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By following this guide, you will add tools to the calibration tracking system, record calibration events, monitor due dates, upload calibration certificates, and manage tools that fall out of calibration.
Who should read this: Directors of maintenance, quality assurance managers, and tool crib managers responsible for ensuring all precision tools and measurement equipment are properly calibrated.Required permission: maintenance_ops — read to view, update to create and modify calibration records.Regulatory basis: 14 CFR 43.13(a) requires that each person performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration shall use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices. Calibration of precision measurement equipment is an industry standard practice traceable to NIST standards.

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The Tool Calibration List

Navigate to Maintenance > Tool Calibration to see all tracked tools. The list shows:
ColumnDescription
Tool NameName or description of the tool
Serial NumberUnique tool serial number
StatusCurrent, Due, Overdue, or Out of Service
Last CalibratedDate of most recent calibration
Calibration DueDate when next calibration is required
Calibrated ByPerson or facility that performed the last calibration
CertificateLink to uploaded calibration certificate
Status color coding:
StatusColorMeaning
CurrentGreenCalibration is within the valid period
DueAmberCalibration due within 30 days
OverdueRedPast calibration due date
Out of ServiceGreyTool removed from service (damaged, lost, retired)

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Add a Tool

1
Open the new tool form
2
From Tool Calibration, click Add Tool.
3
Enter tool identification
4
  • Tool Name — Descriptive name (e.g., “Torque Wrench 25-250 in-lb”, “Digital Caliper 0-12 in”)
  • Tool Serial Number — Unique serial or asset tag number
    • 5
    Record calibration status
    6
  • Calibration Date — Date of the most recent calibration
  • Calibration Due — Next calibration due date (calculated from calibration interval)
  • Calibrated By — Person or calibration laboratory that performed the calibration
  • Certificate URL — Upload or link the calibration certificate
    • 7
    Save the tool
    8
    Click Save. The system calculates the status based on the current date relative to the calibration due date.

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    Record a Calibration Event

    When a tool is recalibrated:
    1. Open the tool detail page
    2. Click Record Calibration
    3. Enter the new calibration date and next due date
    4. Enter the calibrating entity (person or laboratory)
    5. Upload the new calibration certificate
    6. Click Save — the status resets to Current
    Maintain calibration certificates as permanent records. During FAA audits, inspectors may request calibration documentation for any tool used in maintenance performed under your certificate. Having certificates linked directly to the tool record simplifies this process.

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    Handle Out-of-Calibration Tools

    Tools that are past their calibration due date must not be used for precision maintenance work. Any maintenance performed with out-of-calibration tools may need to be re-inspected or re-accomplished, potentially affecting the airworthiness determination of the aircraft.
    If a tool is found to be out of calibration:
    1. Immediately mark the tool as Out of Service
    2. Review recent work orders where the tool was used
    3. Assess whether the out-of-calibration condition could have affected any measurements
    4. If affected, document the finding and initiate corrective action
    5. Send the tool for recalibration or retire it

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    Remove a Tool from Service

    For tools that are damaged, lost, or retired:
    1. Open the tool detail page
    2. Change the status to Out of Service
    3. Document the reason (damaged, lost, retired, beyond economical repair)
    4. The tool remains in the system for historical reference but no longer triggers calibration due alerts

    Manage Work Orders

    Link calibrated tools to work orders for traceability.

    Compliance Dashboard

    Monitor tool calibration status alongside fleet compliance.

    Technician Attestations

    Verify technician credentials for maintenance sign-offs.

    Record Integrity

    Ensure calibration records are tamper-evident.
    Last modified on April 5, 2026