Part 66 licences for maintenance staff
The authorisation of aircraft maintenance staff is carried out in accordance with the Part 66 regulations issued by EASA. These specify the requirements for initial issue, validity and use of aircraft maintenance licences.
Trafi grants Part 66 licences to applicants who meet these standards. Licence applications are submitted using EASA Form 19.
Part 66 licences are divided into the following categories:
- A: minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification as specifically endorsed on the authorisation
- B1: maintenance work carried out on aircraft structure, powerplant, and mechanical and electrical systems
- B2: line maintenance work carried out on avionics and electrical systems
- C: certificates of release to service after base maintenance.
Categories A and B1 are divided into the following subcategories:
- A1 and B1.1 Aeroplanes Turbine
- A2 and B1.2 Aeroplanes Piston
- A3 and B1.3 Helicopters Turbine
- A4 and B1.4 Helicopters Piston
An applicant for an aircraft maintenance licence must
- be at least 18 years of age
- in an examination, demonstrate a level of knowledge consistent with the requirements of Appendix I to Part 66 in the appropriate subject modules. These examinations are organised by Part 147 approved training organisations or by the competent authority.
- have the practical experience required for the licence category in question.
Least practical experience is required of those applicants who have successfully completed an approved course in a Part 147 training organisation, whereas those with no technical vocational training are required to have more experience. Those with a vocational qualification in electronics, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, such as a national aircraft fitter qualification, fall in between these groups.
Applicants are required to have versatile experience in the maintenance of aircraft currently in traffic. Evidence on the duration of the applicant’s employment relationship and the maintenance work carried out (aircraft type, registration, date and maintenance action) must be enclosed to the licence application. A good way is to maintain a log of one’s maintenance work and attach it to the application.
A category C licence may be applied for by the holder of a B1.1, B1.3 or B2 licence who has issued certificates of release to service for a minimum of three years. A category C licence may also be issued to an applicant who has completed an academic degree in a technical discipline in a university or other institution of higher education. The applicant must meet the knowledge requirements for a category B1 or B2 licence. A comparison of Part 66 Appendix I training and the training received by the applicant, as well as the certificates referred to in the comparison, must be enclosed to the application.
To obtain a category C licence, the applicant must have a minimum of three years experience of civil aircraft maintenance. The maintenance duties carried out must be representative and directly related to the maintenance of aircraft. The applicant must also possess a minimum of six months’ experience observing the performance of base maintenance duties.