Understanding Joint Aircraft System/Component Code
ATA Chapters, also known as the ATA 100 System Codes, refers to the categorization of parts as organized by the Air Transport Association. These numbers will typically be found in any Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) for any civilian aircraft and one category can consist of several subcategories for different parts. Understanding and following the regulations laid down by ATA Chapter 100 is essential for aviation safety.
Joint Aircraft System/Component Code Table (JASC) is a modified version of the Specification 100 code of the Air Transport Association of America. It was created by the FAA's Regulatory Support Division (AFS-60).
The JASC code format for the ATA Spec 100 code gained wide acceptance over the years. The FAA's counterparts from Australia and Canada have accepted the JASC code in a coordinated effort with only a few exceptions. Some Canadian aircraft manufacturers have adopted this new standard.
This code table was created using the new JASC four (4) digit format and an abbreviated title. In some cases, the abbreviated titles were modified to clarify the code's intended purpose. This table can be used to quickly reference the data and codes of aircraft structures (e.g., Service Difficulty Reports (SDR) and Accident/Incident Reports (AID).
The current coding scheme in the JASC code was implemented in May 1991 for the technical classification of SDRs. The FAA component code/airplane system code is an eight-digit code that's similar to the JASC code but has a more complicated design. It was created over 25 years ago. It was built around the current computer technology. It consisted of a 4-digit numerical code and a 4-digit alpha character code to make data retrieval possible. Computer technology has come a long way since that time. The code can be reduced from eight characters to four. Sometimes, JASC coding matches the ATA Specification 100's first three digits. These digits are used to identify aircraft systems. The fourth digit of the ATA code is not used to identify components.
Due to the inherent problems associated with aging aircraft, the JASC code aircraft section has been expanded. The high number of reports received in this area during 1989 (8021) led to FAA code 5301 SXBD being expanded to 20 items. Sometimes, codes were not reported at all, and codes were combined with other systems to reduce the safety risk. The codes were reduced from 568 FAA codes to 488 JASC codes. The significant increase in structural codes is mentioned earlier.
The JASC code splits the engine section into two code groups to separate the reciprocating and turbine engines. The codes for turbine engines can be found in JASC Code Chapter 72, Turbine/Turboprop engine. The codes for reciprocating engines can now only be found in JASC Code Chapter 85, Reciprocating engine.
The ATA section 2730 refers specifically to the stall warning systems. This is another significant departure from ATA Spec 100. In the early days of technology, primarily for smaller aircraft, the sense of flight attitude was directly connected to the component that provided the means for manually controlling flight attitude characteristics (elevator). Nowadays, large transport aircraft use electronic units to detect environmental changes called stalls and then use that data to guide navigation. ATA section 3410 Flight Environment Data includes a high-speed warning. Because stall warning (low speed) is the common term for high-speed warning, it makes more sense to file it under the same code. With the JASC code, it was decided that the stall warning system should be moved to Chapter 34 with the separate JASC code 3418 Stall Warning System.
FAA continues to seek worldwide participation from manufacturers and operators in order to address the international standardization of components/system codes. The ultimate goal of the FAA is to create a universal component/aircraft numbering standard that can be used in all manufacturer maintenance manuals, wiring diagram manuals, and illustrated parts catalogs. The harmonized standard must be usable by aircraft manufacturers, air carrier operators, and the general aviation community.
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