What is ASD-STE100?
A shared rulebook for writing technical instructions in clear, consistent English.
Imagine assembling a machine.
😵 Ordinary wording
Several words can mean the same thing.
🙂 STE-style wording
One approved word, one clear action.
The three big ideas
Choose approved words
Use a controlled general vocabulary. Technical terms are allowed under rules.
Write simply
Follow rules for grammar, sentence structure, and style.
Avoid double meanings
Help different readers understand an instruction the same way.
Try a rewrite
Tap a card to see how plainer wording helps. These are illustrations, not certified STE text.
Commence operation of the pump.
Start the pump.
STE selects “start” instead of synonyms such as “commence.”
Where did it come from?
Aircraft manuals
It grew from a need to make maintenance instructions easier to understand.
Beyond aviation
It is also used in other technical fields.
A real standard
The current official issue is Issue 9 (2025). Use the full standard to check compliance.
Sources: official overview · official FAQ · current issue