The role of endoscopic inspection in managing the risk of aircraft engine maintenance

Endoscopic inspection is a non-destructive testing method that is used in aviation to diagnose hard-to-reach critical engine elements and assist in the reliability and risk management process. The article presents examples of diagnostic symptoms specific to the compressor, combustion chamber and turbine, and demonstrates the role of endoscopic review in risk management and operational readiness. Two methods of risk assessment are distinguished: a preventive method based on risk management through the implementation of an operational bulletin, and an analytical method based on Markov processes, in which diagnostic information from an endoscopic inspection is used for statistical calculations. Sources of hazards are cited and practical ways to eliminate or reduce the risk of hazards in aviation operations are described. The process of identifying and monitoring engine gas tract defects and their impact on the acceptable level of risk in operation is discussed.