At ASA Software, our mission is to simplify and optimize aircraft maintenance hence our software name: SAM – Simplifying Aircraft Maintenance. We would like to take a moment to shine a light on a powerful feature that helps maintenance engineers work faster and smarter: our integration with Veryon, formerly known as ATP Publications.
Keeping Engineers Informed—Automatically
Aircraft maintenance compliance relies on staying current with Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs). Traditionally, this involves a manual process by sifting through a number of publication sources which is both time-consuming and prone to error. With our Veryon integration, we’ve eliminated that hassle.
If a customer has an active Veryon subscription, they can link their aircraft in SAM directly to a Veryon ID. Each night, the system automatically queries Veryon for any new or updated ADs and SBs relevant to that aircraft and its components. By the time an engineer logs into SAM the next morning, they’re greeted with a dedicated view that presents any directives that became active overnight.
No more searching or cross-referencing from various online publication sources. This process would now entirely take place in SAM.
Why It Matters
This integration has a direct impact on operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. Here’s how:
- Time Saved: Engineers don’t have to spend time digging through external databases. The latest updates are pushed to them automatically.
- Increased Accuracy: By relying on automated data pulls, the risk of human error or oversight is reduced.
- Centralized Workflow: Everything an engineer needs is right in SAM. There’s no need to leave the platform or duplicate work.
- Faster Response: With ADs and SBs delivered proactively, maintenance actions can be scheduled or completed sooner—helping keep aircraft airworthy and reducing unplanned downtime.
Fun Fact:
When Ignoring a Bulletin Led to a Billion-Dollar Loss
In 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 suffered a catastrophic crash—the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history, claiming 520 lives. The cause? A faulty rear pressure bulkhead that had been improperly repaired years earlier.
Here’s where it gets relevant: In the years prior, Boeing had issued a Service Bulletin (SB) recommending specific inspections and repairs for this exact component. While SBs are not always mandatory like ADs, they often contain critical guidance.
Unfortunately, the recommended inspections were either not performed or improperly executed. Eventually, a fatigue crack developed and led to the explosive decompression that brought the aircraft down.
The tragedy spurred global regulatory changes and reinforced the critical value of proactively tracking and acting on SBs and ADs—something systems like SAM now help automate.
