Selamat Hari Raya 2012

EASA Basic License Exam Modules

A few days ago, new EASA regulations came into effect. There were many queries regarding the validity of basic modules exams which has lapsed/expired and exam modules which had expiry dates after the 1st Aug 2012 cutoff date.

EASA Regulations EU1149/2011 66.A.25(b) and 66.A.30(f) states that all basic module examinations must be passed and experience gained within the 10 years prior to the application of the basic license.

2 main questions have been in the minds of many as the rules are silent and open to interpretation.





1. What happens to my modules/exams which has already lapsed/expired?

Based on my correspondence and calls to the UK CAA, my understanding of this issue is that if the modules/exams has already expired before 1st Aug 2012, it will remain expired. It means that the modules will have to be retaken.

2.What happens to modules which are going to expire in the coming months after 1st Aug 2012?

Again after some calls and emails, the feedback I get is this. If you took your exam on the 1st Sept 2007, it was supposed to expire on 31 Aug 2012. With the new regulations, it will now be valid for 10 years from 1st Sept 2007.

The CAA UK will be issuing a circular soon to clarify some of these issues. I do hope that the rule of the module/exams expiring before 1st Aug 2012 can be reversed so we'll all get to enjoy the 10 year period.

Cheers!!

Silk Air orders BOEINGs

Silk Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines
has signed a letter of intent with Boeing for the purchase of
54 B737 which includes 23 B737-800 and 31 B737 MAX.

So,more options now for work across the border??

New EASA Regulations Part 3

New EASA Regulations Part 3

Other new items in the revised 1149/2011 regulations..

B2 Privileges

1. B2 privileges are clarified and expanded to now include 'electrical and avionics tasks within powerplant and mechanical systems,requiring only simple tests to prove their serviceability.

2.B2 license does not include any 'A' subcategory.

3.New technologies included for the training for B2:
          -Integrated Modular Avionics (ATA42)
          -Cabin Systems (ATA44)
          -Information Systems (ATA46)
          - and additional subjects linked to mechanical and powerplant.

4.Those already holding B2 licenses will be granted these privileges based on the 'grandfather rights' policy. So no need for re-examination or recalling of licenses.

B1 Privileges

1.For B1 privileges, the term 'replacement of LRU' is now changed to a more general term of 'work on the avionics system'. The condition of 'requiring simple test to prove their serviceability' is maintained.

2.In the new regulations, is is now stated that Cat B1 privileges do not include troubleshhoting.
3.The new regulations also clarifies the issue with regards to 'Electrical' trade for the B1 cat.

CAT A Privileges

1.Cat A privileges has now been further clarified with regards to task being carried out.
  While previously it lists the tasks which can be carried out and the statement that                       
  'Replacement of any other component as agreed by the Agency for a particular aircraft type     
  only where it is agreed that the task is simple,  it is now expanded to include defect deferment   when all of the following conditions are met:
          -no need for troubleshooting and,
          -the task is in the MEL and,
          -the maintenance action required in the MEL is agreed to be simple by the competent
           authority.


 

New EASA Regulations Part 2

New EASA regulations Part 2

A continuation from the previous post..

Type Training Requirements

1. Before this new regulation, type course training didn't have any validity.
But with the new rules,  theory + practical training will have to be completed within 3 years.

2. There are now waiting periods imposed for type training examinations. These waiting attempts are based on 'sets' of 3 consecutive attempts: 

          -30 days after 1st try of 3 consecutive attempts
          -60 days after 2nd try of 3 consecutive attempts
          - 1 year after the 3rd try of 3 consecutive attempts

3.SOJT must be conducted by an approved 147 school. So it looks like even if you do have the theory certificate and working with a Part 145 organisation, you will not be able to do the OJT. It needs to be conducted by a Part 147 school.

4.There is a difference now between 'practical' and 'on the job' training with regards to a type course. 

PRACTICAL TRAINING:
-Practical training is now specific for OJT after a type course when this is NOT your first type to be endorsed in your basic license. 
-Practical training for the type course can be performed as an integrated part of the theory element or performed after. However, practical training cannot be performed before the course.
-Part of the practical can include classroom instruction and/or simulators but ultimately there must be some time allocated for visits to aircraft in a maintenance environment.
  
ON THE JOB
-On the job training is now associated when you are doing your OJT for your FIRST type rating endorsement in your basic license.
-It is not part of the type course trainig.
-Cannot be conducted by a Part-147 school but must be conducted under the supervision of a Part-145 organisation.
-Up to 50% of the OJT can be performed before the theory element for the type course.
-There is now a list in the new regulation (Appendix II of the AMC) of which the applicant must complete 50% of the tasks. 

New EASA regulations Part 1

New EASA regulations


Effective on the 1st August 2012, regulation 1149/2011 has been issued.
This effects particularly EASA Part 66 and Part 147.

     Part 66   - Aircraft Maintenance License
     Part 147 - Approved Training Organisations


There are many changes which will affect you, if you are a Part - 66 certifying staff or are in the process of obtaining your license. So, its better to be aware of the changes.


Lets start with the Basic License 'Theory' Requirements:

1. Previously, you had to complete all Part 66 modules and examinations within 5 years. With the new regulation, this is extended to 10 years. The catch here is that previously, the 5 year time period applied only to the modules and exams. Meaning after you had completed your 'theory' part of the license, you could wait as long as you pleased before submitting your application for your EASA basic license. This is not possible anymore as you have to complete all the modules, exams, and practical training within the 10 year period.

2. The new regulation also imposes new waiting period after a failed examination : 

          * 90 days after 1st attempt
          * 90 days after 2nd attempt
          * 1 year after 3rd attempt

1 year is really really long time...I would have taken forever to get my EASA license considering I had to resit my Modules 3,4, and 5 four times!! 



Practical Requirements 

The new regulation also specifies in detail the requirements for basic experience requirements prior to applying for the EASA basic license.

1. For B1 & B2:

- 5 years if the applicant has no previous technical training.
- 3 years if the applicant has completed training considered relevant by the competent authority   as a skilled worker in a technical trade.
- 2 years if the applicant has completed a approved basic training course by a 147 school

2. Recency of the basic experience: 

- at least 1 year of the experience shall be recent
- of the 1 year, at least 50%(6 months) should be in the 1 year before applying for the license.     The remainder of the 50% can be within 7 years before the license application.  

 
 These are the important updates in the new regulation...


I will be back with updates about type training and OJT soon..


Till then, be safe :)