Conair Group Inc. (Conair), a global leader in aerial firefighting, has announced the expansion of its inhouse Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities to enhance the safety and efficiency of its fleet. This development enables Conair to independently perform critical inspections on its fleet of over 55 aerial firefighting aircraft, ensuring availability and reliability for government agencies during wildfire seasons.
NDT plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and sustainability in aerial firefighting, as aircraft endure dynamic conditions, including extreme heat, rapid altitude changes, and the stress of carrying and deploying water and retardants. By bringing NDT capabilities inhouse, Conair reduces reliance on third-party providers, enabling seamless scheduling and timely inspections between fire seasons.
“A thorough NDT inspection of a large airtanker, such as the Dash 8-400AT, takes one to two weeks and includes advanced techniques like Eddy Current and Ultrasonic testing,” explained Alfred Modino, Conair’s Component Shop Level 3 NDT Technician. “We are now fully equipped to perform both surface and subsurface inspections, utilizing Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Liquid Penetrant, and Magnetic Particle testing to meet OEM standards.”
Conair’s inhouse NDT team comprises six accredited technicians, including a dedicated two-person team performing inspections to OEM guidelines, ensuring continued airworthiness and mission readiness. All inspections are carried out collaboratively with Conair’s engineering team to meet the rigorous demands of aerial firefighting missions.
Looking ahead, Conair plans to extend its NDT services to its U.S. subsidiary, Aero-Flite, based in Washington state, and is exploring the integration of Digital X-Ray capabilities to further enhance its inspection capabilities.
This expansion reflects Conair’s commitment to operational excellence, enabling thorough heavy maintenance of its fleet during off-season periods. Maintenance, which typically spans four to six weeks, ensures that each aircraft meets the industry’s highest safety standards and remains ready for deployment when needed most.
