Aerospace Documentation¶
Aerospace documentation meets the highest standards for safety and precision. From maintenance manuals to flight operations, these documents must be accurate, clear, and compliant with stringent regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Framework¶
Governing Bodies¶
United States: - FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) - DOD (Department of Defense)
International: - EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) - ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) - National aviation authorities
Key Regulations¶
- 14 CFR Part 43: Maintenance, preventive maintenance
- 14 CFR Part 121: Operating requirements
- ATA Spec 100: Manufacturer's technical data
- ATA iSpec 2200: Information standards for aviation
- S1000D: International specification for technical publications
Document Types¶
Maintenance Documentation¶
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM):
Primary reference for maintenance procedures:
- System descriptions
- Maintenance procedures
- Component removal/installation
- Troubleshooting
- Testing procedures
Component Maintenance Manual (CMM):
Detailed component-level procedures:
- Disassembly
- Inspection
- Repair
- Reassembly
- Testing
Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC):
Parts identification and ordering:
- Exploded views
- Part numbers
- Effectivity
- Vendor information
Operations Documentation¶
Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook:
- Aircraft limitations
- Normal procedures
- Emergency procedures
- Performance data
- Weight and balance
Minimum Equipment List (MEL):
- Allowed inoperative items
- Operational conditions
- Maintenance procedures
ATA Numbering System¶
Chapter Organization¶
Standard chapter numbering for all aircraft:
| Chapter | System |
|---|---|
| 05 | Time Limits/Maintenance Checks |
| 21 | Air Conditioning |
| 22 | Auto Flight |
| 23 | Communications |
| 24 | Electrical Power |
| 27 | Flight Controls |
| 28 | Fuel |
| 29 | Hydraulic Power |
| 32 | Landing Gear |
| 34 | Navigation |
| 49 | Airborne Auxiliary Power |
| 52 | Doors |
| 71 | Power Plant |
Section-Subject Structure¶
Chapter 32: Landing Gear
├── 32-00: General
├── 32-10: Main Gear and Doors
├── 32-20: Nose Gear and Doors
├── 32-30: Extension and Retraction
├── 32-40: Wheels and Brakes
└── 32-50: Steering
Maintenance Manual Structure¶
AMM Task Structure¶
# TASK 32-40-01-400-801
# Main Wheel Assembly - Removal
## 1. General
### A. This task provides instructions for removal of the
main wheel assembly from the aircraft.
### B. Reason for Task
- Tire replacement
- Wheel inspection
- Brake maintenance
## 2. Job Set-Up Information
### A. Referenced Information
| Reference | Title |
|-----------|-------|
| AMM 32-40-01-400-802 | Wheel Installation |
| AMM 32-40-11-400-801 | Tire Replacement |
| CMM 32-40-01 | Wheel Overhaul |
### B. Consumable Materials
| Item | Specification |
|------|---------------|
| Lubricant | MIL-PRF-81322 |
| Safety Wire | MS20995C32 |
### C. Special Tools
| Tool | Part Number |
|------|-------------|
| Axle Jack | T-32-001 |
| Wheel Dolly | T-32-002 |
### D. Support Equipment
- Hydraulic jack, 10-ton capacity
- Jack stands (2)
## 3. Procedure
⚠️ **WARNING**: Ensure aircraft is properly supported
before raising landing gear.
⚠️ **WARNING**: Deflate tire before removing wheel
to prevent injury from sudden release.
### A. Preparation
1. Position aircraft on level surface.
2. Install safety devices:
a. Position wheel chocks at opposite gear.
b. Install gear downlock pins.
3. Connect ground power if required for
brake release.
### B. Wheel Removal
4. Deflate tire:
a. Remove valve cap.
b. Depress valve core until fully deflated.
c. Verify zero pressure on gauge.
5. Position axle jack under axle:
a. Align jack pad with jack point.
b. Raise jack until wheel clears ground
by 2 inches minimum.
6. Remove axle nut:
a. Remove cotter pin and discard.
b. Remove axle nut (retain for reinstallation).
c. Remove washer.
7. Remove wheel assembly:
a. Pull wheel straight off axle.
b. Guide wheel onto dolly.
c. Secure wheel on dolly.
### C. Post-Removal
8. Inspect axle:
a. Check for scoring or damage.
b. Verify bearing races are secure.
c. Document any findings.
9. Install protective cover on axle.
## 4. Close-Up
### A. Lower and remove jack equipment.
### B. Return tools to tool crib.
### C. Complete work order documentation.
S1000D Standard¶
Data Module Concept¶
S1000D uses modular data units:
<dmRef>
<dmRefIdent>
<dmCode modelIdentCode="AIRCRAFT"
systemDiffCode="A"
systemCode="32"
subSystemCode="4"
subSubSystemCode="0"
assyCode="01"
disassyCode="00"
infoCode="040"
infoCodeVariant="A"/>
</dmRefIdent>
</dmRef>
Data Module Types¶
| Type | Code | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 018 | System description |
| Procedure | 040 | Step-by-step task |
| Fault Isolation | 300 | Troubleshooting |
| Parts Data | 941 | Parts information |
Procedural Markup¶
<proceduralStep>
<para>Remove the wheel assembly:</para>
<proceduralStep>
<para>Pull wheel straight off axle.</para>
</proceduralStep>
<proceduralStep>
<para>Guide wheel onto dolly.</para>
</proceduralStep>
</proceduralStep>
<warning>
<warningAndCautionPara>
Ensure tire is fully deflated before removal.
</warningAndCautionPara>
</warning>
Illustrated Parts Data¶
IPC Structure¶
# 32-40 WHEELS AND BRAKES
# Fig. 1 - Main Wheel Assembly
[Exploded View Illustration with Callouts]
| Item | Part Number | Description | Qty |
|------|-------------|-------------|-----|
| 1 | 123-456-001 | Wheel Half, Outboard | 1 |
| 2 | 123-456-002 | Wheel Half, Inboard | 1 |
| 3 | 123-456-003 | Tire Assembly | 1 |
| 4 | 123-456-004 | Bearing, Outer | 1 |
| 5 | 123-456-005 | Bearing, Inner | 1 |
| 6 | 123-456-006 | Seal | 2 |
| -7 | 123-456-007 | Bolt (8 req) | AR |
Notes:
- Item preceded by dash (-) is not illustrated
- AR = As Required
Effectivity¶
Document which aircraft configurations apply:
## Effectivity
This data applies to:
- Aircraft Serial Numbers 001 through 150
- With modification MOD-2024-001 incorporated
- Excluding aircraft with optional equipment OPT-32-001
Troubleshooting Documentation¶
Fault Isolation Procedure¶
# TASK 32-00-00-810-801
# Landing Gear - Fault Isolation
## Fault: Gear Fails to Retract
### Step 1: Verify Hydraulic Pressure
Check hydraulic system pressure gauge.
| Result | Action |
|--------|--------|
| Below 2800 psi | Go to ATA 29 Hydraulics |
| 2800-3000 psi | Go to Step 2 |
### Step 2: Check Gear Door Operation
Observe gear door indicators.
| Result | Action |
|--------|--------|
| Doors not opening | Go to Step 3 |
| Doors opening | Go to Step 4 |
### Step 3: Inspect Door Actuator
A. Access door actuator per AMM 32-10-00.
B. Check actuator for:
- Hydraulic leaks
- Electrical continuity
- Mechanical binding
| Finding | Action |
|---------|--------|
| Leak detected | Replace actuator |
| No continuity | Check wiring |
| Mechanical bind | Lubricate per AMM |
Writing Standards¶
Simplified Technical English (STE)¶
Aerospace uses controlled language:
Rules: - Use approved words only - One word, one meaning - Short sentences (max 20 words procedural, 25 descriptive) - Active voice - Simple verb tenses
Examples:
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| Optimum | Best |
| Utilize | Use |
| Accomplish | Do |
| Initiate | Start |
| Terminate | Stop |
| Permit | Let |
Summary¶
Aerospace documentation requires:
- Compliance with ATA/S1000D standards
- Simplified Technical English
- Precise procedural writing
- Complete effectivity documentation
- Rigorous review and approval processes
The consequences of unclear aerospace documentation can be severe, making accuracy and clarity paramount.