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Maintenance technicians

Adequate and safe maintenance is vital for the airworthiness of aircraft. Therefore, maintenance of aircraft owned and operated by airlines located in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Member State may only be carried out by or under the supervision of technicians who are in the possession of an Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML). To obtain an AML, the maintenance technician must comply with the applicable European Union regulations (EASA Part-66). In the Netherlands, Kiwa Register issues the AML.

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Training

The basic training to become a maintenance technician is available at various levels. For a category A endorsement, the emphasis of the training is on practical skills. For the category B endorsement, the emphasis of the training is also on technical and theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills.

The training can be followed in several ways:

  1. Training, including examinations at a training organisation approved in accordance with EASA Part-147;
  2. Self-study and taking the necessary examinations at a training organisation approved in accordance with EASA Part-147;
  3. To follow a relevant technical training course at an organisation not approved in accordance with EASA Part-147 and subsequently take the necessary examinations at a training organisation approved in accordance with EASA Part-147.

After completing the training and/or passing the required exams, a number of years of relevant work experience must be gained before eligibility for the issue of an AML is attained. The minimum duration of this professional experience depends on the type of training and is described in Part-66.
 

EASA Part-147 Training for Maintenance Technicians

Through recognised training according to EASA Part-147, both theoretical and practical knowledge is attained. This way, a technician acquires the necessary basic theoretical knowledge as well as the basic skills and maintenance practice for the required practical skills. The training includes the EASA Part-66 theory exams and practical skill tests.

The training to become a maintenance technician can also be followed at a non-approved training organisation. Non-approved organisations may limit the training to the necessary theoretical basic knowledge. These organisations are not allowed to offer EASA Part-66 exams. Examinations must always be conducted by an organisation approved for that purpose in accordance with EASA Part-147.

A non-approved training programme can be regarded as 'relevant technical training'. Such training may entitle a candidate to a reduction in the relevant work experience required for the issuance of an AML. In the Netherlands, a number of of middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO (secondary vocational education) courses have been designated as relevant technical courses. Please contact the ILT if you want to know whether a specific course is eligible.

A mechanic with training that has not been examined according to EASA Part-66 standards can only work as an unlicensed mechanic under the supervision of EASA Part-66 licensed service technicians.

AML type ratings

After attaining the basic AML, the licence can be extended with type rating endorsements or 'type ratings'. Training for a specific type of aircraft must be completed at an approved EASA Part-147 training organisation. This type of training usually includes theoretical training and practical training. For the first aircraft type in an AML category, On-the-Job Training (OJT) must also be completed at an approved maintenance organisation. More information about the type rating training can be found on the page Aircraft type training.

Validity of basic certificates

The EASA Part-147 certificates for the basic training or the module exams (Certificates of Recognition) are valid for 10 years. Certificates issued before Regulation (EU) No 1149/2011 (31 July 2012) entered into force are valid for 10 years after this Regulation became applicable (until 31 July 2022).

Extending the validity

After the 10-year period has expired, you can apply for an extension. You can apply for these examination credits using the Aanvraag vrijstellingsbeschikking Part-66 modules application form (in Dutch). 

For each module the ILT will determine whether the basic knowledge requirements when completing the training or taking the exam still correspond to the current EASA Part-66 requirements. In the event of a positive assessment, the ILT will grant a full or partial exemption by means of a beschikking (decision).

Transfer of aviation tasks from Kiwa to the ILT

Kiwa and ILT have mutually expressed their intention to transfer tasks that Kiwa currently performs in relation to aviation to ILT. This is stated in the intentieverklaring (letter of intent, in Dutch) published by the ILT on 5 July 2024. Kiwa and the ILT will agree on the exact details. In the short term, nothing will change yet for applicants and holders of licences and authorisations. As soon as they do, the ILT will inform them in good time.