PLAIN Conference

Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

AECMA Simplified English

Poppy Quintal

Table of Contents
What is AECMA? Simplified English Project History of AECMA SE History of the AECMA SE Guide What is AECMA Simplified English? AECMA SE has What AECMA Simplified English is NOT Why Do We Need AECMA SE? The Increasing Complexity of Aircraft The Increasing Size and Complexity of Technical Documentation Why Do We Need Simplified English? SE gets rid of "unclear" writing AECMA Simplified English What Are the Benefits of Using AECMA Simplified English Benefits of AECMA SE Benefits of AECMA SE - Translation How Does SE Work? Example (non-AECMA SE) Example (in AECMA SE) Rules for Cautions and Warnings
Rule 7.1 Rule 7.2 Rule 7.3 Rule 7.4 Rule 7.5

AECMA Simplified English

Q What is AECMA?
Q AECMA is the acronym for: Q

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Association Europenne des Constructeurs de Matriel Arospatial (European Association of Aerospace Industries)

AECMA Simplified English

SIMPLIFIED ENGLISH PROJECT

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

ATA
(US Airlines)

AEA
(European Airlines)

AIA
(US Manufacturers)

AECMA
(European Manufacturers)

AIA/AECMA
(Simplified English Committee)
3

AECMA Simplified English

Q History of AECMA SE

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q 1979 The Association of European Airlines (AEA) asks AECMA to investigate Q 1979 The Association of European Airlines (AEA) asks AECMA to investigate

the readability of its aircraft manuals. the readability of its aircraft manuals.
Q 1979 AECMA, through its Document Working Group (DWG), sets up a project Q 1979 AECMA, through its Document Working Group (DWG), sets up a project

group to research the problem and provide a solution. group to research the problem and provide a solution.
Q 1980 Fokker offers to develop writing rules for SE. Q 1980 Fokker offers to develop writing rules for SE. Q 1981 ATA discusses Simplified English (SE) with AEA/AECMA. Q 1981 ATA discusses Simplified English (SE) with AEA/AECMA. Q 1982 After analysis of existing texts, a draft list of verbs is identified. Q 1982 After analysis of existing texts, a draft list of verbs is identified. Q 1982 ATA asks AIA/AECMA to develop a comprehensive guide for SE for the Q 1982 ATA asks AIA/AECMA to develop a comprehensive guide for SE for the

Aerospace industry. Aerospace industry.

Q 1983 AIA joins forces with AECMA. Q 1983 AIA joins forces with AECMA. Q 1986 Basic AECMA SE document is issued. Q 1986 Basic AECMA SE document is issued. Q 1987 ATA, in its Specification 100, makes AECMA Simplified English a Q 1987 ATA, in its Specification 100, makes AECMA Simplified English a

mandatory requirement for support documentation of commercial aircraft. mandatory requirement for support documentation of commercial aircraft.

AECMA Simplified English

Q HISTORY OF THE AECMA SE GUIDE

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q The AECMA Simplified English Guide was first released in 1986. Below, for reference, Q The AECMA Simplified English Guide was first released in 1986. Below, for reference, is a list of all the Changes released to date. is a list of all the Changes released to date. Q 1986 - Feb 15: First release Included Writing Rules (Part 1) and Q 1986 - Feb 15: First release Included Writing Rules (Part 1) and the Dictionary (Part 2). the Dictionary (Part 2). 1986 - Sep 15: Change 1 1986 - Sep 15: Change 1 Q 1987 - Jun 01: Change 2 Addition of examples of function Q 1987 - Jun 01: Change 2 Addition of examples of function words and nouns (Part 3). words and nouns (Part 3). Q 1988 - Jun 15: Change 3 Addition of examples of verbs (Part 3). Q 1988 - Jun 15: Change 3 Addition of examples of verbs (Part 3). 1988 - Dec 30: Change 4 Addition of examples of adjectives and 1988 - Dec 30: Change 4 Addition of examples of adjectives and adverbs (Part 3). adverbs (Part 3). Q 1989 - Dec 01: Change 5 Reformatted version of Change 4. Q 1989 - Dec 01: Change 5 Reformatted version of Change 4. Q 1995 - Sep 15: Issue 1 Guide completely revised and a new issue Q 1995 - Sep 15: Issue 1 Guide completely revised and a new issue released. Original Part 2 deleted and Part 3 released. Original Part 2 deleted and Part 3 renumbered to Part 2. renumbered to Part 2. Q 1998 - Jan 15: Issue 1, Rev 1 Updates and amendments. Q 1998 - Jan 15: Issue 1, Rev 1 Updates and amendments. Q 2001 - Jan 15: Issue 1, Rev 2 Updates and amendments. Q 2001 - Jan 15: Issue 1, Rev 2 Updates and amendments.
AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 5

AECMA Simplified English

What is AECMA Simplified English?

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q AECMA SE is a concise, precise, and limited use of the English language. Q It is used internationally by the aerospace industry to produce technical manuals and other documentation needed for aircraft support and maintenance. Q It has a defined set of grammar and syntax rules, and a restricted vocabulary that you must use when you write in AECMA SE.
6

AECMA Simplified English

Q ACEMA SE has:

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q A restricted base vocabulary (about 1,000 words) Q Q A large set of Technical Names and Technical Verbs Q

(unlimited in number and user-defined)

Q Restrictions on grammar and style (about 60 rules) Q

Q AECMA Simplified English is a Controlled Language (a subset of conventional English).

7

AECMA Simplified English

What AECMA Simplified English is NOT:

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q It is NOT simple English, baby English or silly English. Q

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QWhy do we need AECMA SE?

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

10

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

11

AECMA Simplified English

Q Why do we need Simplified English? Q Why do we need Simplified English?

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Put the same part back or substitute a new part?

Replace the part...

AECMA SE Dictionary definition: To remove an item and to install an equivalent.

12

AECMA Simplified English SE gets rid of unclear writing

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Ambiguous Complex Words Grammar Slang/jargon

Incomplete Sentences

13

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q AECMA Simplified English (SE) was originally developed to help the users of English-language documentation quickly and accurately understand what they read. Q The original aim was to make it easier for non-native English speakers working with English documentation. Q However, studies have shown that the benefits (speed of task completion, reduced error rates, etc.) are also statistically significant for native English speakers.
14

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QWhat Are the Benefits of Using AECMA Simplified English?

Increased safety and efficiency Reduced legal liability Fewer customer complaints/questions

15

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QBenefits of AECMA SE
Encourages good writing practices and eliminates

vague and ambiguous statements by forcing the writer to use:

shorter text shorter text clearer writing habits clearer writing habits more precise narratives more precise narratives

Limits the variety of words

(ex: FOLLOW means "to come after in a sequence" and (ex: FOLLOW means "to come after in a sequence" and not "to do what the rules tell you i.e. OBEY) not "to do what the rules tell you i.e. OBEY)

Gives a standard for grammatical construction

(reduces personal styles) Eliminates "verbiage" (needless accumulation of words)

16

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QBenefits of AECMA SE - Translation

Q Manuals written in AECMA SE are easier to

translate.
Q The defined syntax and vocabulary of SE

facilitates computers-assisted translation as well as human translation.

17

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QHow does SE work?

Q Limits the variety of words Q Uses common, everyday English words Q Establishes one meaning per word Q Emphasizes good writing practices Q Standardizes grammatical constructions

18

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Example (non-AECMA SE) QIt is equally important that there should be no seasonal changes in the procedures, as, although aircraft fuel system icing due to water contamination is more often met with in winter, it can be equally dangerous during the summer months.
19

AECMA Simplified English

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Example (in AECMA SE) QUse the same procedures all the time because water in the fuel system can freeze during summer or winter.

20

Cautions and Warnings

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

AECMA SE Rules for Cautions and Warnings

21

Cautions and Warnings

Q Rule 7.1

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Start a warning or a caution with a simple and clear command.

Warnings and cautions must start with a simple and clear

command. This command tells the technicians what they must do to avoid the danger and/or damage. Do not hide this command as a general comment with other background information. Start with the command, and then give the supporting information.
AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001

22

Cautions and Warnings

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Instead of Q Instead of CAUTION: CAUTION:

EXTREME CLEANLINESS OF OXYGEN EXTREME CLEANLINESS OF OXYGEN TUBES IS IMPERATIVE. TUBES IS IMPERATIVE.

Q Write Q Write WARNING: WARNING:

MAKE SURE THAT THE OXYGEN TUBES MAKE SURE THAT THE OXYGEN TUBES ARE FULLY CLEAN. OXYGEN AND OIL OR ARE FULLY CLEAN. OXYGEN AND OIL OR GREASE MAKE AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE. GREASE MAKE AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE. AN EXPLOSION CAN CAUSE DEATH OR AN EXPLOSION CAN CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT. TO EQUIPMENT.

23

Cautions and Warnings

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.2

Be specific in a warning or caution.

You must tell the users exactly what they must do

or not do (and what can happen if they do not obey), to get their attention immediately.
Do not write the warning or caution as a general

comment.

AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001

24

Cautions and Warnings

Q Be specific:

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Instead of Q Instead of WARNING: FAILURE TO DEACTIVATE THE THRUST REVERSER WARNING: FAILURE TO DEACTIVATE THE THRUST REVERSER ISOLATION VALVE FOR GROUND MAINTENANCE ISOLATION VALVE FOR GROUND MAINTENANCE COULD RESULT IN INADVERTENT THRUST COULD RESULT IN INADVERTENT THRUST REVERSER OPERATION WITH POSSIBLE INJURY REVERSER OPERATION WITH POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT. TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT. Q Write Q Write WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE THRUST-REVERSER WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE THRUST-REVERSER ISOLATION VALVE IS CLOSED. IF THIS VALVE IS ISOLATION VALVE IS CLOSED. IF THIS VALVE IS OPEN, THE THRUST REVERSER CAN OPERATE OPEN, THE THRUST REVERSER CAN OPERATE ACCIDENTALLY. THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY TO ACCIDENTALLY. THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT. PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001
25

Cautions and Warnings

Q Rule 7.3

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

If necessary, add a brief explanation to a warning or a caution to give a clear idea of the possible risk.

A warning or caution will be more effective if a brief

explanation is added. An explanation gives the technician a reason for the warning or caution. It also gives a clear idea of the possible risk if the technician does not obey the instructions.

AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 26

Cautions and Warnings

Q Be specific:
Q Instead of Q Instead of CAUTION: CAUTION: Q Write Q Write CAUTION: CAUTION:

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

THE GRABBER MUST BE ENGAGED BEFORE THE THE GRABBER MUST BE ENGAGED BEFORE THE THRUST REVERSER HALVES ARE OPENED. THRUST REVERSER HALVES ARE OPENED. BEFORE YOU OPEN THE THRUST REVERSER BEFORE YOU OPEN THE THRUST REVERSER HALVES, MAKE SURE THAT YOU ENGAGE THE HALVES, MAKE SURE THAT YOU ENGAGE THE GRABBER. IF THE GRABBER IS NOT ENGAGED, GRABBER. IF THE GRABBER IS NOT ENGAGED, DAMAGE TO THE PYLON STRUCTURE CAN OCCUR. DAMAGE TO THE PYLON STRUCTURE CAN OCCUR.

Q AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 Q AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001

27

Cautions and Warnings

Q Rule 7.4

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Identify your command correctly as a warning or caution.

The brief explanation and risk statements that you

add to a command will help you to identify it clearly as a warning or as a caution. A WARNING means that injury or death is possible if the instructions are not obeyed. A CAUTION means that damage to equipment is possible. Possibility of injury and/or damage = WARNING
AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001

28

Cautions and Warnings

PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.5 If a condition is necessary before the technician continues, put the condition first in the warning or caution.
Q Q

Instead of Instead of
CAUTION: THE EMERGENCY POWER AND LIGHT SWITCHES CAUTION: THE EMERGENCY POWER AND LIGHT SWITCHES SHOULD BE IN THE "OFF" POSITION PRIOR TO SHOULD BE IN THE "OFF" POSITION PRIOR TO OPENING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS. OPENING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS.

Q Q

Write Write
CAUTION: BEFORE YOU OPEN THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS, CAUTION: BEFORE YOU OPEN THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS, MAKE SURE THAT THE EMERGENCY POWER AND MAKE SURE THAT THE EMERGENCY POWER AND LIGHT SWITCHES ARE IN THE "OFF POSITION. LIGHT SWITCHES ARE IN THE "OFF POSITION. THIS WILL HELP TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE THIS WILL HELP TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT. EQUIPMENT.

AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 -- Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 AECMA Simplified English, Document PSC-85-16598 Issue 1, Revision 2, 15 Jan 2001 29

No photo available at this time.

AECMA Simplified English

Poppy Quintal
www.aecma.org/Publications/SEnglish/senglish.htm

Poppy Quintal has been a Technical Editor with Bombardier Aerospace since 1995. She edits maintenance documents to meet the standards of the Association Europenne des Constructeurs de Matriel Aerospatiale (AECMA) Simplified English. She also trains technical writers at Bombardier and other aerospace companies in Simplified English (SE). Poppy represents the Canadian aerospace industry in the AECMA Simplified English Maintenance Group, which updates and maintains the SE Guide.