4 Tips When Buying Borescopes for Helicopter Engine Inspection

Borescopes are optical devices that help identify any potential issues with a helicopter engine. Since several components of a helicopter are small and inaccessible, they can be reached using a high-quality borescope. Therefore, a borescope is a worthwhile investment that can save the time of your maintenance crew.

However, buying the right one is important to ensure that it offers a comprehensive inspection of helicopter parts. Therefore, a borescope should be equipped with a high-resolution camera, proper lighting and strong cables that can be used to inspect helicopter engines.

Here are some tips that can help you select the right borescope for helicopter engine maintenance.

1. Device Specifications

Borescope units consist of an optical tube, and eyepiece, light, and a camera. These components are present in all scopes that allow technicians to view hard-to-reach areas.

Some units have advanced features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and USB connection. Additionally, some scopes allow users to download an app to visualize and record information. The new technology of videoscopes offers a high resolution micro camera at the tip of the probe that produces quality color image on the screen.

Obviously, scopes with advanced features are costlier than others. Make sure to compare the specifications and consider if the advanced features are worth the extra cost.

2. Length of the Cable

The diameter and length of the cable is an important criterion when buying a borescope. A general rule to follow when buying the scope is that the cable should not be too short or too thick.  The diameter of the cable should allow easy insertion inside the engine. Moreover, the length of the cable should allow seamless inspection of the entire helicopter engine.

Borescopes come with flexible and rigid cables. Rigid cables generally have a small diameter that can be inserted through small openings. But the cables are typically analog that doesn’t allow saving photos and videos. A special adapter that is sold separately has to be used to record and process images and videos.

Flexible cables are available in 2-way and 4-way articulating systems. The articulation allows a technician to move the camera in different directions. The cables also allow the camera to be moved at 360⁰ angles. Most digital borescopes have flexible cables in different sizes and diameters that allow varied applications.

3. Quality of Camera

The quality of the camera is also an important consideration when buying a borescope. The camera quality is measured by image or video resolution. High-quality cameras can capture images in higher resolutions as compared to a low-quality camera. They can capture sharp and clear images with low signal-to-noise ratio, good contrast, and color rendition.

The application of the borescope determines what quality camera is best. If you want to look for erosion, pitting, or scratches, a high-quality camera is required. For finding blockages or debris, a low-quality camera may be sufficient.

4. Lighting Options

Lighting option is another factor that should be considered when buying a borescope of helicopter engine inspection. Consider buying a borescope with an attached light source, such as LED, metal halide, halogen, or xenon. A scope with an adjustable intensity is recommended to ensure that the image does not appear washed out. Of course, most portable videoscope for aviation and helicopter inspection will have built in LED lighting.

Using borescope can help you to conduct a thorough inspection of a helicopter engine. For more information on borescope sale and maintenance, contact USA Borescopes. We specialize in providing the best quality borescopes for aviation and helicopter turbine engine maintenance.

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