Evaluating the writing quality of aircraft maintenance technical orders using a quality performance matrix

The quality of the writing in aviation maintenance technical orders, which acts as guides for maintenance and repair, directly affects aviation safety. In this study, the readability of the statements in the maintenance technical orders (readability index), and their importance (importance index) were chosen to judge the writing quality of the technical orders. Eight volumes of Air Force Maintenance Technical Orders for a fighter jet were then coded for readability and unreadable sentences identified. A Quality Performance Matrix was then constructed to evaluate the writing quality of each volume based on readability and importance. The results were used to construct recommendations for improving the writing quality of aircraft maintenance technical orders by focusing on quality as determined by both readability and importance in light of organizational resources. Relevance to industry While previous research has focused solely on readability, this study suggests ways to improve the reliability of the technical orders by focusing on the concept of quality as determined by both readability and importance. Through enhanced service quality, the cost of composing technical orders will be lowered, and their readability raised. This will lower overall industry service costs and increase aviation safety. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.