An old friend revisited: reflections from the 2026 BINDT Aerospace Event

The BINDT Aerospace Event 2026, organised by the Aerospace Committee and the West of England Branch of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, took place from 29 to 30 April 2026 at the BAWA Centre, Bristol. As the only UK event dedicated solely to aerospace NDT, it once again proved to be an outstanding opportunity for industry professionals to meet colleagues, exchange ideas and explore the latest advances in inspection technology from around the globe.

The accompanying aerospace exhibition was particularly well attended and showcased a wide range of products, innovations and services supporting the ever-evolving aerospace sector. However, amongst the impressive array of advanced technology on display, it was an encounter with an ‘old friend’ that unexpectedly captured my attention.

While browsing the exhibitors’ stands, I arrived at J R Technology Ltd and almost instinctively found my hands drawn towards a familiar piece of equipment, the legendary Mitsui Woodpecker; ‘aah’, I hear many of you say!

For anyone with even a modest background in composite inspection, the words Mitsui Woodpecker are likely to evoke fond memories of one of the most straightforward yet surprisingly rewarding forms of NDT inspection. Before the widespread deployment of sophisticated digital systems and highly automated techniques, the Woodpecker represented an essential and trusted first-line inspection tool for bonded and composite structures. You could not help but become encapsulated by its rhythmic, almost hypnotic tap – that was until its alarm and indicator lights lit up phonetically. The principle itself was simple. The electromechanical tap tester automated the traditional ‘coin tap’ method, removing much of the variability and subjectivity associated with manual tapping inspections. Using a solenoid-driven hammer and central processing unit (CPU)-controlled feedback from a piezoelectric crystal, the Woodpecker provided objective, repeatable data that could indicate anomalies such as disbonding typically found within skin-to-core structures and/or assemblies.

Where an indication was identified, further investigation would often follow using more advanced NDT techniques such as radiography or ultrasonic testing, supported by an appropriately developed technique to confirm the initial response obtained during tap testing. Yet, despite the simplicity of the method, many inspectors will agree that the Woodpecker earned enormous respect within the industry because it worked exceptionally well when deployed by experienced hands.

I certainly have many fond memories of using the Woodpecker throughout my time spent at British Airways, particularly on composite aerostructures where rapid assessment of bonded assemblies was often required. It was therefore genuinely nostalgic to see the instrument sitting proudly on display once again.

However, alongside the familiar Woodpecker was something rather new.

Standing nearby was Mr Paul Rogger, whom I first met during BINDT’s first post-pandemic event held in Poole at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) headquarters following the lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Paul was demonstrating the latest evolution in tap testing technology, the AccuTAP Model TT-42.

During our conversation, Paul confirmed that the model initially demonstrated in Poole had now reached full market readiness. Developed as a compact, low-cost alternative to the Woodpecker, the AccuTAP TT-42 was designed as an easy-to-operate hand-held device for inspecting bonded structures up to 5 mm thick. Importantly, it operates using the same underlying principles as the original Woodpecker, employing piezoelectric crystal feedback to deliver comparable performance, inspection results and, dare I say, hypnotic throng.

Seeing the AccuTAP positioned beside the Woodpecker felt rather symbolic, a possible future passing of the torch from one generation of tap testing equipment to the next. Unsurprisingly, my conversation with Paul began with the words: “I remember when…”

That simple remark ultimately inspired this article, because during our discussion it genuinely felt as though I was catching up with several old friends at once: Paul himself, the ever-reliable Mitsui Woodpecker and now its potential modern successor, the AccuTAP.

In an industry often captivated by increasingly complex inspection technologies, it was refreshing to revisit a technique that remains grounded in simplicity, practicality and proven effectiveness. Tap testing may be one of the more basic forms of composite inspection, but its value within aerospace NDT should never be underestimated.

For those interested in learning more about the next iteration of tap testing technology, I am certain Paul would be delighted to continue the conversation.

It was exceptionally nice catching up with you again, Paul. Old friends, it seems, are always worth revisiting.