Comparing IPC and ATA Chapters in Aviation: Understanding the Differences

Posted on May 18, 2023 linda strong aviation

Two classification systems serve as the primary methods for organizing information and guiding aviation professionals: the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and Air Transport Association (ATA) Chapters. Although they are both reference structures for aviation parts and systems, their applications, format, and scope vary significantly, so understanding these differences is essential for achieving efficient part management and regulatory compliance. In this blog, we will break down what the IPC and ATA Chapters are respectively and how each is used in practice.

What Is an Illustrated Parts Catalog?

An IPC is a comprehensive, aircraft-specific document published by manufacturers to help maintenance and procurement personnel identify, locate, and order replacement parts. Serving as a companion to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), the IPC is a core aspect of an aircraft’s documentation package that generally supports an understanding of relationships between items during modifications or upgrades. The IPC does not provide procedural guidance for removing or installing parts, as that is the role of the AMM. Instead, the IPC strictly defines what the part is and where it fits.

Features of an IPC

Focused on Particular Aircraft: Each IPC is tailored to a unique aircraft model or variant.
In-Depth Assembly Details: These catalogs list out all part numbers, descriptions, units per assembly, and effectivity ranges.
Hierarchical Structure: Components are listed by system, subsystem, and individual assembly within an IPC for ease of identification.
Visuals: IPCs can include diagrams and technical illustrations to fully indicate part location and configuration.

What Are ATA Chapters?

ATA Chapters refer to a standardized classification system originally developed by the Air Transport Association of America—now known as Airlines for America to promote uniformity in how technical information is arranged. This structure employs a two-digit numerical code to categorize every major aircraft system, allowing for consistent reference across virtually all commercial aircraft regardless of manufacturer, make, or model. As such, if you know the general system a part belongs to, you can use the corresponding ATA Chapter as a starting point to narrow down the exact part you need.

Examples of ATA Chapters

ATA Code	System
ATA 21	Air Conditioning
ATA 24	Electrical Power
ATA 27	Flight Controls
ATA 32	Landing Gear
ATA 73	Engine Fuel & Control

Each ATA Chapter may be further divided into sub-chapters and sections for deeper technical segmentation. For instance, within ATA 32, there may be subdivisions for nose gear, main gear, doors, and retraction systems.

Practical Use Cases: When to Use Which

	Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)	ATA Chapters
Scope	Aircraft-specific	Universal across aircraft models
Content Type	Visual diagrams, part numbers, detailed listings	System-based technical data structure
Primary Purpose	Identifying and ordering parts	Organizing technical information
Issued By	Aircraft manufacturer	Airlines for America
Maintenance Role	Identifies components to be replaced	Classifies where the component belongs

The key takeaway here is that while the IPC provides detailed part-level insight for an aircraft model, ATA Chapters offer a broader framework to classify systems and procedures universally across aircraft platforms. With this being said, refer to the IPC when:

You need to identify the exact part number for a specific aircraft configuration
You are replacing a worn or damaged part and require a precise visual reference
You are verifying part compatibility or searching for approved alternatives

Meanwhile, it is best to turn to ATA Chapters when:

Navigating or organizing large volumes of maintenance documentation
Conducting fleet-wide inspections, audits, or compliance reviews
Creating training programs or standardizing maintenance procedures across multiple aircraft types

Find Desired Parts by IPC and ATA Chapters on Aviation Sourcing Solutions

Both IPCs and ATA Chapters play foundational roles in the aviation industry, so if you want to seamlessly find ready-to-purchase parts by IPC or ATA listing information, we encourage you to turn to Aviation Sourcing Solutions. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, this platform features a wide range of high-quality aircraft parts and more, all of which are presented with and organized in catalogs by common identifiers for ease of browsing.

We are committed to providing quality components with every order, our offerings coming exclusively from leading manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe. Aside from our easy to navigate website and trustworthy options, we also aim to reduce the complexity of fulfillment with a streamlined quotation process, where our experts curate solutions to meet exact needs. With all of this in mind, we invite you to explore our platform and request a quote at your convenience, knowing that we will treat you to unmatched service and products every time.