Simplified English has been used in the aerospace industry as the mother language of all technical procedures.
Also known as SE, the language began its progression in the late 70s in response to improving the readability and understanding of aircraft technical documents.
English is the primary language of the aerospace and defense industry. However, it isn’t the native language of many users. In some cases, what is common and understandable for many can have a completely different meaning or, at least, a slight difference that can compromise the accomplishment of the correct procedure.
In aviation, it is mandatory to correctly understand maintenance and operation documentation to ensure that systems operate correctly and, most importantly, protect human lives.
The SE gives a guideline to write technical texts clearly, simply and unambiguously.
With all that in mind, an essential factor that companies should also not forget is the “hands-on” experience of their team.
A good technical writer should be capable of writing and performing the procedure on the aircraft or in a repair shop. This is not the only but the best way to validate the procedure, acquire experience and last but not least, have a maintainability vision and feeling that the maintainers do have.
As much hands-on experience, the writer has as better will be procedures, providing reliable, cost-saving and safe information to the customers.
What good is it having the most experienced professional but a poor procedure?
But never forget! Whenever you find a confused or wrong procedure, it must be reported to the OEM/Manual owner.
Regards from Brazil!