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 is a standardized classification system, established in 1956, that uses "chapter numbers" (e.g., 27 for flight controls, 32 for landing gear) to categorize aircraft systems and components.
Its primary purpose is to provide a common language for documenting aircraft systems, parts, and maintenance, ensuring continuity across aerospace OEMs and technical manuals.
Aviation professionals widely use ATA codes for clear communication, assigning maintenance tasks, procuring parts, and structuring technical publications.
While the ATA 100 Code has evolved into the current ATA iSpec 2200 standard, it remains relevant for older aircraft and continues to serve as a foundational structure in aviation maintenance.

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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.