Maintaining Your Airplane

The Language of Aircraft Maintenance? It Starts Here

The ATA 100 code table provides common terminology for those who do airplane maintenance.

Richard Scarbrough

Thursday, April 07, 2022 at 08:59 AM ET

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[Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The ATA 100 Code Table, established in 1956 and now evolved into iSpec 2200, is a standardized classification system for aircraft systems, components, and maintenance documentation.
It provides a common numbering language that organizes aircraft parts and functions into specific chapters, used by OEMs, maintenance professionals, and technical publications.
This standardization facilitates clear communication, specialization (e.g., by chapter), and efficient task assignment in aviation maintenance.
While officially superseded by iSpec 2200, the ATA 100 code remains relevant and foundational, especially for older aircraft and their corresponding maintenance manuals.

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“What chapter did you get?” he asked.

She responded, “32; why?”

Richard Scarbrough

Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.