Erickson Converts S-64 Technical Publications to Align with ATA ISPEC2200

Published: June 8, 2023

Background 

ATA iSpec 2200 is a global aviation standard used to effectively manage aircraft engineering and maintenance information. The ATA standard provides detailed recommendations regarding subject matter, content organization, and communication deliverables, allowing for industry-wide uniformity.  

ATA specification 100, the first iteration of the ATA standard, was developed in 1956 and gained wide usage throughout the industry in the 1960s. The ATA standard has been continually revised and updated over the decades for optimal relevancy and functionality. The most recent revision marries the original ATA specification with ATA specification 2100, which was developed to encompass electronic and digital components.  

Challenge 

The Erickson S-64 Air Crane^® helicopter was originally developed as a civilian version of the military CH-54 aircraft; therefore, S-64 technical publications have historically employed document formatting common in military publications.  

This has presented some obstacles to Erickson and its customers. Challenges have included: 

• Qualified engineers and mechanics with civil aviation backgrounds would require additional training and resources to become fluent in S-64 publications. 
• If multiple aircraft types were deployed in a fleet, Erickson and its customers were required to employ teams that were literate in the global civil standard as well as the S-64 format.  

Due to the size of many of the files, and the preciseness of the specification, this project would be a monumental undertaking. ATA iSpec 2200 dictates the numbering scheme for each major system and provides an arrangement for breaking the system down into several subsystems. Several of the files needing conversion, to include Erickson’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and maintenance manuals, were over 4,000 pages each with as many as 30 chapters.  

Although the project would require significant effort, stakeholders throughout the company recognized that converting the documentation would improve proficiency, quality systems, and enhance viability for Erickson and its customers. 

Solution 

After the project was greenlit by leadership, Erickson began implementing the document conversion plan in 2019. Erickson’s objective was to not only ensure that every element of the conversion was executed properly and efficiently, but also to prepare pathways for adherence to the specification in the future.

The Team 

Doug Gates led the internal technical publication team from project initiation to completion and was instrumental in sustaining momentum and keeping the long-term project on task. Rebecca Jenner, who joined the project in 2020, was also a significant contributor throughout the remaining lifespan of the project. Gates, the technical publications team, and stakeholders from various business units, successfully met deadlines and deliverables while managing multiple priorities in their day-to-day roles.  

Erickson also partnered with AEC, an Oregon-based company with substantial aviation industry insight, specializing in documentation solutions, to aid in jumpstarting and supporting the project. AEC was able to: 

• Assist with the creation of ATA-compliant templates. 
• Guide Erickson in the selection of document management software. 
  • Manuals were moved from outdated desktop publishing software into state-of-the-art FrameMaker document processing software.
    • Framework is designed for writing and editing complex documents, automates many of the technical writing processes, and supports consistency throughout Erickson’s manuals.
• Host temporary file-sharing services.
  • During the duration of this project, Erickson was in the process of revamping their SharePoint and file-sharing systems.  
  • Erickson now hosts both internal and external technical publications sites. Customers are able to access all pertinent information such as manuals and service bulletins via the externally facing site. 

The project took four years to complete due not only to the large, complex documents being converted, but also to additional factors such as the COVID pandemic and fluctuating resource availability. Project contributors were able to continuously develop solutions to obstacles to keep the project moving forward. Throughout the four-year duration, approximately 15 internal stakeholders played key roles in the ATA conversion project at one time or another.

Final Stages of the Project 

After S-64 documentation was successfully converted, Erickson and its customers were required by FAA regulation to maintain access to both versions of the technical publications for a period of six months, ensuring a safe and seamless transition. 

To aid in this transition period, Gates created a comprehensive matrix that acted as a guide for users to easily locate required sections within the ATA document format.  

April of 2023 marked the completion of the six-month transition period, signifying the accomplishment of the ATA conversion project. 

Result 

Erickson’s cross-functional team was able to convert 38 manuals, which amounted to over 20,000 pages, 15,000 source files, 30,000 files (inclusive of research and review files), as well as 3,000 templates for use in the creation of new documents. Gates commented that the Erickson team is, “very excited about the finished product.”  

The completion of this project opens Erikson and its customers up to increased business opportunities due to industry compatibility.  

Erickson’s Vice President of AeroSystems, Jeff Mecklenburg, had this to say about the ATA conversion, “The Erickson team stayed the course through a multi-year project, completing not only the technical document conversion, but also creating a sustainable framework for future operations. Their dedication to the continuation of the S-64’s enduring operational relevance is valued by the global S-64 community.”