Enhancing flight safety through accelerometer calibration

Aerospace engineers rely on accurate accelerometers to validate flight behaviour, structural integrity and system performance. Their outputs feed directly into important metrics like inertial navigation, vibration analysis, qualification testing and control systems. These are areas where small measurement errors can have wide and major consequences.

A key challenge in this respect is that accelerometer drift is rarely obvious. Sensors can remain stable and repeatable whilst gradually moving out of tolerance due to vibration exposure, thermal cycling and shock. Relying solely on minimum regulatory calibration intervals leaves this drift undetected for too long. For safety-critical aerospace applications, more frequent, traceable calibration is a practical engineering control.

The fundamental role of accelerometer calibration for safety

Accelerometers form part of inertial navigation units (IMUs) that allow aircraft and spacecraft to maintain accurate positional awareness without external signals. They are used in shock and vibration testing to certify airframe integrity. They support engine health monitoring and, in many cases, contribute to active flight control loops where precise motion measurement is essential.

However, accelerometer performance degrades over time. Mechanical wear, environmental stresses (such as temperature cycles or vibration exposure), electrical drift and ageing can all shift sensor response away from its original calibration. When this happens, an uncalibrated or poorly calibrated accelerometer may provide inaccurate data. In aerospace applications, even small errors can have significant consequences. Inaccurate motion data can lead to navigation drift, erroneous structural health conclusions, misconfigured control laws or faulty test results.

Calibration is the process of comparing an accelerometer’s output with a traceable reference standard and adjusting it to ensure that the readings match known values across its operating range. This ensures traceability, reliability and measurement confidence, which are three pillars of aerospace safety and compliance.

Going beyond compliance - the case for frequent calibration

Most aerospace organisations calibrate and control monitoring/measuring equipment on defined intervals set by their quality system, manufacturer recommendations and regulatory expectations. This is commonly time-based (often 12 months) and/or aligned to maintenance milestones. However, meeting the minimum requirement may not be sufficient where risk is high and tolerances are tight. For safety-critical applications, shortening calibration or adding interim verification can help detect drift early and reduce the chance of an undetected out-of-tolerance condition. Frequent calibration delivers multiple safety advantages:

• Early detection of sensor drift: Catching performance degradation before it affects operational decisions.

• Verification after extreme conditions: Shock, vibration or thermal extremes common in aerospace can alter sensor response. Testing more often ensures return-to-spec performance.

• Reduced measurement uncertainty: Consistent calibration tightens confidence bands around sensor data, crucial when systems like IMUs operate without external references.

• Supports predictive maintenance: Detecting patterns in calibration drift can flag broader system issues early.

Partnering with a UKAS-accredited calibration specialist

When it comes to calibration quality, accreditation matters. The aerospace sector demands traceability to national or international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025 for calibration laboratories. A calibration provider accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) gives engineers confidence that measurement results are technically valid, professionally performed and internationally recognised essential for both safety and regulatory audits. Choosing a UKAS-accredited specialist ensures:

• Accurate, traceable calibration results aligned with aerospace requirements.
• Controlled calibration environments and documented uncertainties.
• Expertise in aerospace sensor characteristics and risk impacts.
• Flexible service options, including on-site or rapid turnaround, to support frequent calibration intervals.

Your trusted calibration partner for accelerometer calibration

At DM, we understand that aerospace safety demands measurement confidence. Regular accelerometer calibration is a proactive safeguard against risk rather than a compliance tick box exercise. By calibrating more frequently and working with a trusted, UKAS-accredited specialist, you can ensure consistent, accurate data that reinforces safe operations and test programmes.

We work with major organisations, including defence contractors and mission-critical engineering teams, to deliver traceable, reliable calibration results that engineers can depend on right first time. Invest in calibration that protects your mission, your people and your reputation. Contact DM today to discuss how our calibration services can enhance your aerospace safety practices or download our guide below.