Structural Health Sensors Come of Age, page-3

Key takeaways for a ‘newcomer’….

Re this first approval :

“…This technology allows an airline or an operator to do this specific structural inspection during a normal overnight operation,” says Dave Thompson, Delta TechOps vice president for engineering, quality and safety. “You can do this inspection in a matter of an hour, compared to a full day and a hangar visit.”….​

… “Thompson says for the specific antenna application that the STCcovers, the SMS sensor technology can be installed within a day during a maintenance check “when that area undergoes a regular, routine inspection.”​

And beyond…

“…expect others (approvals) to follow”​

… “The companies (Delta and SMN) are partnering to develop other applications for structural inspections of 737-800s. ​

While those would still need FAA and Boeing approval, given that the sensor technology is the same, subsequent application approvals should take less time…”​

Finally..

Why is Delta wanting SMN  to work with other OEMs (to develop and test?)  before considering installing CVM tech on its’ aircraft besides  the 737-800s?
About Delta Tech Ops :
https://www.iata.org/contentassets/...19ec2/delta-techops-capabilities-overview.pdf
It appears to have been a main force so far ie in the story above Dave Thompson says;

….. “ Delta TechOps has been testing the sensors with SMS for a few years for this antenna area application to “look for opportunities to reduce the maintenance burden—both labor hours and ground time—for the mandatory inspections that are required.”​

He also says

“…When asked whether Delta Air Lines would consider using the technology for other aircraft types it flies, Thompson says, “we would definitely consider it” if Structural Monitoring Systems, the owner of the technology, looked for opportunities with other OEMs…”​

- Could others please give their views on this last comment?


cheers