Definition
A method of producing technical drawings, schematics, and engineering diagrams using specialized computer software rather than manual drafting tools. CADD systems allow precise creation, modification, and storage of two- and three-dimensional drawings of aircraft parts, assemblies, and systems, and are widely used in aircraft design, maintenance documentation, and modification work.
Plain English
Using a computer program to draw aircraft parts and diagrams instead of drawing them by hand on paper.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation maintenance, repair, manufacturing, and engineering documents when a drawing or part layout was made or updated using computer design software.
Derivation
The phrase combines 'computer aided,' meaning the work is done with the help of a computer, with 'design drafting,' which refers to producing precise technical drawings. 'Drafting' comes from the older sense of 'draft,' meaning a preliminary drawing or plan.
Why Pilots Care
Maintenance technicians rely on CADD-produced drawings to identify parts, understand assemblies, and follow approved repair or modification procedures. Accurate drawings are essential for ensuring work is done to specification.
Intuition Check
CADD does not mean the computer decides the design is correct. It means the computer is the tool used to draw and manage the design; people still must use the correct data and approvals.
Example Sentence 1
The technician opened the CADD drawing on her tablet to confirm the exact location of the bracket before drilling.
Example Sentence 2
All new bracket designs were created in CADD before being sent to the machine shop.