NDT Services – PT/MT
Penetrant Testing (PT)
White Ladder Aviation provides fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection (PT) for aircraft accessory components in accordance with ASTM E1417 and industry-standard aviation NDT practices. Our PT process is designed to detect surface-breaking discontinuities such as cracks, porosity, laps, and seams on non-porous metallic components.
Our PT capabilities include:
- Fluorescent penetrant inspection using Level 2-qualified NDT personnel
- Water-washable and post-emulsifiable penetrant processes (depending on customer requirements)
- Controlled dwell, emulsification, and development times per approved procedures
- Calibrated equipment and environmental controls to ensure indication reliability
- Detailed reporting with digital images and traceability to component serial numbers
WLA maintains strict process controls, documentation, and inspector qualification standards to ensure consistent, high-integrity inspection results for every part evaluated.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) – Coming Early 2026
White Ladder Aviation is in the process of adding Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) capabilities to expand our NDT inspection services. MT is used to detect surface and slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials using magnetic fields and finely milled magnetic particles.
Upon FAA approval of this added capability, our MT services will include:
- Fluorescent and visible MT techniques
- Wet horizontal bench inspections
- Handheld yoke inspections for select components
- Detection of cracks, seams, laps, and discontinuities in ferromagnetic aircraft parts
- Inspections performed by Level II-qualified MT personnel
- Fully documented results with serialized traceability
This added method will allow WLA to support a wider range of accessory components and MRO requirements.
Types of components structures you typically inspect
White Ladder Aviation provides nondestructive testing for small to mid-sized precision components used in:
- Aircraft airframe systems
- Engine and nacelle assemblies
- Oil & gas applications
Our focus is on high-integrity inspection of machined, cast, and fabricated components where flaw detection and repeatable reporting are essential.
Industry standards you work to
White Ladder Aviation performs nondestructive testing in accordance with:
- ASTM E1417 – Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing
- ASTM E165 – Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination
- NAS 410 – Certification & Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
- FAA 14 CFR Part 145 – Repair Station Requirements
- Manufacturer process specifications, when provided
These standards guide our procedures, personnel qualifications, and quality system to ensure consistent, FAA-compliant inspection results.
Any limitations/constraints you want clearly stated
White Ladder Aviation currently performs nondestructive inspection on small to medium-sized metallic components suitable for bench-top liquid penetrant testing.
Process limitations include:
- Materials: Metallic alloys only (ferrous & non-ferrous).
- Size: Components that can be processed within a standard penetrant workstation (generally up to ~18–24 inches, depending on geometry).
- Processes: Penetrant testing (PT) in accordance with ASTM E1417 and company procedures. Magnetic particle testing (MT) will be added in early 2026 as WLA expands capabilities.