KLM Engineering & Maintenance Selects GE Inspection Equipment

Nov. 17, 2009
The ultra-portable and easy to use USM Go will be used by KLM Engineering & Maintenance to perform non-destructive testing on aircraft and engines.

KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M) has selected inspection equipment from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies to perform non-destructive testing on KLM aircraft and associated engines. GE’s ultrasonic inspection device, the USM Go, was selected for its extreme portability, large display screen and compact size. The small size helps inspectors access hard to reach areas, such as the fuel tank, easier and quicker.

“Our inspectors are very enthusiastic about the USM Go’s size,” says Martin Machielse, Section Manager of KLM E&M’s Analysis & Production Support team. “In many cases, our team must access small, badly lit or confined areas that are very difficult to reach. In these cases, the size and ease of use greatly assist our inspectors to complete reliable checks.”

Weighing only 2.2 lbs (1 kg), the USM Go is the lightest and most portable ultrasonic flaw detector on the market. It is the first instrument of its kind with pressure-responsive, joystick control and features data display resolution on a screen with the largest pixel count of any instrument in its category. Inspection data can be downloaded easily through the USM Go’s USB connectivity and the 2GB memory card, which can be expanded by the addition of a 2GB standard SD card. Reports are in jpeg or BMP format eliminating the need for special reading software.

KLM E&M’s 10 certified inspectors perform routine maintenance inspections across three hangers at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The USM Go’s extreme portability helps the team move between hangers more efficiently. In addition to ultrasonic testing, KLM E&M also employs eddy current and radiography testing equipment.

About GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is a leading innovator in advanced measurement, sensor-based and inspection solutions that deliver accuracy, productivity and safety to customers in a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. The business is part of GE Enterprise Solutions and has more than 40 facilities in 25 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.gesensinginspection.com.

About Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance

Following the merger between Air France and KLM, Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance joined forces to become the world-leading multi-product MRO provider. AFI KLM E&M is well aware of the operational and regulatory demands of a worldwide fleet, being responsible for maintaining over 640 aircraft from their parent airlines. AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support capabilities for airline operators ranging from engineering and aerostructures work to the management, repair and supply of aircraft parts and components. For more information, visit us at www.afiklmem.com.