Reflecting on a life in NDT

Letter from America’ was a weekly 15-minute spoken word production heard around the world. From its first edition to its last, it was presented by Alistair Cooke, who would speak of a topical issue in the USA, tying together different strands of observation and anecdote and often ending on a humorous or poignant note. The series ran from 24 March 1946 to 20 February 2004, making it the longest-running speech radio programme hosted by one individual.

My first article using the title ‘Letter from America’ was careful to acknowledge that I was using this title and giving Alistair Cooke full credit. This acknowledgement was continued in the title for many years.

I have continued to provide monthly articles relating to events in North America involving non-destructive testing (NDT) and other activities that might have escaped mention in the UK. I believe that this is my 200th submission!

The present submission is concurrent with my 90th birthday, taking place on 29 August 2025. I am blessed to be in good health, of sound mind and I am still involved in non-destructive testing… and rugby! I have no intention of slowing or stepping down in the near future.

I arrived in the USA in 1960, with no expectations or job possibilities, and stumbled into a job involving NDT at its earliest state, with application to materials measurements and defect detection in refineries, power plants and ships. I progressed along with the evolution of NDT applications. My introduction to the American Society for Nondestructive Testing led to my activities in training and certification as Vice Chair of the NDT Certification committee.

I have retired from these daily activities but still provide input. I am in contact with my dear friend and former boss, Brian Shannon, and continue to keep my ear ‘to the ground’.

I would be overjoyed to hear from my readers with comments about my submissions from over the years. I can be reached through BINDT or my email: ronaldtnisbet@gmail.com

BINDT has published the first two parts of my memoir, which are available to purchase from its website. The third and final sections should be available soon.