re-certification course at DAVENG (PMKeyS: 216929). On successful completion of the re-certification course staff will be have PMKeyS proficiency P126075 updated with a 5 year currency.
4. Level 3 – Level 3 Certification is required for staff performing RL3 duties, NDT Procedure Compliance Verification and performing examinations/certification of Level 1 Limited and Level 2 NDI technicians.

ADF DASR 145 MO Authorisation of NDT Staff. DASR 145.A.30(f) requires personnel who conduct NDT be certified in accordance with EN4179. Under Defence’s NDT certification system, the process followed is:

(a)   The Defence NDT RL3 (or delegate) certifies the technician as meeting the requirements of EN4179 for the applicable NDT method or technique, and subsequently,
(b)   The MO Quality Manager (or delegate) authorises the technician to conduct NDT maintenance within the scope and validity of the NDT certification.

ADF DASR 145 MOs are to check the scope and currency of NDT proficiencies on PMKeyS prior to authorising staff to perform NDT. MO authorisations should only remain valid for the validity period of the applicable PMKeyS proficiencies.

ADF DASR 145 MO NDT Certification Records. The Defence NDT RL3 (or delegate) will issue Certification records via PMKeyS proficiencies (primary system) or a Minute. Specifically:

(a)   Level 1 Limited Certifications: a unique platform specific certification proficiency will be issued via a minute to the MO Responsible Manager prior to DAVENG updating PMKeyS.
(b)   Level 2 Certifications: Staff with valid certification(s) will have active PMKeyS proficiencies in the applicable technique(s) issued by DAVENG as per the table below:

NDT Training Courses

NDT&CT provide Initial Employment Training (IET) and Post IET (PIET) in Non Destructive Testing and PIET in Composite Technologies to members of all three services and civilians.  Further information is contained on the DASA Sponsored Training page.

Current courses offered are:

Non Destructive Inspection Technicians Level 2 Course (NDITECHL2) 214609 (32 Weeks)

 The aim of this course is to provide course participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform NDT duties as a Level 2 Technician. NDT Methods and topics covered are:

• Basic Materials Technology
• Introduction to NDT
• Liquid Penetrant Testing
• Magnetic Testing Methods
• Eddy Current Testing
• Ultrasonic Testing
• Radiographic Testing

Trainees graduate as fully qualified and certified Level 2 NDI Technicians. This course provides theory and practical instruction in NDI Technician Level 2 duties including the utilisation of NDT methods and equipment to perform testing of Aerospace structures, components and GSE in two phases.  

Phase 1 (Initial Employment Training) is 16 weeks and is conducted at Non Destructive Testing & Composite Technologies (NDT&CT) RAAF Base Amberley. During Phase 1, training is provided in basic materials technology, visual and optical techniques and the following NDT methods: liquid penetrant testing, magnetic testing, eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing.

Phase 2 (practical consolidation) training is 16 weeks and is conducted at NDT&CT, during this phase practical training is delivered and assessed in all NDT Techniques.

Bespoke NDITECHL2 Course (Timeframe Varies With Method Selected)

The NDITECHL2 course is modularised. NDT&CT can provide a customised course solution to suit civilian industry needs. Basic Materials Technology and Introduction to NDT are prerequisite courses for every method.

Bespoke courses are conducted in two phases, as per the NDITECHL2 course.

NDT - Recertification Course – Level 2 All Methods 216929 (2 Weeks)

The aim of this course is to meet the requirements of DASRs and EN4179 Aerospace Series - Qualification and Approval of Personnel for Non-destructive Testing, all NDITECH personnel shall be recertified at intervals not to exceed 5 years, or when certification has been revoked IAW EN4179. The course provides both theory and practical assessment in the following NDT methods: liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, thermographic testing, and hardness testing. This course is conducted at RAAF Amberley with practical assessments conducted utilising a simulated workplace environment.

NDT – Infrared Thermography Testing – Level 2 (IRT) 216030 (2 Weeks)

The aim of this course is to provide course participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform both Passive and Active (Flash) Infrared Thermographic Testing. Theory is reinforced through practical application in a simulated workshop. Course participants are required to complete a Practical Workbook on course while gaining workplace training under supervision from a certified Level 2 or 3 NDI Technician.

Basic Materials Technology and Introduction to NDT are prerequisite courses.

NDT - Liquid Penetrant Solvent Removable - Level 2 (NDITECHL2LPT) 113007 (2 Weeks)

The aim of this course is to provide course participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform the Liquid Penetrant Solvent Removable method. The course provides theory and practical instruction in two phases in the utilisation of the Solvent Removable Liquid Penetrant method to perform testing of aerospace structures, components and ground support equipment. Phase 1 is one week in duration and is conducted at RAAF Amberley. During this phase, training is provided in basic material technology, visual and optical techniques and solvent removable liquid penetrant testing. Phase 2 is one week in duration and is also conducted at RAAF Amberley, with training conducted utilising a simulated workplace training and experience format.

NDT – Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing - Level 2 (PAUT) 215952 (3 Weeks)

The aim of this course is to provide course participants with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to perform Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing. Theory is reinforced through practical application in a simulated workshop. Course participants are required to complete a Practical Workbook on course while gaining workplace training under supervision from a certified Level 2 or 3 NDI Technician.

Personnel must have completed the Ultrasonic Testing components of NDITECHL2 (214609) or equivalent and hold current certification for Ultrasonic Testing.

NDT Certification and Training Frequently Asked Questions

Who can conduct NDT certification (or re-certification) of ADF DASR 145 MO staff?

The Defence NDT RL3 (or delegate) located within DAVENG will certify NDT staff employed in ADF DASR 145 MOs.

Can certification validity periods be extended?

It is not within a RL3s scope of authority to approve certification extensions. Requests to extend certifications are to be submitted to DASA consideration.

Can a temporary NDT task authorisation be issued to subcontracted staff to work within an ADF DASR 145 MO?

Yes. However, the validity of current NDT certification shall be reviewed and verified by the Defence NDT RL3 prior to the DASR 145 MO granting temporary task authorisation.

Whilst on deployment can you use a NDT technician from a foreign organisation / military force?

ADF DASR 145 MOs may issue a temporary task authorisation to foreign military NDT personnel if that nation / service has an appropriate DASA recognition for maintenance, and NDT personnel are certified to EN4179 or NAS410 for the relevant method. Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability Council (AFIC) Information Publication ACS 5050 – Non Destructive Testing Capability provides additional information on NDT training and certification for Five Eyes Nations. If uncertain, contact the Defence NDT RL3 prior to granting temporary task authorisation.

My MO subcontracts NDT work to another MO that holds a D1 rating. Do the subcontracted MO staff require certification by the Defence NDT RL3?

No. Work performed by a sub-contracted MO with a D1 rating does not require staff to be certified by the Defence RL3, conditional that provision of NDT services is captured within the scope of the sub-contracted MO’s D1 rating.

My ADF DASR 145 MO has an embedded NDT subcontractor. Who certifies this individual?

The Defence NDT RL3. All NDT staff working in an ADF DASR 145 MO are certified by the Defence NDT RL3, irrespective of their employment status (e.g. ADF, APS, Contractor).

Does additional / specialist NDT training need to be approved by Defence NDT RL3?

Yes. If the additional/specialist training aims to increase the NDT proficiency of ADF DASR 145 MO NDT staff, Defence NDT RL3 review is required. Any form of NDT training for ADF DASR 145 MO NDT staff needs to meet EN4179 requirements and align with Defence’s NDT training syllabus and policy.

Composite Technologies Training and Personnel Certification

Defence Composite Repair Training and Certification Framework

DASR 145.A.30(f) requires personnel who conduct composite repairs to be trained and certified in accordance with SAE AIR4938 - Composite and Bonded Structure Technician Specialist Training Document.  On behalf of all ADF DASR 145 MOs, DAVENG conducts the training and certification for all personnel who perform composite repairs.  Initial certification and re-certification are obtained by completing an accepted training course detailed below.

DAVENG staff will issue the PMKeyS proficiency P124689 Composite & Adhesive Bonding Recertification upon successful completion of any of the courses listed below. This proficiency has a currency of 36 months. Staff who do not conduct a re-certification course will lose the proficiency and consequently not be appropriately qualified to perform composite repairs within an ADF DASR 145 MO.

ADF DASR 145 MO Authorisation of Staff to Conduct Composite Repair.  MO Quality Managers (or delegates) are responsible for verifying that technicians hold a valid PMKeyS proficiency for composite repair prior to authorising them to conduct composite repairs within an ADF DASR 145 MO. MO authorisations should only remain valid for the validity period of the applicable PMKeyS proficiency.

Composite Technology Training Courses

Composite Specialist Course (COMSPEC) 216309 (7 weeks)

The aim of this course is to provide course participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to assess and repair damage to ADF composite aircraft structures and covers the critical technical issues associated with the maintenance and repair of composite aircraft structures.

Students work on an advanced training aid performing repairs adapted from multiple aircraft specific SRM’s. Some of the repairs carried out are, core replacement, patch installation, composite hat section repair, trailing edge repair, step and scarf repairs and repairs to copper mesh and copper bonding strip.

The course provides training with advanced composite materials used on the latest aircraft. These materials include Nomex honeycomb core, carbon fibre, Kevlar, hybrid, fibreglass, structural laminating and paste adhesives and film and foam structural adhesives.

This new course aligns with relevant EASA, FAA and SAE standards.  SAE AIR 4938B – ‘Composite and Bonded Structure Technician/Specialist: Training Document’ was used to create the Composite Specialist Course.

Composite and Adhesive Bonding - Recertification Course – 216963 (1 Day)

The aim of this course is to meet the requirements of DASRs and SAE AIR4938 - Composite and Bonded Structure Technician/Specialist: Training, all personnel employed to perform Composite and Adhesive Bonding repairs shall be recertified at intervals not to exceed 3 years. The course provides both theory and practical assessment in Composite and Adhesive Bonding repairs. This course is conducted at RAAF Amberley with practical assessments conducted utilising a simulated workplace environment.

NDT Engineering Services

NDT&CT Engineering Section develops NDT procedures for the ADF by employing an integrated workforce of Military,  Australian Public Service personnel and contracted NDT services via the ASI services contract.

NDT&CT Engineering Section develops NDT procedures, inclusive of introducing new NDT technologies, in support of ADF capability requirements. Engineering Section provides the following services to ADF units and ADF support contractors:

• Development of DASR 21J-approved NDT Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (ICA), including:
• Platform Specific Procedures
• NDT General Procedures (AAP 7002.043-36)
• Assistance with the introduction of new NDT technologies in support of ADF capability requirements.
• Testing and evaluation of NDT support equipment for introduction into the Defence inventory.
• Technical review of platform-specific NDT publications and associated procedures.
• NDT Information Review (IR) of standards, practices and equipment.
• Provision of other NDT Centre of Expertise (CoE) advice.

Requests for any of the above engineering support provisions are raised through the relevant Systems Program Office to the NDT&CT Task Controller, via the following e-mail: dasa.ambndtcttc@defence.gov.au

Machine Shop

DASA NDT&CT maintains a General Engineering Section (GES) for equipment design and manufacturing capability to support DASA business activities.  The facility includes a CNC mill, Electronic Discharge Machine (EDM)  and Additive Manufacturing Machine (3D Printer). NDT&CT can provide CoE advice for GES design, engineering drawing and manufacture of components (i.e. Reference Standards).

Requests for General Engineering Section (GES) provisions are raised through the relevant Systems Program Office to the NDT&CT Task Controller, via the following e-mail: dasa.ambndtcttc@defence.gov.au