# STE Procedure Format

Procedures follow a strict structure. Every procedure uses this format.

## Required Sections

### 1. Title

State what the procedure accomplishes. Use noun phrases, not sentences.

```
Correct:  Main Engine Oil Change
Incorrect: How to Change the Oil in the Main Engine
```

### 2. Conditions

State when to perform the procedure. Include prerequisites and safety conditions.

```
Conditions:
  The engine is cool.
  The aircraft is on level ground.
  You have the required tools and parts.
```

Use present tense. Use active voice. One condition per line.

### 3. Tools and Parts

List every tool and part needed. Use a vertical list.

```
Tools:
  Torque wrench
  Oil drain pan
  Safety glasses

Parts:
  Oil filter (P/N 123-456)
  Gasket kit (P/N 789-012)
  MIL-PRF-23699 oil (4 quarts)
```

Use part numbers. Specify quantities. Use approved lubricant names.

### 4. Safety Warnings

Place warnings before the step they apply to. Do not place warnings at the start of the procedure.

```
WARNING: Wear safety glasses. Hot oil can cause burns.

1.  Open the drain valve.
```

Use these signal words only:

- **DANGER** — immediate hazard, will cause injury or death
- **WARNING** — potential hazard, could cause injury
- **CAUTION** — potential hazard, could cause equipment damage

### 5. Steps

Each step is one action. Use imperative mood. Start with a verb.

```
1.  Remove the four bolts that hold the access panel.
2.  Take off the access panel.
3.  Put the drain pan under the oil filter.
```

Rules for steps:

- One action per step. If "and" connects two actions, split into two steps.
- Use the approved word for each verb.
- Maximum 20 words per step.
- Maximum 6 nouns per step.
- Maximum 1 verb per step.
- Use "the" or "a/an" before every noun.
- Do not use passive voice. "The bolts are removed" is wrong. "Remove the bolts" is correct.

### 6. Expected Results

After a group of steps, state what the result looks like.

```
When the procedure is complete:
  The new oil filter is installed.
  The drain valve is closed.
  No oil leaks are visible.
```

Use present tense. State observable conditions.

## Formatting Rules

- Use numbered lists for sequential steps.
- Use bullet lists for non-sequential items (tools, parts, conditions).
- Do not mix numbered and bullet lists for the same section.
- Leave a blank line between sections.
- Use short headings. One or two words.
- Do not use bold, italic, or underline in procedural text (use signal words for warnings only).

## Example Procedure

```
TITLE: Main Engine Oil Filter Replacement

CONDITIONS:
  The engine is cool.
  The aircraft is on level ground.

TOOLS:
  Torque wrench (50-250 ft-lb)
  Oil filter wrench
  Safety glasses
  Nitrile gloves

PARTS:
  Oil filter (P/N 123-456)
  Gasket (P/N 123-457)

PROCEDURE:

WARNING: Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves. Used oil contains harmful chemicals.

1.  Remove the four bolts that hold the filter access panel.
2.  Take off the access panel.
3.  Put the oil filter wrench on the old filter.
4.  Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the filter.
5.  Let the oil drain into the pan for 5 minutes.
6.  Clean the filter mounting surface with a lint-free cloth.
7.  Put the new gasket on the new filter.
8.  Screw the new filter on by hand.
9.  Tighten the filter to 25 ft-lb with the torque wrench.
10. Put the access panel back.
11. Install the four bolts. Tighten to 15 in-lb.

EXPECTED RESULT:
  The new filter is installed. No oil leaks are visible. The access panel is secure.
```