Presented is a method and apparatus for inspection through use of a variable angle ultrasonic transducer of metallic members such as pipes, conduits, plates and other formed metallic members normally having a surface regularity adhering to a predetermined standard of normalcy. Inspection proceeds in such a manner that irregularities in the surface of the member under test that lie outside the standard of normalcy are sensed, the degree of irregularity determined and converted into an electrical signal that is applied to continually variably control the angular relationship of the ultrasonic transducer with the surface of the metallic member being inspected whereby abnormalities within the metallic member may be reliably and accurately detected, displayed and recorded. In terms of apparatus, the ultrasonic transducer is provided with an arcuate sound transmitting surface, and the the transducer is mounted for pivotal rotation about an axis of rotation correlated to the radius of curvature of the arcuate sound transmitting surface. The transducer is also mounted for automatic axial and vertical displacement in relation to irregularities encountered during the test, with automatic pivotal rotation of the transducer being effected in correlation to the axial and vertical displacement.