> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.planeconnection.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Manage Tool Calibration

> Track tool calibration status, due dates, and certificates to ensure compliance with 14 CFR 43.13(a) requirements for calibrated tools and equipment.

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.

<Info>
  **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.
</Info>

## The Tool Calibration List

Navigate to **Maintenance > Tool Calibration** to see all tracked tools. The list shows:

| Column          | Description                                            |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| Tool Name       | Name or description of the tool                        |
| Serial Number   | Unique tool serial number                              |
| Status          | Current, Due, Overdue, or Out of Service               |
| Last Calibrated | Date of most recent calibration                        |
| Calibration Due | Date when next calibration is required                 |
| Calibrated By   | Person or facility that performed the last calibration |
| Certificate     | Link to uploaded calibration certificate               |

Status color coding:

| Status         | Color | Meaning                                            |
| -------------- | ----- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Current        | Green | Calibration is within the valid period             |
| Due            | Amber | Calibration due within 30 days                     |
| Overdue        | Red   | Past calibration due date                          |
| Out of Service | Grey  | Tool removed from service (damaged, lost, retired) |

## Add a Tool

<Steps>
  ### Open the new tool form

  From Tool Calibration, click **Add Tool**.

  ### Enter tool identification

  * **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

  ### Record calibration status

  * **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

  ### Save the tool

  Click **Save**. The system calculates the status based on the current date relative to the
  calibration due date.
</Steps>

## 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**

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

## Handle Out-of-Calibration Tools

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

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

## 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

***

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manage Work Orders" icon="wrench" href="/en/how-to/maintenance/manage-work-orders">
    Link calibrated tools to work orders for traceability.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compliance Dashboard" icon="gauge-high" href="/en/how-to/maintenance/use-compliance-dashboard">
    Monitor tool calibration status alongside fleet compliance.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technician Attestations" icon="id-card" href="/en/how-to/maintenance/manage-technician-attestations">
    Verify technician credentials for maintenance sign-offs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Record Integrity" icon="fingerprint" href="/en/how-to/maintenance/verify-record-integrity">
    Ensure calibration records are tamper-evident.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>