1. A method for detecting deterioration in an engine component comprising: monitoring an engine control unit for the execution of a command associated with an occurrence of a start up event; recording an engine performance parameter value associated with the start up event at the time the command is executed; comparing the recorded engine parameter value with a baseline engine parameter value indicating a normal event; determining if the recorded engine parameter value is materially different than the baseline engine parameter value within a predefined standard; and if the recorded engine parameter value is materially different that the baseline engine parameter value then generating an anomaly indicator.