An automatic portable inspection system includes a part holder for holding a component to be inspected and a rotary actuator coupled to the part holder. The system further includes an eddy current probe for scanning the component and providing eddy current signals. The system also includes a self-alignment unit coupled to the eddy current probe and configured to align an axis of the probe substantially perpendicular to a surface of the component and to maintain constant contact with said surface of the component. The system also includes a linear actuator coupled to the self-alignment unit, for providing movement of the eddy current probe along the X, Y and Z axes. A motion control unit is coupled to the rotary actuator and the linear actuator, for controlling the rotary actuator and the linear actuator for moving said probe about the component in accordance with a scan plan.