How often should aircraft without MRC cards be calibrated?

The requirement for calibrating aircraft without Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRCs) is that they should be calibrated at least once every 12 months. Regular calibration is essential for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the aircraft's systems and instrumentation. This annual calibration ensures that any drift or discrepancies in measurements are identified and corrected, allowing for safe and effective operations.

Calibration helps in fulfilling the maintenance standards set forth by the Navy and ensures compliance with established protocols. It's particularly important for aircraft systems that rely on precise measurements for navigation, control, and other critical functions. By adhering to the annual calibration schedule, the integrity of the aircraft's performance can be maintained, thereby reducing the risk of operational failures that could arise from equipment malfunction.

Other timelines, such as three months or six months, are not typically required for aircraft devoid of MRC cards, and calibrating only when issues are observed may lead to reactive rather than proactive maintenance, which can compromise safety and operational readiness. Thus, the minimum standard of once every 12 months provides a good balance between ensuring operational effectiveness and managing maintenance workload.