Narrative:

I am filing this for some clarification. 2 inspectors and I performed an inspection procedure on a 757 engine due to a bird strike. There was a point of contention on what it was that we were to inspect using the fluorescent penetrant inspection (fpi) spot inspection. The conversation was in a casual manner at first but then took a wrong turn in my view when the supervisor chimed in. We all made mention of how we normally perform our normal best practice procedures; using the fpi spot inspection. We normally inspect beyond the normal strike area; to ensure that we accomplish a thorough inspection. Our supervisor stated; as a matter of fact; that the card we were working states 'if you can see bird remains on the outlet guide vane (ogv); do a fpi spot inspection; of the ogv segment that has evidence of bird strike'. He then proceeded to inform the three of us; that we were not to look anywhere but that exclusive area of the known strike; or we would be held insubordinate. At this point; there was a growing concern among the 3 of us. I have on numerous occasions heard or have known the following statement. The FAA will contend that we are held to a higher standard for the work that is to be performed and performed by inspection. We also are of the understanding that any FAA licensed personnel may be answerable for any neighboring discrepancies that may have been in the area at the time of addressing the original discrepancy. With all this being noted; why would it not be of a best practice to extend the areas of our inspection to just outside of the known strike area; without the threat of being held insubordinate should we 'exceed' the known strike area? So the question is; and where we need some extra clarity is this. Wouldn't the FAA hold myself or any other inspector to a standard that the company; as stated by our supervisor; neither promotes nor fosters in the name of aviation safety?

Related reports:

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: During inspection on a B757 engine due to a bird strike; company supervisor threatened the inspectors with insubordination if they inspected beyond what was required per the maintenance card.

Narrative: I am filing this for some clarification. 2 Inspectors and I performed an inspection procedure on a 757 engine due to a bird strike. There was a point of contention on what it was that we were to inspect using the Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) Spot Inspection. The conversation was in a casual manner at first but then took a wrong turn in my view when the supervisor chimed in. We all made mention of how we normally perform our normal best practice procedures; using the FPI Spot Inspection. We normally inspect beyond the normal strike area; to ensure that we accomplish a thorough inspection. Our supervisor stated; as a matter of fact; that the card we were working states 'If you can see bird remains on the Outlet Guide Vane (OGV); do a FPI Spot Inspection; of the OGV segment that has evidence of bird strike'. He then proceeded to inform the three of us; that we were not to look anywhere but that exclusive area of the known strike; or we would be held insubordinate. At this point; there was a growing concern among the 3 of us. I have on numerous occasions heard or have known the following statement. The FAA will contend that we are held to a higher standard for the work that is to be performed and performed by Inspection. We also are of the understanding that any FAA licensed personnel may be answerable for any neighboring discrepancies that may have been in the area at the time of addressing the original discrepancy. With all this being noted; why would it not be of a best practice to extend the areas of our inspection to just outside of the known strike area; without the threat of being held insubordinate should we 'exceed' the known strike area? So the question is; and where we need some extra clarity is this. Wouldn't the FAA hold myself or any other inspector to a standard that the company; as stated by our supervisor; neither promotes nor fosters in the name of aviation safety?

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.