What is the purpose of FOD inspection during overhaul and how is it conducted?

• A. Detect foreign object damage in intake and turbine areas; inspect for dents, scoring, and debris using borescope, magnets, and visual checks
• B. Inspect for color of exhaust plume
• C. Measure turbine rotor weight
• D. Check for fuel leaks only

Answer: (A)

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) inspection is about finding and removing objects that could be ingested or cause damage inside the engine. During overhaul you have access to the intake, compressor, and turbine areas, where even small items can nick blades or cause failures if left behind. The inspection relies on three practical approaches: a borescope to look deep into ducts and blade paths for dents, scoring, chips, or loose hardware; magnets to capture ferrous debris so it can be removed; and thorough visual checks with good lighting to spot debris and damaged surfaces that the other tools might miss. Any found debris or damage is addressed before reassembly to prevent in-service failures. While other checks like exhaust plume color, rotor weight, or fuel leaks are important for other aspects of maintenance, they do not address the primary risk FOD presents and aren’t the focus of this inspection.