Abstract: The invention relates to nondestructive inspection apparatus for automatically inspecting the end region of a tubular member and a coupling member secured to that end region. An inspection probe is yieldingly received within a housing that is pivotally supported on an arm that moves helically around the tubular member. The probe is extended outwardly from an air chamber in the housing to contact the surface of the tubular member. When the probe encounters the obstructing shoulder of the coupling on the end of the tubular member, the housing is caused to pivot to activate an air escape mechanism to reduce the air pressure in the chamber and cause the probe to be withdrawn radially to hop over the obstructing shoulder on the coupling. The housing then returns to its original position to terminate the air escape from the chamber. Air pressure builds up again to force the probe outwardly onto the surface of the coupling.