Aircraft are complex, interconnected systems built from a wide variety of materials that are subjected to significant stress during all stages of flight. While all systems require regular inspections, not all systems can be inspected using the same method. Our team of NAS 410 NDT-certified Level II and III technicians is dedicated to improving flight safety and ensuring pilots, passengers and crews are safe, both in the air and on the ground.
We provide a combination of non-destructive testing services and inspection tools to help solve your aircraft integrity problems, for fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, on any make or model. Off-site and in-house services are both available, so you can choose whichever fits your schedule and location.
Western Aircraft's NDT team is based in Boise, Idaho, but our work isn't limited to our own hangar. We regularly travel to operators throughout the Northwest and beyond, as far east as the Dakotas and to points south, bringing certified inspection capability directly to your aircraft.
Every method we offer, including eddy current, magnetic particle, fluorescent penetrant and ultrasonic testing, can be performed off-site at your location, using the same NAS 410-certified process you'd get in our Boise facility.
Choosing off-site? Western Aircraft is based in Boise, Idaho, and from there, our mobile NDT team travels throughout the Northwest and into the Dakotas and points south, including Arizona and northern California. The map below is an approximate guide to that range. If you're outside this area, contact us; we're glad to discuss options.
Our NAS 410 certified NDT technicians perform the following aircraft inspection methods for fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, available off-site or at our Boise, Idaho facility.
Surface and sub-surface crack detection, bolt-hole inspection and conductivity testing.
Solid-state bench system and portable yoke capabilities for surface and near-surface defect detection in ferromagnetic materials (includes integrated demagnetization capabilities).
Full-line penetrant inspection system and portable kits for surface-breaking defect detection.
Flaw detection, material evaluation, thickness measurements and ultrasonic coating thickness measurement.
The technicians behind every inspection.
With over 12 years of hands-on experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) across military and civilian aviation, Paul Salas serves as an NDT Level 3 Inspector dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality. Driven by the belief that NDT is the first line of defense against catastrophic failure, Paul brings exceptional precision, integrity and technical skill to every project.
Paul built his foundation during his active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force, completing formal NDT training at NAS Pensacola. His military career included supporting the F-15E at Mountain Home Air Force Base, serving in the Air National Guard in support of the A-10, completing multiple temporary duty assignments and deploying overseas supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Transitioning to commercial aerospace, he further advanced his expertise at Boeing's 777X Composite Wing Center, where he utilized automated phased array testing.
Throughout his career, Paul has continuously expanded his technical credentials. He earned his ASNT NDT Level 3 in Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) in 2021 and serves as the NAS 410 NDT Responsible Level 3 across Penetrant (PT), Magnetic Particle (MT), Eddy Current (ET) and Ultrasonic (UT) testing at Western Aircraft. His hands-on proficiency spans advanced inspections on complex aircraft structures, systems and composite components.
Paul's academic and technical background reflects a commitment to lifelong learning. He holds an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Non-Destructive Testing Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and has completed specialized OEM training through Boeing, Dassault Falcon and Textron.
Known for his strong work ethic, adaptability and leadership, Paul excels in fast-paced environments. He leads the NDT department to consistently achieve high-quality standards, driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction and uncompromising safety.
Nathan is a dedicated NAS 410 Level 2 Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspector with nearly a decade of experience supporting military and civilian aviation operations. Throughout his career, Nathan has built a reputation for technical excellence, attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to aircraft safety and structural integrity.
Currently serving as an NDT Inspector with Western Aircraft, Nathan performs advanced nondestructive inspections in accordance with FAA regulations and industry standards. His certifications include Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Eddy Current Testing (ET), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT). He supports a diverse range of aircraft platforms, including Pilatus, Piper, Gulfstream and Dassault Falcon aircraft, while also providing inspection services for Bell Life Flight helicopters, agricultural aircraft and maintenance organizations throughout Idaho and across the United States.
Nathan's foundation in NDT began with the United States Air Force, where he accumulated over nine years of inspection experience and earned both USAF NDI 5-Level and 7-Level qualifications. During his military career, he deployed worldwide in support of critical operations and training exercises, including Operation Inherent Resolve, NATO's Air Defender exercise in Germany and numerous domestic and international maintenance missions. As a lead NDI technician and subject matter expert, he was entrusted with inspecting high-value aircraft, managing critical maintenance programs, mentoring junior inspectors and ensuring mission readiness in demanding environments.
Throughout his career, Nathan has gained extensive experience across multiple NDT disciplines, including Eddy Current Testing, Ultrasonic Testing, Fluorescent Penetrant Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, and Radiographic Testing. His expertise has led to the detection of critical structural discrepancies, including potentially catastrophic crack indications in aircraft landing gear components, helping prevent equipment failures and ensuring continued airworthiness.
In addition to hands-on inspection work, Nathan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. He played a key role in the first-ever field evaluation of the Field-Lab 58 system for the U.S. Air Force, helping validate its effectiveness for operational use and contributing to improved maintenance readiness and cost savings. He also developed a pioneering radiographic inspection technique for the A-10 Thunderbolt II engine nacelle and has supported advanced ultrasonic inspection programs that only a select number of NDT specialists are qualified to perform.
Nathan continues to expand his technical capabilities through advanced industry and manufacturer-specific training, including specialized composite inspection and ultrasonic testing coursework through the Dassault Training Academy.
Known for his professionalism, dependability and passion for aviation safety, Nathan takes pride in helping aircraft operators maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability. His commitment to continuous learning, technical precision and customer service makes him a valuable member of the Western Aircraft team and a trusted resource for NDT inspections across the aviation industry.
Cullen Bland is a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Specialist with more than a decade of experience in aerospace inspection, aircraft maintenance support, welding and structural fabrication. Since beginning his NDT career with the United States Air Force in 2017, he has built a reputation for technical excellence, attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aircraft safety and reliability.
Cullen received his formal NDT training through the U.S. Navy's Non-Destructive Inspection Apprentice Course at Naval Air Station Pensacola. His training included ultrasonic testing, eddy current inspection, radiography, liquid penetrant inspection, magnetic particle inspection, bond and composite inspection and radiation safety. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple Level II certifications and accumulated thousands of hours performing advanced inspections on military, commercial, business and executive aircraft.
His experience includes supporting the U.S. Air Force F-15 fleet at Mountain Home Air Force Base and while deployed to Al-Azraq Air Base, Jordan, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Cullen later served with Boeing Global Services, where he performed NDT in support of several high-profile military and executive aircraft programs, including Air Force One and the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center, commonly known as the "Flying Pentagon." He now supports Western Aircraft's Gulfstream, Falcon, Pilatus and other business aviation platforms through advanced eddy current, ultrasonic, composite, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant and radiographic inspections.
Before entering aerospace, Cullen spent five years working as a professional welder and fabricator. His experience included structural steel, custom boilers, wind towers, high-pressure piping and repairs involving a variety of materials and welding processes. This hands-on manufacturing background gives him a practical understanding of structural integrity, material behavior and how components are manufactured, allowing him to approach inspections with both technical precision and real-world experience.
Throughout his Air Force career, Cullen was repeatedly recognized for his performance, professionalism and leadership. He was selected as Airman of the Quarter, earned a Below-the-Zone early promotion and received the Air Force Achievement Medal for his service during Operation Inherent Resolve. He was also personally coined by four-star General James M. Holmes for exceeding expectations both on and off duty as an airman. During his deployment, he was again coined and recognized for excellence by three-star Lieutenant General Joseph T. Guastella.
Cullen remains committed to professional growth and to providing customers with accurate inspections, dependable service and confidence that every aircraft is maintained to the highest standards of safety and airworthiness.
Tell us about your aircraft and location, and our NDT team will follow up.
We aim to respond to requests within one business day. Prefer to talk it through first?
Contact us today: 208-385-5124 | ndt@westair.com
