The S1000D, “International specification for technical publications using a common source database,” has added new language to supplement the term “component maintenance manual.” The specification now offers “component maintenance publication” for new documents, though the use of “manual” might still be appropriate in certain situations.
S1000D is used as a standard by both defense and civil aviation programs in Europe, North and South America and Asia. It originated in the early 1980’s when European industry representatives built on ATA 100 – then the only internationally accepted aerospace specification – to construct a unified method of “air vehicle” project documentation. The specification is controlled by the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the ATA e-Business Program; it is maintained by its users – customers, suppliers and aviation industry service providers.
According to the electronic data standards team that manages the ATA e-Business Program, the shift away from “CMM” will help align S1000D’s terminology with its digital focus. It allows users flexibility to avoid the paper-based connotation of “manual” in situations where “publication” more-accurately describes the utilized documentation.
Users of the S1000D should be prepared to manage the transition in terminology, particularly while maintaining publications both for legacy and new aviation products. To learn more, visit: public.s1000d.org.
ATA e-Business Forum
Aviation businesses that are particularly interested in e-business program specifications should consider attending the joint ATA e-Business Forum/S1000D User Forum from June 12-14 in Amsterdam. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the specifications, meet many of the industry leaders responsible for developing and maintaining the specifications and see products and services to enable implementation of the standards. For more information and to register, visit: www.ataebiz.org/Pages/events.aspx.
