WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, and SAE International, the ultimate knowledge source for mobility engineering, jointly presented the 14th annual “Better Way Award” at the recent Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Forum to a team comprising members from Pratt and Whitney Canada (PWC) and Vibrant Corporation for furthering the science and efficacy of nondestructive testing.
Working in close partnership, Pratt and Whitney Canada and Vibrant Corporation have found a “Better Way” to test newly manufactured aerospace components. The team developed and implemented novel applications of NDT processes that have reduced field failures, reduced testing costs, and helped to improve manufacturing processes. In order to reach this goal, extensive technical validation of efficacy was required, new standards had to be developed, and acceptance of a new method had to be achieved.
Members of the 2016 “Better Way Award” team include David Craig, Francesco Finzi-Contini, Josee Caya, Peter A Boyd, Daniel Gagnon, Daniel Girard and Albert G Whitty of PWC, and Greg Weaver, Leanne Jauriqui, Eric Biedermann and Tom Williams of Vibrant.
“A4A congratulates this year’s winning team for their innovative approach toward improving the aircraft inspection process, while further strengthening the U.S. airline industry’s world-class aviation safety record,” said Billy Nolen, A4A Senior Vice President, Safety, Security and Operations. “Working in partnership, this team of industry leaders reflects our commitment to utilizing the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation through all phases of flight to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for the 2.2 million customers who fly on U.S. airlines every day.”
The A4A NDT Forum is marking its 59th year at a four-day conference held in San Diego, CA, where industry leaders are meeting to discuss current trends, issues and successes in NDT methodologies. The event features a number of presentations on achievements and lessons learned about technologies that help ensure the life and safety of aircraft structures by detecting defects well before they can be seen or cause a failure. This year’s topics showcase methodologies associated with composite structures, additive manufacturing and new repair methods for older aircraft models.
ABOUT A4A
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive nearly $1.5 trillion in U.S. economic activity and more than 11 million U.S. jobs. Airlines for America (A4A) vigorously advocates on behalf of the American airline industry as a model of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility and as the indispensable network that drives our nation’s economy and global competitiveness.
America needs a cohesive National Airline Policy that will support the integral role the nation’s airlines play in connecting people and goods globally, spur the nation’s economic growth and create more high-paying jobs. A4A works collaboratively with the airlines, labor groups, Congress and the Administration to improve air travel for everyone.
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ABOUT SAE
SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting more than 145,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™.
