Leadership and governance of aerospace NDT certification in the UK

The UK occupies a leading position in the governance and development of aerospace non-destructive testing (NDT) certification through the combined activities of the UK National Aerospace NDT Board (UK NANDTB), the Aerospace NDT Boards’ Forum (ANDTBF) and the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).

The Chair of the UK NANDTB (Kevin Pickup) also serves as Vice Chair of the ANDTBF, providing strategic leadership for the implementation, governance and continual development of employer-based (second-party) aerospace NDT certification within the UK, while contributing directly to the international harmonisation of aerospace certification practices and standards.

As Chair of the UK NANDTB, this role leads the body to be recognised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the independent authority responsible for the oversight of aerospace NDT qualification, examination, training and employer certification in accordance with EN 4179. The UK NANDTB develops and maintains all associated UK NANDTB working documents, which can be found on BINDT’s UK NANDTB webpage at: www.bindt.org/NANDTB/UK-NANDTB-Documents.

The Board also approves Outside Agencies responsible for aerospace training and examinations, provides technical guidance to Responsible Level 3 personnel and employers and promotes the consistent implementation of EN 4179 throughout the UK aerospace sector.

Internationally, the Vice Chair of the ANDTBF contributes to the leadership of the international forum comprising national aerospace NDT boards from leading aerospace nations. The ANDTBF is responsible for promoting the harmonised implementation of EN 4179 and NAS 410, developing internationally aligned guidance, standard interpretations and audit criteria, facilitating mutual recognition between national aerospace NDT boards and supporting aviation safety through the consistent qualification and certification of aerospace NDT personnel worldwide. ANDTBF documents and meeting minutes can be found on the European Federation for Non-Destructive Testing (EFNDT) website at: www.efndt.org/Services/Document-Store?EntryId=6289

Supporting both organisations is BINDT, which acts as the secretariat for both the UK NANDTB and the ANDTBF. In this capacity, BINDT provides the governance, administrative and technical support necessary to enable both organisations to operate effectively, maintain their technical documentation, coordinate international activities and engage with industry, regulators and national aerospace NDT boards worldwide.

In addition to its secretariat responsibilities, BINDT develops, administers and maintains PCN Aero, the UK’s independent third-party aerospace NDT certification scheme. PCN Aero has been developed to satisfy the requirements of both EN 4179 and ISO 9712 collectively, providing an independently verified certification route that complements the employer-based certification model required by the aerospace industry. This unique capability enables BINDT to support both employer-based (second-party) certification through the UK NANDTB and ANDTBF and internationally recognised independent (third-party) certification through the PCN Aero scheme.

Together, these organisations provide a comprehensive certification infrastructure that underpins regulatory compliance, technical competence and international confidence in aerospace NDT personnel. The UK NANDTB provides national governance and implementation of EN 4179, the ANDTBF delivers international harmonisation and strategic direction across national aerospace NDT boards, while BINDT supports both organisations through its secretariat function and the delivery of the internationally recognised PCN Aero certification scheme.

Collectively, this framework positions the UK as a recognised leader in the governance, development and continual improvement of aerospace NDT qualification and certification. Through the combined leadership of the UK NANDTB and the ANDTBF, supported by BINDT’s secretariat and certification expertise, the UK continues to influence international best practice, promote harmonised standards and strengthen confidence in the competence of aerospace NDT personnel across the global aerospace sector.