Webinar: NDT for sustainable and emerging aircraft by MA Business

NDT for sustainable and emerging aircraft

About

Join us for an exclusive panel discussion on the non-destructive testing (NDT) challenges presented by the next generation of aircraft. Hydrogen storage and distribution systems, high-voltage battery enclosures, advanced air mobility (AAM) airframes and composite-intensive commercial aircraft are introducing failure modes that existing NDT techniques and standards were not designed to find. The panel will explore how the discipline is responding, from new technique development to the evolution of qualification, certification and personnel training.

The session brings together senior representatives from three of the world's leading NDT industry bodies. Roger Engelbart, board member and past president of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), Patrick Boulton, Senior Technical and Certification Engineer at the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) and Rick Gerads, representing the Non-Destructive Testing Management Association (NDTMA)

Attendees of this webinar will learn:

1. New failure modes: How emerging propulsion systems, energy storage and airframes are creating defect types that fall outside current NDT method qualifications.

2. Standards in flux: Where today's NDT codes, specifications and test method standards are being challenged by hydrogen, electric, AAM and additive aerospace programs — and what work is under way to close the gaps.

3. Certification and personnel: How NDT Level II and III training, qualification routes and aerospace industry boards are adapting to inspections involving new materials and structures.

4. Technique selection: Which methods — including computed tomography (CT), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), thermography and acoustic emission testing — are emerging as the leading candidates for inspecting next-generation aerospace parts.

5. Practical guidance: What inspection departments, MROs and OEMs should be doing now to prepare for the wave of new aircraft programs entering service in the coming decade.

Interactive Q&A session: Engage with the panel during a live moderated discussion, where you can seek clarification, share insights and discuss challenges and best practices relevant to your workplace.

When

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 · 4:00 p.m. London (GMT +1:00)

Presenters

Roger Engelbart ASNT

Retired. Previous Job Title at Boeing: Associate Technical Fellow - Nondestructive Evaluation

Roger Engelbart began his 50-year nondestructive testing (NDT) career as a radiographic technician in the aerospace industry. He holds a B.S. in metallurgical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and an M.S. in mechanical engineering/materials science from Washington University in St. Louis. Roger is recently retired from Boeing Research & Technology-St. Louis, where he was an Associate Technical Fellow in nondestructive evaluation, focusing on the development of inspection methods for aircraft advanced materials and structures. He currently works for Boeing as a contracted NDT consultant. He holds more than 60 U.S. and international patents in NDT technology. He has been responsible for both internal and contracted research and development, and for executing technology transfer and research programs with Boeing’s international customers. This role has taken him to numerous countries, providing him the opportunity to communicate with international users of ASNT certifications and NDT technology. Roger has been a member of ASNT for more than 30 years and holds NDT Level III certifications in five methods. He is a Past President and Chair of the Board of ASNT, and currently is a member of the Board of Directors.

Patrick Boulton BINDT

Senior Technical and Certification Engineer BINDT

Patrick currently serves as Senior Technical and Certification Engineer at the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) playing a key role in the governance and continual enhancement of the PCN certification scheme, ensuring alignment with BS EN ISO 9712 and the evolving needs of industry. He joined BINDT in 2014 following a distinguished 24-year career with British Airways, where he worked as an aeronautical and NDT engineer across Boeing, Airbus, and Concorde fleets.
A PCN Level 3 certificate holder, Patrick is an active voting member of the UK National Aerospace NDT Board, contributing to the oversight and advancement of aerospace NDT standards and competence frameworks. His current work focuses on maintaining certification integrity, strengthening industry collaboration, and supporting the progression of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) within the context of Industry 4.0. He is engaged in the development of NDE 4.0 concepts, including the integration of digital technologies and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence, with a forward-looking emphasis on how these innovations will shape the future of inspection, certification, and workforce competence in non-destructive testing.

Rick Gerads NDTMA

NDT Technical Director

Rick brings over 30 years of experience delivering non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions across aerospace, oil & gas, power generation, automotive, manufacturing, and construction sectors. As an ASNT Level III certified expert in MT, PT, RT, and UT—and a former AWS Certified Welding Inspector—he has developed inspection techniques for thousands of components and assemblies.
Rick provides technical leadership, manages complex NDT programs, and ensures testing accuracy, efficiency, and full compliance with industry standards.

Ben Sampson

Chief Editor

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