When should the VIDS/MAF (OPNAV FORM 4790/60) be utilized?

The VIDS/MAF, or the Visual Information Display System/ Maintenance Action Form, is particularly important when the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) is not accessible. This need arises because NALCOMIS serves as a critical database for tracking maintenance and logistics, but there may be situations where it is down or unavailable—for example, due to system outages or technical issues. In those scenarios, utilizing the VIDS/MAF ensures that maintenance actions can still be documented accurately and effectively in a paper format. This provides a necessary workaround that enables crews to continue tracking maintenance requirements and activities, ensuring operational continuity.

The option indicating that the VIDS/MAF should be used in-flight or during pilot training misinterprets its primary purpose. While it is essential for overall maintenance documentation, it is not specifically limited to or designed for those scenarios. Similarly, the choice that suggests it should always be used regardless of the availability of NALCOMIS does not align with the primary context in which VIDS/MAF is intended to be utilized. It is meant to serve as a supplementary method rather than a primary tracking system when NALCOMIS is operational.