Aircraft Engine Borescope Inspection Checklist

Modern aircraft engines operate under extreme conditions, such as heat, pressure, and constant vibration. Over time, these factors can lead to wear, cracking, corrosion, or foreign object damage. Unlike routine external checks, a borescope inspection allows technicians to:

• Detect hidden damage before it worsens
• Confirm the integrity of rotating blades and hot section components
• Monitor the progression of existing wear
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer service bulletins and airworthiness directives

By identifying potential issues early, operators can prevent catastrophic failures, reduce costly downtime, and extend the service life of engines.

Every aircraft engine and maintenance manual has specific requirements, but this general checklist covers the core areas most inspections include.

1. Preparation and Safety

• Review the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for engine-specific inspection guidelines.
• Ensure the aircraft is properly grounded and powered down.
• Verify that the engine has cooled to safe handling temperatures.
• Select the appropriate borescope or videoscope, flexible or rigid, depending on access points. 

2. Access Points

• Locate borescope ports identified by the engine manufacturer.
• Ensure proper removal of access plugs without damaging threads or seals.
• Confirm that the insertion tube length and diameter fit the port size for safe navigation. 

3. Compressor Section

• Inspect for blade cracks, erosion, or foreign object damage (FOD).
• Check blade tips for rubbing or contact marks.
• Look for oil or fuel contamination that may indicate seal leaks. 

4. Combustion Section

• Examine liners for hot spots, cracks, or burned areas.
• Check for excessive carbon buildup or fuel nozzle deposits.
• Verify the integrity of cooling holes and overall material condition. 

5. Turbine Section

• Inspect turbine blades for cracks, missing material, or tip damage.
• Look for signs of overheating, such as discoloration or warping.
• Check for evidence of foreign object impact or thermal fatigue. 

6. Bearings and Seals

• Assess visible bearing surfaces for scoring or abnormal wear.
• Verify seal areas are intact and free from leakage signs. 

7. Documentation

• Capture clear images or video footage of all inspected areas.
• Record findings in the engine logbook with detailed notes.
• Compare results with previous inspections to identify trends.

A well-performed aircraft engine borescope inspection often reveals issues before they become serious. Some common findings include:

• Cracks in blades or vanes caused by stress and vibration from environmental exposure
• Foreign object damage (FOD), such as nicks or dents from debris
• Burn-through or hot spots in combustion liners
• Seal wear or leaks leading to performance loss

Addressing these problems early allows for scheduled repairs rather than emergency grounding, improving safety and cost efficiency.

To get consistent and reliable results, technicians should:

• Use high-resolution borescopes with recording capabilities
• Follow the same inspection path each time for accurate comparisons
• Train regularly on borescope navigation techniques
• Stay updated on the latest manufacturer guidelines and inspection intervals

By standardizing practices, organizations can ensure inspections are repeatable, objective, and compliant with industry standards.

An aircraft engine borescope inspection is one of the most valuable tools in aviation maintenance. By following a thorough checklist, technicians can detect hidden issues, keep engines in top condition, and ensure regulatory compliance, all while saving time and costs compared to full disassembly.

At USA Borescopes, we provide the specialized tools you need to carry out precise and efficient aircraft engine inspections. Whether you’re looking for flexible videoscopes, rigid borescopes, or the latest imaging technology, we have solutions trusted across the aviation industry.

Contact USA Borescopes today to find the right aircraft engine borescope inspection tools for your maintenance team.