The Part-66 licence, step by step
The Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) is defined by Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014. It is issued by the competent authority of the member state and recognised across countries applying EASA rules.
Categories
- A
- Certifying technician limited to simple line maintenance tasks. Subcategories A1 to A4.
- B1
- Mechanical technician: structure, powerplant, mechanical and electrical systems. Subcategories B1.1 to B1.4.
- B2
- Avionics technician: electrical and avionics systems.
- B2L
- avionics and electrical systems on aircraft other than Group 1 aircraft (complex motor-powered aircraft, multi-engine helicopters, etc.), through system ratings.
- B3
- Non-pressurised piston-engined aeroplanes of 2 000 kg MTOM and below.
- C
- Base maintenance certification of the complete aircraft; available after certifying experience in category B1 or B2, or through a recognised technical university degree route, as set out in 66.A.30.
- L
- Light aircraft: sailplanes, balloons, airships and some light aeroplanes, by subcategory.
The steps
1. Choose your category
Depending on the target job: A, B1 (and subcategory), B2, B2L, B3 or L.
2. Train for the modules
At a Part-147 organisation (approved basic course) or through self-study.
3. Pass the examinations
Multiple-choice questions and, for some modules, essay questions, held by the authority or a Part-147 organisation.
4. Gain experience
Practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft, documented and recent.
5. Apply for the licence
Submit an application to the competent authority (EASA Form 19).
6. Obtain ratings
Type training (theoretical and practical) and, for the first type rating in a category, on-the-job training (OJT).
Basic knowledge modules
Each category requires a set of modules, defined in Appendix I to Part-66, at a knowledge level specific to the category.
- M1 Mathematics
- M2 Physics
- M3 Electrical fundamentals
- M4 Electronic fundamentals
- M5 Digital techniques and electronic instrument systems
- M6 Materials and hardware
- M7 Maintenance practices
- M8 Basic aerodynamics
- M9 Human factors
- M10 Aviation legislation
- M11 Aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems
- M12 Helicopter aerodynamics, structures and systems
- M13 Aircraft aerodynamics, structures and systems (B2)
- M14 Propulsion (B2)
- M15 Gas turbine engine
- M16 Piston engine
- M17 Propeller
Required practical experience (66.A.30)
The duration depends on the category and previous training.
| Applicant profile | A, B1.2, B1.4, B3 | B1.1, B1.3, B2 |
|---|---|---|
| No previous relevant technical training | 3 years | 5 years |
| Skilled technical training considered relevant by the authority | 2 years | 3 years |
| Completed Part-147 basic course for the category | 1 year | 2 years |
Exact conditions, notably for B2L, L and C, and recent-experience rules are set out in point 66.A.30 of the regulation. Always check the current version with EASA or your authority.
Type training
To certify on a given aircraft, the licence must carry the corresponding type rating. Type training includes theoretical and practical elements, usually delivered by a Part-147 organisation, followed by an assessment.
For the first type rating in a category or subcategory, on-the-job training (OJT) is also required.
This page summarises the regulation for guidance purposes. Only the official texts published by EASA are authoritative.
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