Hot take: That inspection method the lead pushed on us is way too slow

Last month, our lead at the hangar in Atlanta made everyone switch to using a borescope for every single spark plug check on the PT6 engines. I did 8 inspections today alone and each one took an extra 15 minutes just to line up the scope right. We could catch the same issues faster by just using a 10x loupe and a good flashlight like we used to. Has anyone else gotten stuck with a new procedure that bogs down the whole line?

2 comments

2 Comments

amymason27d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah but are you sure your lead actually tested both methods side by side or did he just get sold on the borescope by a sales rep? That extra 15 minutes per inspection adds up fast, especially when you're doing 8 in a shift like you did. Sounds like somebody at the top made a decision without understanding how it affects the guys on the floor.

lindahunt27d ago

Has management ever actually watched you do the job, @amymason, or do they just trust whatever the sales guy tells them? I feel you on that extra time adding up, fifteen minutes may not sound like much to someone in an office, but when you're already cramming 8 inspections into a shift it's the whole difference between finishing on time and staying late. It's frustrating when decisions get made without anyone asking the people who actually have to use the tools day in and day out. Solidarity from me on this one.