What is NDT (Nondestructive Testing)?

NDT (Nondestructive Testing) is a group of analysis techniques used in science, technology, and industry to evaluate the properties of materials, components, or assemblies without causing damage. Baron NDT specializes in comprehensive NDT services including ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, liquid penetrant testing, and radiographic testing to ensure structural integrity and safety compliance across multiple industries.

What NDT methods does Baron NDT offer?

Baron NDT offers all major NDT methods including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Visual Testing (VT), and Eddy Current Testing (ECT). Our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to detect surface and subsurface defects, ensuring compliance with industry standards like ASME, AWS, API, and ASTM.

Which industries does Baron NDT serve?

Baron NDT serves diverse industries including oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, aerospace, manufacturing, construction, marine, and pipeline sectors. Our expertise covers pressure vessels, storage tanks, pipelines, structural welds, aircraft components, and critical infrastructure requiring rigorous quality assurance and safety compliance.

Are Baron NDT technicians certified?

Yes, all Baron NDT technicians hold current certifications from recognized bodies including ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing), ACCP (American Council for Construction Personnel), and meet industry-specific requirements. Our Level II and Level III certified inspectors ensure accurate defect detection, proper documentation, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.

How does ultrasonic testing work for thickness measurement?

Ultrasonic thickness testing uses high-frequency sound waves to measure material thickness and detect internal defects. Baron NDT's ultrasonic equipment can measure thickness through paint and coatings, identify corrosion, detect laminations, and assess remaining wall thickness in pipes and pressure vessels, providing critical data for asset integrity management programs.

What is magnetic particle inspection used for?

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. Baron NDT uses both wet fluorescent and dry powder magnetic particle methods to identify cracks, inclusions, and other defects in welds, castings, and forgings. This method is essential for weld quality assessment and structural integrity verification.

When is radiographic testing recommended?

Radiographic testing (RT) is recommended for detecting internal defects in welds, castings, and assemblies where other methods cannot access. Baron NDT provides both X-ray and gamma radiography services for pipeline girth welds, pressure vessel fabrication, and structural welding projects. RT provides permanent film records and can detect porosity, inclusions, lack of fusion, and other internal discontinuities.

How quickly can Baron NDT complete an inspection project?

Baron NDT provides rapid response NDT services with typical turnaround times of 24-48 hours for standard inspections. Emergency and critical path projects can often be accommodated with same-day service. Our mobile inspection units and certified technicians are strategically located to minimize downtime and meet tight project schedules while maintaining the highest quality standards.

What documentation does Baron NDT provide after inspection?

Baron NDT provides comprehensive inspection reports including digital radiographs, ultrasonic data sheets, calibration records, and certification documents. All reports are prepared by certified Level II or Level III inspectors and include detailed findings, acceptance criteria references, and recommendations. Documentation meets industry standards for API, ASME, AWS, and other applicable codes.

Does Baron NDT offer pipeline integrity assessment services?

Yes, Baron NDT specializes in pipeline integrity assessment using advanced NDT techniques including ultrasonic thickness measurement, magnetic particle inspection of girth welds, and radiographic testing of critical joints. Our pipeline inspection services support compliance with DOT regulations, API standards, and help operators maintain safe, reliable pipeline systems through comprehensive integrity management programs.

August 29, 2025

Boeing 737NG Lap Splice NDT to Comply with AD 2023-13-05 & SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1 (PAUT/HFEC)

Introduction

Baron NDT delivers nondestructive testing (NDT) programs tailored for Boeing 737 Next Generation fleets (-600/-700/-700C/-800/-900/-900ER) to help operators comply with FAA AD 2023-13-05 and Boeing Special Attention SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1. Our approach centers on Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) per Boeing NDTM 53-30-06, with High-Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) screening where required by the service bulletin.

We are an NDT-only provider—no GVI or DVI—focused on delivering accurate, auditable results that stand up to engineering review and regulatory scrutiny.

Boeing 737NG supported by Baron NDT for lap splice inspections using PAUT and HFEC to comply with FAA AD 2023-13-05 and Boeing SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1 — Baron NDT supports 737NG operators with compliant lap splice inspections.

Regulatory Context: AD 2023-13-05 & SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1

Baron NDT aligns inspection scope and technique with the exact logic of Boeing Special Attention SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1 and executes techniques in accordance with Boeing NDT Manual 53-30-06. This nondestructive testing workflow ensures your 737NG lap splice inspections are performed consistently, traceably, and in full support of the airworthiness directive.

What We Do: NDT Scope & Philosophy

Our teams perform PAUT per NDTM 53-30-06 and apply HFEC screening wherever the bulletin specifies. We do not conduct general or detailed visual inspections (GVI/DVI); our focus is nondestructive testing only, providing high-resolution ultrasonic and eddy current data for engineering decisions.

Rapid Staging & Global Mobilization

We stage aircraft quickly at LAL, BDL, HVN, RDU, and ILG, and we deploy worldwide for line or base maintenance visits. Baron NDT scales nondestructive testing resources to meet heavy-check windows or short-notice requirements without compromising quality.

Scope We Cover (NDT Only)

Baron NDT inspects the lap splice zones defined by the service bulletin, applying nondestructive testing in the exact sequence and coverage bands. Representative groups and station ranges include:

S-14L/R (e.g., STA 360–520) lap splice regions
S-14R (e.g., STA 727A–888) regions per group criteria
S-24R (e.g., STA 400–420) specific coverage windows
S-4R as applicable to 737-800 BCF configurations

Methodology & Sequence

Baron NDT follows the bulletin’s nondestructive testing sequence: HFEC screening first, followed by PAUT for characterization and mapping. Single-element UT is employed only when the service bulletin explicitly authorizes its use.

Sequence: HFEC → PAUT (single-element UT only where allowed)
PAUT basis: Boeing NDTM 53-30-06 lap splice techniques
Data density: C-scan maps wherever feasible; indexed B-scan with documented raster path when mapping is constrained

Coatings & Access

Where the bulletin/AD permits, we perform nondestructive testing through paint-in-place. If coatings must be removed or additional access is required, we coordinate with your maintenance team to define the minimal, compliant access plan.

What You Receive

Every nondestructive testing job concludes with a traceable, engineering-ready package. Typical deliverables include:

Calibration sheets (instrument, probe/wedge, TCG, focal laws)
Equipment list used on your tail number (probes, wedges, reference standards)
C-scan maps where feasible, or indexed B-scan with documented raster path
Indication logs tied to station/stringer/rivet rows for unambiguous location
Level II/III–signed report with dispositions, plus raw PAUT/HFEC data files

Tooling & Part Numbers (Indexable for Engineering/SEO)

Baron NDT maintains a complete in-house kit matched to Boeing 53-30-06 lap splice techniques—no substitutions required. If you prefer specific catalog numbers, include them in your PO and we will mirror your list one-for-one. Our default kit spans OmniScan X3 platforms, common PAUT probe/wedge families, HFEC probes, and aluminum lap-splice reference standards widely used on 737NG programs.

Platforms / Phased-Array Units

Olympus OmniScan X3 64:64 (often referenced as OmniScan X3-64)
Olympus OmniScan X3 32:128
OmniScan MX2 PA modules (field-compatible legacy support)

PAUT Probes (Aluminum Lap Splices)

5L64 series (e.g., 5L64-A32)
7.5L64 series
10L16, 10L32, and 10L64 series

PAUT Wedges (Typical Aluminum Skins)

SA00-N55S, SA00-N60S
SA10-N55S, SA12-N55S
SA32-N55S, SA32-N60S

Single-Element UT (Only Where SB Allows)

5 MHz / 10 MHz contact or delay-line transducers (e.g., V109, V110 families)
Matching delay lines and angled shoes tailored to skin thickness/profile

HFEC (Surface Crack Screening)

Pencil probes (e.g., HF-xxx series) and ring probes sized and tuned for lap splices
Reference shims/notches for sensitivity checks

Reference / Calibration Standards

ASTM E2491 Phased-Array Assessment Block
Aluminum lap-splice reference blocks with EDM notches matched to fastener rows and skin thickness
Thickness/velocity blocks for relevant aluminum alloys (2xxx/7xxx)

Why Baron NDT

Bulletin-faithful execution: We follow SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1 logic and NDTM 53-30-06 technique steps; single-element UT is used only when explicitly permitted.
Fast turn with reusable data: C-scan/B-scan mapping, rivet-row indexing, and complete raw data archives support engineering review and future trend analysis.
Ready where you need us: Near-term slots at LAL, BDL, HVN, RDU, and ILG—with global nondestructive testing mobilization available.

Conclusion

Need 737NG lap splice nondestructive testing under AD 2023-13-05 and SB 737-53-1399 Rev 1? Our Level II/III PAUT and HFEC teams are ready worldwide. Contact Baron NDT to reserve a slot or request our documents to add Baron NDT to your AVL today.