Borescope Inspection Training and Certification

Inspectors need formal training to ensure borescoping is an effective, non-destructive means of visually inspecting internal areas to detect distress in gas turbine engine and aircraft components. Based on this premise, this paper presents training methods that should be used to teach inspectors how to use borescope equipment to detect, interpret and document internal distress. The Pratt & Whitney JT8D combustion chamber borescope inspection training program is used as an example of the training methodology, training program length, class size, instructional aids, and evaluative methods used to train inspectors. This paper also discusses the differing schools of thought surrounding the issue of borescope inspector certification.