Engineering Degrees and Foundation courses

You can take a general engineering degree (such as Mechanical, Civil or Engineering) which is offered at universities across the UK. These can help with a wide variety of careers in a large range of industries. They won’t give you specific aviation experiences or qualifications – although some universities can offer projects or modules that relate to the aviation industry. These degrees can be a fantastic foundation for an aircraft maintenance course and can help set you apart from other applicants (as well as provide a backup career).

Experience Requirements

1) Category A and Subcategories B1.2 and B1.4:

• 3 years practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft if the applicant has no previous relevant technical training or
• 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
• 1 year of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft and completion of a Part – 147 approved basic training course

2) Category B2 and Subcategories B1.1 and B1.3:

• 5 years of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft if the applicant has no previous relevant technical training; or
• 3 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
• 2 years of practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft and completion of a Part -147 approved basic training course.

3) Category C with Respect to Large Aircraft:

• 3 years of experience exercising category B1.1, B1.3 or B2 privileges on large aircraft or as Part-145 B1.1, B1.3 or B2 support staff, or, a combination of both; or
• 5 years of experience exercising category B1.2 or B1.4 privileges on large aircraft or as Part-145 B1.2 or B1.4 support staff, or a combination of both;

4) Category C with Respect to Non-Large Aircraft:

• 3 years of experience exercising category B1 or B2 privileges on other than large aircraft or as support staff according to point 145.A.35 or a combination of both

5) Category C Obtained Through the Academic Route:

• An academic degree in a technical discipline, from a university or other higher educational institution recognised by the competent authority
• 3 years of experience working in a civil aircraft maintenance environment on a representative selection of tasks directly associated with aircraft maintenance including 6 months observation of base maintenance tasks