EASA Part 66 CAT A Licence Intensive Theory Course

We will be running Intensive EASA Part 66 Cat A Licence theory courses and examinations later in 2008.

This course is designed for experienced aircraft mechanics, to enable them to pass the EASA Part 66 category A modular examinations that are needed to gain the EASA CAT A aircraft maintenance engineer’s license.

The EASA Cat A license gives the holder certifying rights for specific line orientated tasks, as follows;

“The category A aircraft maintenance license permits the holder to issue certificates of release to service following minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification within the limits of tasks specifically endorsed on the authorisation. The certification privileges shall be restricted to work that the license holder has personally performed in a Part-145 organisation.” (EASA Regulation 2042/2003 Part 66;)

Click here to download a PDF.

The course is modular. Each module will be taught in its entirety, followed by the exam for that module, before a new module is started.

There are 12 modules (see below). The numbering of these modules is not consecutive, because they are extracted from the 17 Modules required for the EASA Pt 66 B Licence.

http://www.bostonairtraining.com/Documents/A%20Licence%20subjects.doc

EASA requires different modules in the A licence Basic course, and different subjects within those modules, to be learnt at different levels.

The exams are multi choice questions, where the answers are given to the question but the correct one has to be selected. This may sound easy but the correct answer has to be known to be selected; you will not get away with guesswork.

The course is taught in 45 working days (9 weeks duration). Each day has 7 hours classroom work; a normal day is 0900 – 1700 with breaks totalling 60 minutes.

This seems a short working day, but students are expected to, and will need to put in at least 3 more hours solid self-study each working day, together with at least 10 hours work at weekends, to consolidate what they have learned and practice, so that they can sit the exams with confidence.

Module Subject Group Days

1 Mathematics - 5

2 Physics - 3

3 Electrical fundamentals - 3

5 Digital techniques electronic instrument systems - 2

6 Materials and hardware - 5

7 Maintenance practices - 5

8 Theory of flight (basic aerodynamics) - 2

9 Human factors - 2

10 Aviation legislation - 3

11 Turbine aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems - 10

15 Gas turbine engines - 4

17 Propellers - 1

Total 45

As well as passing the 12 Module exams, candidates for an A Licence must have practical experience supported by documentary evidence of satisfactory completion of tasks, signed by an approved person. This experience can be gained before, during or after the time the candidate completes the written exams.

It is likely that those whom the BTTL Intensive A Licence course is designed for will already have completed most if not all of the required practical experience and tasks. However, unless this is well-documented it counts for little, and it is essential to start using a log-book in a suitable format as quickly as possible. All tasks carried out should be entered and signed up by the MRO QAM, or the certifying LAE for the work. (See Note at end)

NB Practical experience prior to passing the exams qualifies just as well as experience gained after the exams.

To be awarded the EASA Pt 66 A Licence, you must pass all the Module exams listed above, AND have EITHER:

1. 3 years of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft, if the applicant has no previous relevant technical training, OR

2. 2 years of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft, and completion of training considered relevant by the competent authority as a skilled worker, in a technical trade, OR

3. 1 year of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft and completion of a Part-147 approved Basic training course.

The BTTL course is not yet a Part 147-approved basic Training course, and the examinations will be conducted by a third party. This means that item 3 above is not yet available to students on BTTL courses.

However, partly for this reason, the BTTL Intensive A Licence course is designed only for experienced people many of whom will have completed an apprenticeship and/or are ex-military personnel, who will qualify under 1 or 2 above. We will assess each applicant’s history, qualifications and documented practical experience prior to accepting an applicant for the Intensive course.

The BTTL Intensive A Licence course is run in our premises in Tower House in central Bristol. Bus and rail stations are close by. There is no parking available other than a fairly expensive NCP multi-storey park next door.

There is plenty of economic accommodation, either in B&B or small guesthouse, within easy reach. If students arrive by car, it is recommended to leave that at the accommodation and use public transport to Tower House.

Accommodation lists are being researched and will be posted on the website as soon as available.

The cost of the BTTL Intensive A Licence course (9 weeks) in £2,745.00 plus VAT, payable in advance. For many students, the cost of accommodation and loss of income must be added.

We can introduce students to a properly qualified and registered financial advisor, whom we have briefed on the nature of the course and the requirements of the aircraft maintenance industry, without making any recommendations ourselves or offering advice which we are neither competent nor allowed to do.

Depending on individual circumstances we understand that loans can be available under reasonable terms, possibly as additions to an existing mortgage, on the basis that obtaining the EASA Pt 66 A Licence can enhance a student’s earning capacity.

Serving RAF, RN and Army personnel may be entitled to grants of one kind or another to cover the costs of tuition and indeed accommodation, and should make enquiries at unit level.