An Engine Shop Inspector reports Inspection Management violated an Engine Shop Operations Manual when they signed-up a PW-4000 engine for a final inspection; with the engine missing all fan blades; spinner and spinner cover.
Synopsis
An Engine Shop Inspector reports Inspection Management violated an Engine Shop Operations Manual when they signed-up a PW-4000 engine for a final inspection; with the engine missing all fan blades; spinner and spinner cover.
Narrative
A PW-4000 engine work order was signed up for final inspection by Inspection Management at XA:30. This took place in the Engine Shop. This engine was minus all fan blades; spinner and spinner cover. The Engine Release Form; was not completed; signed or dated. Engine Shop Operations Manual XX-YY-ZZ; clearly states that engines will not be signed-up for Final Inspection until this form is completed. This has happened several times in the eight years that I have been an Engine Inspector. The last time was just last month. The reason given by the Inspection Manager is that it is a business decision to violate the Engine Shop Operations Manual. I believe the Operations Manual is just as binding as an F.A.R. and should be followed at all times. If the Engine Shop Operations Manual is found to be too restrictive then it should be changed but until that happens it should be followed. That is stated in our air carrier's Quality Policy; Quality Alert Bulletin and (International Organization for Standardization) ISO 9000 procedures. If the Manual calls for more than we really intend to do it must be changed before we do less.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.