Warning: That cheap fiber optic inspection scope from the online auction site cost me a whole day

I grabbed a used one for about $150 thinking it was a steal compared to the $2000+ units. The image was so fuzzy I couldn't tell a good connector from a scratched one. Ended up second-guessing myself on a perfectly good LRU, pulling it for no reason, and wasting hours. Had to borrow a proper scope from the hangar next door to finish the job. Anyone have a go-to brand for these that won't break the bank but actually works?

3 comments

3 Comments

robertcarr12d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, how critical is it really? For most line checks, a visual look at the connector face tells you enough. If it's not obviously cracked or filthy, it's probably fine. Spending thousands seems like overkill unless you're doing deep depot-level inspections every day.

vera19512d ago

You ever seen a connector fail in flight? Visual checks miss internal cracks and corrosion you can't see. That "probably fine" attitude is how you get grounded for weeks.

drew_hart411d ago

Robertcarr's "probably fine" attitude is exactly what our safety bulletins warn against, honestly.