FAA Certification Expected to Boost Operations

Q: What segment of the market does Full Service NDT target?

A: Full Service NDT started with a different focus and only began working on aerospace projects seven years ago. We detected that markets such as Mexico and the US were in need of our services, so we concluded it was important to obtain DGAC’s certification. In the past, we used to perform sporadic inspections on airplanes but only on behalf of a workshop. After we obtained our certification as an aeronautics workshop, we began various inspections for all aircraft. Our services are targeted at aircraft that are already flying, not at the assembly stage. The X-ray service is the most requested, for which we receive a request almost every day.

Our inspection methods for nondestructive testing (NDT), which include industrial ultrasound, inspections with magnetic particles and borescope inspections, are performed by specialists. These professionals are trained for over two years according to NAS410 standards and are qualified to make critical decisions regarding the aircraft.

Full Service NDT works primarily with MROs, Monterrey Jet Center being one of our largest partners. We have an agreement with the FAA and with Monterrey Jet Center that allows us to perform inspections on aircraft from the US. Our other clients include Asertec, Aerovitro, Hawker Beechcraft Services and Volaris.

Q: How does Full Service NDT expect to increase its market share?

A: We expect the FAA certification, which we should acquire in 2017, to boost our aerospace operations. At Full Service NDT, we believe that rather than trying to extend our business’ scope to OEMs directly, participating in the US private aviation market will expand our operations. To our knowledge, no other company in Mexico specializes solely in nondestructive testing with the FAA certification.

We are also working toward opening a second office in Toluca but this will be linked to our obtaining the FAA certification. This new office represents an important investment for the company since we have to provide the infrastructure as well as train the new additions to our workforce. We are working toward recruiting a fully trained staff and keeping turnover low. A specific goal is to double our existing operations in Toluca.

The company also is investing in new technologies. Our X-ray operations will get an upgrade because we are acquiring digital equipment. We also are developing a new service not yet on the market related to ultrasound phasedarray technologies. The combination of our workforce with our state of the art technology makes us the best in the market. We try to offer the most competitive prices possible and the latest technologies.

Q: Has your location limited the company’s reach?

A: Full Service NDT is based in Monterrey and this location has not limited our reach. We serve clients throughout the whole country. Our core business is private aviation, though we have worked sporadically with Aeroméxico. Major airlines such as Aeroméxico and Interjet perform their own nondestructive tests but we sometimes work with them to relieve backlogs.

The aerospace industry carries weight in our business as it represents around 25 percent of our total operations. The oil industry accounts for another 25 percent and automotive for almost 15 percent. The remaining 35 percent is dotted across general industrial processes.

Q: What developments have sculpted the state of the aerospace industry in Nuevo Leon?

A: The development of the aerospace industry has been rather slow. Full Service NDT is part of the aerospace cluster in Nuevo Leon. Although the cluster is very active, its member companies have to be even more dynamic. Human capital in the state is well prepared but not quite enough to meet our level of expertise. While technical schools are preparing students, we still have to provide extra training to our employees, especially regarding language skills. Our staff must understand English and the specialized industry terms we use.