Minimizing aircraft downtime is always the top KPI for the Borescope Inspection (BSI) department of any aviation company. For BSI engineers, having a reliable, easy-to-use, and effective videoscope tool is therefore essential. In this case study, we share how an engineer utilized Mitcorp’s X3000 videoscope with cutting-edge 3D measurement technology to ensure precise inspection, accurate evaluation, and efficient repair decisions.
1. Overall inspection:
During a routine “B Check” project, the engineer was tasked with inspecting critical components, including the HPT (High Pressure Turbine), LPT (Low Pressure Turbine), combustion chamber, and fuel injectors.
Thanks to the X3000’s wide field of view, new fiber-optic light source, and advanced image control system, each inspection area was captured with vivid, detailed images. This provided a clear visual foundation for further defect evaluation.
2. Spotting the defects & evaluation:
Among hundreds of inspection images, the engineer identified several issues: erosion on the HPT blades and missing corners on the LPT blades. To evaluate these findings, the engineer leveraged the X3000’s powerful 3D measurement functions:
- Crack &Erosions: In those spots: Several cracks were found along the blade edges, which could affect airflow or lead to further blade damage. Using the 3D Capture function, the engineer obtained a precise 3D reconstruction image in just seconds—without changing any lens. This enabled accurate area measurements and quick cross-checking against the maintenance manual to determine whether blade replacement was necessary.
- Missing corners: Some blades showed curved missing corners, commonly caused by foreign object ingestion. The engineer applied the 3D point-to-line function to quickly measure the defect’s depth and size, helping determine if the blade could be repaired instead of replaced.
3. Repair, measurement, and installation
After evaluation, the maintenance team decided to perform grinding treatments on several blades. To prevent further cracking or breakage, the process focused on smoothing out warped sections and reshaping sharp edges into stable, rounded curves.
Following the repair, the engineer conducted a re-inspection with the X3000. The 3D measurements confirmed that the treated blades were now “within spec”. The blades were then reinstalled, followed by trial-run testing to ensure reliable performance.
Conclusion
As the saying goes: “Sharp tools make good work.”
The Mitcorp X3000 3D measurement videoscope has proven to be exactly that—an indispensable tool for aviation BSI engineers. With its advanced imaging and measurement capabilities, it empowers technicians to conduct faster, more accurate inspections, make confident repair decisions, and most importantly, minimize costly aircraft downtime.