*3.1. Purpose*

The purpose of this research was to develop a systematic methodology for conducting Bowtie risk assessments. The desired attribute of such a methodology is to provide a structure to guide the analyst when identifying the barriers, so that no important threats, consequences or barriers are missed. The area under examination is maintenance engineering, and within that the aviation MRO and inspection operations, specifically visual borescope inspection of aero engine parts. We were especially interested in the risk of missing a defect on a turbine blade.
