How much does an engine borescope inspection cost?

What moves the price

1. Engine type. A narrowbody turbofan (CFM56, V2500, LEAP, PW1100G) has fewer ports and stages than a widebody engine; an APU is smaller still.
2. Scope. A hot section only, a full hot-and-cold section, or a targeted inspection after an event. Pre-purchase and lease-return inspections usually mean full scope with video of every stage.
3. Location. Travel to the aircraft is the biggest variable after scope. An inspection near the inspector's base costs less than one that needs a flight, a hotel and a hire car.
4. Timing. A scheduled inspection booked a week ahead is the low end. An AOG call-out the same day, or over a weekend, carries a premium because someone drops everything.
5. On wing or off wing. Off-wing inspections on a stand are usually quicker to access but may need shop coordination.
6. Reporting. A findings list is one thing; a full report with video, measurements against AMM limits and the format your lessor requires is another.
7. Release requirements. If you need a specific regulatory release, say so at the start; it changes who can sign and sometimes who can be sent.

How quotes are usually structured

Most independent providers quote a per-engine or per-day inspector rate plus travel and expenses, with a surcharge for AOG or out-of-hours work. Some bundle the report; some charge for video. Ask what is included before comparing numbers.

What to send for an accurate quote

Engine model and ESN, aircraft location (airport), on wing or off wing, the reason (scheduled, AOG, pre-purchase, lease return, mid-lease), the date you need it by, the report format you need, and whether video is required. With those seven items a quote takes minutes; without them it takes a week of back-and-forth.

The cost of not inspecting

A lease-return dispute over turbine blade condition, or a pre-purchase surprise discovered at the first shop visit, costs more than every borescope inspection in the engine's life combined. The inspection is cheap insurance for an asset that trades in the millions.