What is a borescope inspection and when is it used?

What is a borescope inspection and when is it used?

• A. An external visual inspection of the aircraft surface.
• B. A measurement of internal clearances using laser equipment.
• C. A visual inspection of internal surfaces via a small scope; used to inspect inaccessible areas such as internal passages or bearings.
• D. A dye penetrant inspection of the exterior.

Answer: (C)

A borescope inspection is a visual examination of internal surfaces through a small scope inserted into a component’s cavities. The instrument can be rigid or flexible and is usually lit, sometimes with a camera, so you can see areas that can’t be reached from the outside. It’s used to inspect inaccessible regions such as internal passages or bearings where damage like wear, corrosion, scoring, or blockages might develop. Because it’s a visual check, it doesn’t measure dimensions or quantify hidden flaws with specialized testing—if measurements or confirmation of a flaw are needed, other methods are used. This is different from inspecting the exterior, measuring with lasers, or performing dye penetrant tests on the surface.

A borescope inspection is a visual examination of internal surfaces through a small scope inserted into a component’s cavities. The instrument can be rigid or flexible and is usually lit, sometimes with a camera, so you can see areas that can’t be reached from the outside. It’s used to inspect inaccessible regions such as internal passages or bearings where damage like wear, corrosion, scoring, or blockages might develop. Because it’s a visual check, it doesn’t measure dimensions or quantify hidden flaws with specialized testing—if measurements or confirmation of a flaw are needed, other methods are used. This is different from inspecting the exterior, measuring with lasers, or performing dye penetrant tests on the surface.