Becoming a licenced aircraft engineer is a significant achievement. Still, many don’t realise that you’ll need to add type ratings to your licence to fully qualify for maintaining specific aircraft. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you understand how to add your first type rating and what steps to take.
What is a type rating?
A type rating is a certification process that allows you to perform maintenance on a particular make and model of an aircraft. Unlike the Federal Aviation Authority’s (FAA) Airframe and Propulsion (A&P) licence, which we’ve covered here, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires you to endorse your licence with specific type ratings for individual aircraft.
You can think of it as earning a new badge in scouts—a mark of added competence and qualification. For example, once you’ve completed all your module exams and received your CAA licence, you’ll need to add your first type rating to demonstrate your ability to maintain a specific aircraft.
Typically, this involves completing a manufacturer-specific training course to familiarise yourself with the unique systems and procedures of the aircraft you’ll be working on. In addition to the course, you’ll also need to complete an On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme to show that you have the hands-on experience necessary to handle real-world maintenance tasks.
What is an OJT programme?
OJT is a regulated in-house training programme required by the CAA and EASA. OJT aims to ensure that you have gained sufficient practical experience on the specific aircraft type you’re adding to your licence. Your employer will assign you various tasks, such as component removal, inspections, functional tests, system checks, and troubleshooting, proving your competence in the aircraft type.
The key is that these tasks must be completed under the supervision of a licenced engineer. This ensures that your work is done correctly and meets the standards set by the CAA. The supervisor will sign off on each task, confirming it has been completed to the required standard.
How many tasks are required?
EASA and CAA regulations require that at least 50% of the tasks from their master list, as outlined in continuing airworthiness Annex III (PART-66) of Regulation No 1321/2014, must be completed. This list includes approximately 380 tasks , covering removal/installation, inspections, troubleshooting, functional tests, and servicing. Typically an OJT takes between four to six months to complete.
While you must complete at least 50% of the tasks (190), ensuring that your selected tasks provide a balanced representation across all types is equally essential. The list is designed to give comprehensive exposure to various aircraft systems, with tasks grouped according to the different ATA chapters.
How to complete an OJT
To successfully complete your OJT, follow these steps:
- Work under supervision: All tasks must be done with oversight from a qualified, licenced engineer.
- Keep track of tasks: As you complete each task, your supervisor will sign it off, marking your progress and confirming your competence.
- Maintain documentation: After completing your OJT tasks, you’ll need to have your records reviewed by an in-house assessor. Your OJT book and other training documents will be submitted to your company’s quality department for review.
Once they’ve given their approval, you’ll be ready to submit your OJT to the CAA.
The application process
Once your OJT is complete and all tasks are signed off, it’s time to submit your documents to the CAA to have the type rating added to your licence. Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit your OJT book: This includes your signed-off tasks and other proof of training.
- Include your type course certificate: You’ll also need to provide documentation proving that you’ve completed the necessary manufacturer’s training.
- Pay the fees: The CAA will require payment to process your application.
Once submitted, the CAA will review your documents. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months. The length of the wait depends on whose desk it lands on and the number of applications being submitted at the time.
They’ll endorse your licence with the new type rating if everything is in order. If not, your application will be returned with an explanation.
It’s worth mentioning that the CAA has a quirky way of sending approval or rejection letters. They use the same A5 padded envelope for both, which means you’ll never know whether your application was successful until you open it. It’s like the CAA’s little in-joke!
Adding subsequent types to your licence
Once you’ve added your first type rating, the process for adding additional types becomes much simpler. You’ll submit your licence, the new type rating certificate, and the applicable fee, and the CAA will check the details for accuracy. They’ll then endorse the latest type to your licence, often in a quicker and more straightforward process .
The reason for this is that authorities mandate the OJT to be completed only on your first type rating, as this is when you're least experienced. After you obtain your first type and start signing off aircraft tasks as a licensed aircraft engineer, you can add additional types with fewer requirements.
For those working in sectors with a shortage of engineers, a counter-appointment service is available for an additional fee . This can be incredibly helpful if you’re in a rush or if your department needs extra qualified engineers on short notice. In this case usually the employer would be the additional fee in order to speed up the process.
This service is only applicable for adding your second and third type ratings to your licence. It is not intended for initial applications or for adding types that require OJT. This is because such applications typically demand considerable time from a licensing officer to verify that all prerequisites have been met before issuing a licence or endorsing the first type.
Final thoughts
Getting your first type rating is a significant milestone in your career as an aircraft engineer. While the process involves training, documentation, and sometimes a bit of patience, it’s definitely worth the effort. With your new endorsements, you’ll be qualified to work on a wider variety of aircraft, opening up more opportunities and advancing your expertise in the field.
