PLAIN Conference

Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

AECMA Simplified English

Poppy Quintal

1
 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 PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q What is AECMA?

Q
Q AECMA is the acronym for:

Association Européenne des Constructeurs de Matériel Aérospatial

(European Association of Aerospace Industries)

2
AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

SIMPLIFIED ENGLISH PROJECT

ATA AEA
(US Airlines) (European Airlines)

AIA AECMA
(US Manufacturers) (European Manufacturers)

AIA/AECMA
(Simplified English Committee)

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AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q History of AECMA SE
Q
Q 1979
1979 The
The Association
Association of
of European
European Airlines
Airlines (AEA)
(AEA) asks
asks AECMA
AECMA to
to investigate
investigate
the
the readability
readability of
of its
its aircraft
aircraft manuals.
manuals.
Q
Q 1979
1979 AECMA,
AECMA, through
through its
its Document
Document Working
Working Group
Group (DWG),
(DWG), sets
sets up
up aa project
project
group
group to
to research
research the
the problem
problem and
and provide
provide aa solution.
solution.
Q
Q 1980
1980 Fokker
Fokker offers
offers to
to develop
develop writing
writing rules
rules for
for SE.
SE.
Q
Q 1981
1981 ATA
ATA discusses
discusses Simplified
Simplified English
English (SE)
(SE) with
with AEA/AECMA.
AEA/AECMA.
Q
Q 1982
1982 After
After analysis
analysis of
of existing
existing texts,
texts, aa draft
draft list
list of
of verbs
verbs is
is identified.
identified.
Q
Q 1982
1982 ATA
ATA asks
asks AIA/AECMA
AIA/AECMA to
to develop
develop aa comprehensive
comprehensive guide
guide for
for SE
SE for
for the
the
Aerospace
Aerospace industry.
industry.
Q
Q 1983
1983 AIA
AIA joins
joins forces
forces with
with AECMA.
AECMA.
Q
Q 1986
1986 Basic
Basic AECMA
AECMA SE
SE document
document is
is issued.
issued.
Q
Q 1987
1987 ATA,
ATA, in
in its
its Specification
Specification 100,
100, makes
makes AECMA
AECMA Simplified
Simplified English
English aa
mandatory
mandatory requirement
requirement for
for support
support documentation
documentation of
of commercial
commercial aircraft.
aircraft.

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AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q HISTORY OF THE AECMA SE GUIDE

Q
Q The
The AECMA
AECMA Simplified
Simplified English
English Guide
Guide was
was first
first released
released inin 1986.
1986. Below,
Below, for
for reference,
reference,
is
is aa list
list of
of all
all the
the Changes
Changes released
released to
to date.
date.
QQ 19861986 -- Feb
Feb 15:
15: First
First release
release Included
Included Writing
Writing Rules
Rules (Part
(Part 1)
1) and
and
the
the Dictionary
Dictionary (Part
(Part 2).
2).
1986
1986 -- Sep
Sep 15:
15: Change
Change 11
QQ 19871987 -- Jun
Jun 01:
01: Change
Change 22 Addition
Addition of of examples
examples of of function
function
words
words and and nouns
nouns (Part
(Part 3).
3).
QQ 19881988 -- Jun
Jun 15:
15: Change
Change 33 Addition
Addition of of examples
examples of of verbs
verbs (Part
(Part 3).
3).
1988
1988 -- Dec
Dec 30:
30: Change
Change 44 Addition
Addition of of examples
examples of of adjectives
adjectives and
and
adverbs
adverbs (Part
(Part 3).
3).
QQ 19891989 -- Dec
Dec 01:
01: Change
Change 55 Reformatted
Reformatted version
version of
of Change
Change 4. 4.
QQ 19951995 -- Sep
Sep 15:
15: Issue
Issue 11 Guide
Guide completely
completely revised
revised and
and aa new
new issue
issue
released.
released. Original
Original Part
Part 22 deleted
deleted and
and Part
Part 33
renumbered
renumbered to to Part
Part 2.
2.
QQ 19981998 -- Jan
Jan 15:
15: Issue
Issue 1,
1, Rev
Rev 11 Updates
Updates and and amendments.
amendments.
QQ 20012001 -- Jan
Jan 15:
15: Issue
Issue 1,
1, Rev
Rev 22 Updates
Updates and and amendments.
amendments.

 AECMA
AECMA Simplified
Simplified English,
English, Document
Document PSC-85-16598
PSC-85-16598 -- Issue
Issue 1,
1, Revision
Revision 2,
2, 15
15 Jan
Jan 2001
2001
5
AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

What is AECMA Simplified English?

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 PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q ACEMA SE has:

Q
Q A restricted base vocabulary (about 1,000 words)

Q
Q A large set of Technical Names and Technical Verbs
(unlimited in number and user-defined)

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

Q AECMA Simplified English is a Controlled Language

(a subset of conventional English).

7
AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

What AECMA Simplified English is NOT:

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

8
AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

QWhy do we need AECMA SE?

9
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 PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

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

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.”

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AECMA Simplified English PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

SE gets rid of “unclear” writing

Ambiguous Complex
Words Grammar Incomplete
Slang/jargon 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
shorter text
text
•• clearer
clearer writing
writing habits
habits
•• more
more precise
precise narratives
narratives
•• Limits the variety of words
•• (ex:
(ex: FOLLOW
FOLLOW means
means "to
"to come
come after
after in
in aa sequence"
sequence" and
and
not
not "to
"to do
do what
what the
the rules
rules tell
tell you”
you” i.e.
i.e. OBEY)
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 PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.1 Start a warning or a caution with a

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

22
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q
Q Instead
Instead of
of
CAUTION:
CAUTION: EXTREME
EXTREME CLEANLINESS
CLEANLINESS OF
OF OXYGEN
OXYGEN
TUBES
TUBES IS
IS IMPERATIVE.
IMPERATIVE.

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

23
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.2 Be specific in a warning or caution.

ª You must tell the users exactly what they must do

ª
or not do (and what can happen if they do not
obey), to get their attention immediately.

ª Do not write the warning or caution as a general

ª
comment.

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

24
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Be specific:
Q
Q Instead
Instead of
of
WARNING:
WARNING: FAILURE
FAILURE TO
TO DEACTIVATE
DEACTIVATE THE
THE THRUST
THRUST REVERSER
REVERSER
ISOLATION
ISOLATION VALVE
VALVE FOR
FOR GROUND
GROUND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
COULD
COULD RESULT
RESULT IN
IN INADVERTENT
INADVERTENT THRUST
THRUST
REVERSER
REVERSER OPERATION
OPERATION WITH
WITH POSSIBLE
POSSIBLE INJURY
INJURY
TO
TO PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL AND/OR
AND/OR DAMAGE
DAMAGE TOTO EQUIPMENT.
EQUIPMENT.

Q
Q Write
Write
WARNING:
WARNING: MAKE
MAKE SURE
SURE THAT
THAT THE
THE THRUST-REVERSER
THRUST-REVERSER
ISOLATION
ISOLATION VALVE
VALVE IS
IS CLOSED.
CLOSED. IF
IF THIS
THIS VALVE
VALVE IS
IS
OPEN,
OPEN, THE
THE THRUST
THRUST REVERSER
REVERSER CAN
CAN OPERATE
OPERATE
ACCIDENTALLY.
ACCIDENTALLY. THIS
THIS CAN
CAN CAUSE
CAUSE INJURY
INJURY TO
TO
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL AND/OR
AND/OR DAMAGE
DAMAGE TO
TO EQUIPMENT.
EQUIPMENT.

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

25
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.3 If necessary, add a brief explanation

to a warning or a caution to give a
clear idea of the possible risk.

ª A warning or caution will be more effective if a brief

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

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

26
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Be specific:
Q
Q Instead
Instead of
of
CAUTION:
CAUTION: THE
THE GRABBER
GRABBER MUST
MUST BE
BE ENGAGED
ENGAGED BEFORE
BEFORE THE
THE
THRUST
THRUST REVERSER
REVERSER HALVES
HALVES ARE
ARE OPENED.
OPENED.
Q
Q Write
Write
CAUTION:
CAUTION: BEFORE
BEFORE YOU
YOU OPEN
OPEN THE
THE THRUST
THRUST REVERSER
REVERSER
HALVES,
HALVES, MAKE
MAKE SURE
SURE THAT
THAT YOU
YOU ENGAGE
ENGAGE THE
THE
GRABBER.
GRABBER. IF
IF THE
THE GRABBER
GRABBER IS
IS NOT
NOT ENGAGED,
ENGAGED,
DAMAGE
DAMAGE TO
TO THE
THE PYLON
PYLON STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE CAN
CAN OCCUR.
OCCUR.

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

27
Cautions and Warnings PLAIN Conference
Toronto, September 26 -29, 2002

Q Rule 7.4 Identify your command correctly as a

warning or caution.

ª The brief explanation and risk statements that you

ª
add to a command will help you to identify it clearly
as a warning or as a caution.
ª A WARNING means that injury or death is possible
ª
if the instructions are not obeyed.
ª A CAUTION means that damage to equipment is
ª
possible.
ª Possibility of injury and/or damage = WARNING
ª


 AECMA
AECMA Simplified
Simplified English,
English, Document
Document PSC-85-16598
PSC-85-16598 -- Issue
Issue 1,
1, Revision
Revision 2,
2, 15
15 Jan
Jan 2001
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
Instead of
of
CAUTION:
CAUTION: THE
THE EMERGENCY
EMERGENCY POWER
POWER AND
AND LIGHT
LIGHT SWITCHES
SWITCHES
SHOULD
SHOULD BE
BE IN
IN THE
THE "OFF"
"OFF" POSITION
POSITION PRIOR
PRIOR TO
TO
OPENING
OPENING THE
THE CIRCUIT
CIRCUIT BREAKERS.
BREAKERS.
Q
Q Write
Write
CAUTION:
CAUTION: BEFORE
BEFORE YOU
YOU OPEN
OPEN THE
THE CIRCUIT
CIRCUIT BREAKERS,
BREAKERS,
MAKE
MAKE SURE
SURE THAT
THAT THE
THE EMERGENCY
EMERGENCY POWER
POWER AND
AND
LIGHT
LIGHT SWITCHES
SWITCHES ARE
ARE IN
IN THE
THE "OFF”
"OFF” POSITION.
POSITION.
THIS
THIS WILL
WILL HELP
HELP TO
TO PREVENT
PREVENT DAMAGE
DAMAGE TOTO THE
THE
EQUIPMENT.
EQUIPMENT.

 AECMA
AECMA Simplified
Simplified English,
English, Document
Document PSC-85-16598
PSC-85-16598 -- Issue
Issue 1,
1, Revision
Revision 2,
2, 15
15 Jan
Jan 2001
2001

29
 No photo AECMA Simplified English
available
at this
time. 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 Européenne des Constructeurs de Matériel 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.