June 12, 2024

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com Considers best practices related to the management of Part 145 Calibration Systems.

Regulatory requirements typically require that “where necessary”, tools, equipment, and in particular test equipment – sometimes called “appliances” are, calibrated to standards, being acceptable for the Regulatory Authority.

Calibration Periodicity

The required calibration frequency for any appliance should ensure it will remain fully in compliance with all standards applicable to its intended use.

Standards used for calibration should always be traceable to:

  • The standard specified by the appliance manufacturer/design organization, and / or
  • The appropriate national/international standard

Reference Standard for Calibration Performance

Should be a documented & traceable system through to the highest national and international standards.

Reference to standards of Quality Assurance Requirements for Measuring Equipment can be found in the following:

ISO 10012:2003 – Measurement management systems — Requirements for measurement processes and measuring equipment

  • ISO 10012:2003 specifies generic requirements and provides guidance for the management of measurement processes and metrological confirmation of measuring equipment used to support and demonstrate compliance with metrological requirements.
  • It specifies quality management requirements of a measurement management system that can be used by an organization performing measurements as part of the overall management system, and to ensure metrological requirements are met.

ISO/IEC 17025 – Testing and Calibration Laboratories

  • ISO/IEC 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world.
  • It also helps facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies by generating wider acceptance of results between countries. Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, improves international trade.

Note – In all cases, it is the responsibility of the user to satisfy himself that an unbroken traceability chain is in place.

Procedural Controls

A Calibration Register should be maintained to demonstrate that control of the calibration system is achieved in a coordinated manner and to provide an audit trail of all calibration activities.

Calibration is typically required for all items which are necessary to perform measurements or tests of an aircraft, system, or component and are used to defined limits, as specified in the Type Certificate holders technical documentation.

The Calibration Control Program should enable the control and planning of the periodic inspection, service, or calibration within defined time limits to ensure appliances remain fully serviceable.

Ideally, such a program should where possible stagger inspections to ensure that the maximum number of appliances are available at all times. However where there is only a single tool or appliance then a contracted loan arrangement is recommended (again documented).

Calibration Records Should Contain the Following:

  • Identification of equipment
  • Standard used
  • Results obtained & limits of the permissible error
  • Calibration interval
  • The authority under which the release document was issued
  • Limitation of use of the equipment
  • Date on which each calibration was conducted

What if the Calibration is in error by a large margin?

If significant errors are found during a calibration then an impact assessment and necessary corrective action should be taken.

Concerning Frequently Used Tools – Torque Wrenches Etc

To maintain confidence that a particular tool is functioning correctly a checking measurement standard – For example, a Torque Wrench Tester may be employed.

(The checking measurement standard itself should be subject to Calibration to maintain confidence.)

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services provides the following 1-day training course covering the essential areas of the Part 145 Tooling Store

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For additional information, comments, or questions, please email team@sassofia.com

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aviation, EASA Part 145, EASA Part 145 Stores, SAS blogs, Part 145 Tooling Store, Aviation Tooling Store, Calibration Process, Calibration Systems, Part 145 Calibration Systems, ISO 10012:2003, ISO/IEC 17025