Posted on September 23, 2026 Kyle Salem Aircraft Parts
An ATA code identifies a broad aircraft system or technical subject not a specific aircraft part. For example, ATA 32 refers to landing gear, while the complete part number, aircraft effectivity, and applicable technical documentation are needed to identify and verify an individual component.
Understanding how ATA chapters work can make aircraft maintenance documentation and parts research easier, especially when moving from a system-level reference to a specific IPC figure, item, or part number.
ATA codes classify major aircraft systems and technical subjects. For example, ATA 24 covers electrical power, while ATA 32 covers landing gear.
Some commonly referenced aircraft ATA chapters include:
|
ATA Code |
Aircraft System |
|
ATA 21 |
Air Conditioning |
|
ATA 22 |
Auto Flight |
|
ATA 23 |
Communications |
|
ATA 24 |
Electrical Power |
|
ATA 27 |
Flight Controls |
|
ATA 28 |
Fuel |
|
ATA 29 |
Hydraulic Power |
|
ATA 32 |
Landing Gear |
|
ATA 71 |
Power Plant |
|
ATA 72 |
Engine |
ATA originally referred to the Air Transport Association of America, which developed standardized methods for organizing aircraft technical information. The organization later became Airlines for America (A4A), but ATA chapter numbering remains widely recognized.
Terms such as ATA chapter, ATA code, and ATA reference describe this system-based organization.
An ATA chapter is a numbered section covering a particular aircraft system or technical area.
For example:
ATA 32 → Landing Gear
Finding a part may require moving through several levels:
ATA chapter → section or subject → figure → item → part number
When reviewing aircraft parts and IPC information, the ATA chapter shows where a component belongs, while the applicable IPC provides the data needed to identify it.
ATA chapters appear throughout aircraft technical documentation, including:
If technicians are working on landing gear, ATA 32 narrows the documentation search to that system. They can then use the applicable manual to locate the required procedure, assembly, or component.
The classification helps users navigate; approved technical data still governs inspection, repair, installation, and procurement.
ATA codes are useful in parts research because they connect a component to its broader aircraft system.
For example, a component used in the fuel system may appear under ATA 28 – Fuel. However, ATA 28 alone does not identify the exact item.
An ATA code alone does not establish:
These details must be verified through applicable aircraft and component documentation. An ATA chapter directory can help users move from a known aircraft system to related chapter information before consulting the relevant IPC.
A simplified ATA reference may appear as:
ATA 32 → Section → Subject
Within an IPC, that reference may lead to a figure containing numbered items and their corresponding part numbers:
ATA 32 → Landing Gear → Applicable section → IPC figure → Item number → Part number
Structures vary by manufacturer. ATA classification narrows a broad system to information for a specific task or component.
ATA 100 played an important role in standardizing aircraft technical documentation and chapter organization. The familiar system-based chapter numbers used today grew from this framework.
Searches for ATA 100 chapters or an ATA 100 chapters list usually refer to these classifications. However, newer documentation standards may apply depending on the aircraft, manufacturer, operator, and publication.
ATA codes serve a different purpose from part numbers, NSNs, CAGE Codes, and PMA information.
An ATA chapter may place a component within the landing gear system, while its part number identifies the actual component. An NSN may identify it in a government supply system.
PMA information concerns FAA approval of specified replacement or modification articles. PMA parts information can add context but must be reviewed with the applicable aircraft documentation.
An ATA code is a useful starting point, but part identification requires a clear process.
Determine the system in which the component operates. Fuel-system parts usually relate to ATA 28, while landing gear parts relate to ATA 32.
Use the aircraft documentation or an appropriate ATA reference to verify the relevant chapter.
Select the publication that matches the task, such as an IPC, AMM, CMM, SRM, or wiring manual.
Narrow the chapter to the relevant section or subject. In an IPC, find the figure showing the required assembly and identify the correct item number.
Capture the full manufacturer part number, including prefixes, suffixes, and dash numbers. A small difference may indicate another configuration or application.
Confirm that the item applies to the specific aircraft model, serial number, modification status, and configuration. A part shown within the correct ATA chapter is not automatically valid for every aircraft.
Before requesting the part, confirm quantity, condition, manufacturer, traceability, certification, packaging, and delivery details.
This workflow connects the system reference with complete part identification and applicability verification.
ATA chapters help aviation teams navigate large volumes of aircraft information.
Their role can be summarized as:
Aircraft system → ATA chapter → Technical publication → Component → Part number
For example:
Landing Gear → ATA 32 → IPC → Component → Part number
This structure makes large aircraft catalogs easier to navigate.
ATA originally stood for the Air Transport Association of America. The organization later became Airlines for America, but the ATA chapter convention remains widely used.
ATA codes are numbered classifications used to organize aircraft systems and technical subjects. For example, ATA 24 covers electrical power, while ATA 32 covers landing gear.
An ATA chapter is a numbered section associated with a particular aircraft system or technical area. It helps users navigate maintenance, engineering, and parts documentation.
ATA 100 was a specification associated with standardized aircraft technical information. Its chapter structure remains familiar, although newer documentation standards may apply today.
An ATA chapter identifies the aircraft system covered by part of the IPC. Users then navigate to the relevant section, illustration, and item to find a specific part number.
No. It identifies a system or technical subject. The complete part number, effectivity, and applicable technical documentation are still required.
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