Aircraft engine borescope inspection is a crucial part of any maintenance program. It enables you to assess the condition of different components within an aircraft engine and identify any potential issues.
Learn how to properly conduct a borescope inspection, as well as the safety precautions to take while doing so.
Prepare the Aircraft Engine for Inspection
Before conducting a borescope inspection, it is important to ensure that the engine is safe and ready for inspection. This must be done by preparing the aircraft engine prior to performing the inspection.
This includes most of all reducing fuel pressure, cooling the hot sections of the engine, draining fluids and closing door panels or other components required. Make sure everything is secure before starting aircraft engine borescope inspection.
Select the Correct Borescopes and Adapters
Properly selecting the correct borescope and adapter for your inspection can ensure a successful result. A borescope is an optical tool used for inspecting objects without disassembling them.
Generally, borescopes come in 3 types- rigid, semi-rigid and flexible. The type of borescope you select depends on the level of access needed to inside the engine components being inspected.
Adapters are necessary to connect the camera to the viewing port within the aircraft engine so make sure it’s compatible with your chosen system before beginning inspection.
Pre-Inspection Procedures and Checklist
Before each inspection, take the time to conduct an important, pre-inspection checklist.
This includes proper assembly and installation of the borescope and all related equipment, checking the brightness and sharpness of the image on the display screen, calibration of depth measurements if needed, visual confirmation that objective lenses are absent of dirt or scratch marks, confirming that all cords are securely connected to a power source.
Following this simple step can ensure a successful inspection outcome with no surprises.
Applying the Borescope to Access Engine Compartments
Once all necessary pre-inspection steps are complete, the aircraft engine borescope inspection can now be applied to view the various engine compartments.
The scope is carefully passed through the port while observing any changes in the image on the display screen. All areas of concern should be filled with light, presenting a clear and focused look into engine spacing and hidden hard-to-reach areas.
If concerned about disturbing debris located in the engine cylinder or compartment being inspected, use a brush attached to the scope to gently remove dust or other unwanted particles trapped within its path.
Generate Records of Inspection Data
After the inspection of the aircraft engine borescope is complete, it’s essential to create a detailed record to document all discovered issues.
Accurate data ensures future decision-making in regards to engine maintenance. Include the scope’s location, results of the overall inspection, notes on any issue identified, corrective action taken when applicable, and more.
Taking a photo of each engine area inspected can also help to illustrate potential damage spots in the best detail.
Keeping detailed records of your aircraft engine borescope inspections helps you determine its current status as well as assess any further actions needed for successful operation.
Conclusion
Engine is the heart of an aircraft. As such it is critical to conduct engine inspections to ensure maximum safety. Borescope inspection is an important part of aircraft engine inspections. Here are a few points to remember while during such inspections.
· Prepare the aircraft engine prior to performing the inspection. It includes reducing fuel pressure, cooling the hot sections of the engine, draining fluids and closing door panels or other components required.
· Selecting the correct borescope and adapter for your inspection can ensure a successful result.
· Conduct a pre-inspection checklist that includes proper assembly and installation of the borescope and all related equipment.
· Applying the borescope to access engine cylinders and compartments
· Generate records of inspection data. Create a detailed record to document all discovered issues for future decision-making.