What is a Licensed Engineer?
There are two types of engineers working in the aviation industry on civil and commercial aircrafts; licensed engineers and unlicensed engineers.
Unlicensed Engineer jobs
Typically, these are jobs referring to mechanics that can carry out basic maintenance such as the removal and fitting of equipment and components, pressure quantity and checking, fluid topping up and simple fault diagnosis but they cannot certify any of the work they do.
Licensed Engineer jobs
Once any work is carried out on an aircraft it must be certified (signed-off) by an appropriately licensed engineer to ensure that the work has been properly carried out. Typical licensed engineer jobs involve responsibilities such are ensuring that the correct manuals and procedures were consulted and followed, the right tools were used, that the appropriate checks and tests were carried out, that the component or system is fit for service and most importantly that the aircraft is fit to fly.
Licensing is standard for aircraft maintenance engineers across European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) member states and is issued under Basic Regulation (EC) 1592/2002 Part 66 – certifying Staff (Part 66). Candidates applying for licensed engineer jobs in this sector should be fully qualified.
This certification demonstrates a baseline level of knowledge and competence and the basic element of a Part 66 licence is considered as providing a qualification in aircraft maintenance. However there are 3 levels of categories with the Part 66 licence system:
Category A
This certificate is the basis for “limited authorisations”. Mechanics applying for unlicensed engineer jobs and hold a Category A certificate are authorised to certify certain simple inspections and routine tasks.
Category B
This is a qualification for aircraft maintenance under EASA and available in both mechanical and avionics disciplines:
- B1 – Mechanical (aircraft structure, power-plant, mechanical and electrical systems)
- B2 – Avionics (communications, navigation, radar, instrument and electrical systems)
A Category B licensed engineer (requiring diagnosis and rectification and system inspection) will often have a more in-depth knowledge of aircrafts than the Category A Licence holder. As a result obtaining this licence requires a longer period of experience, and higher examination level than for Category A. Holders can apply for licensed engineer jobs as sector or line managers.
Category C
This certificate is related to base maintenance. When an aircraft is stripped down to its fuselage, but the certifier will be supported by appropriately qualified B1 and B2 technicians who will carry out tasks, verify that the work has been completed in accordance with the correct procedures, and will certify the work.
As the Category C licence is intended to be used to certify the “process of maintenance”, the route to the qualification may be from either a mechanical or avionics background as a Category B1 or B2 licence holder. Holders can apply for licensed engineer jobs in aerospace engineering as supervisors or quality control managers.
CBSbutler supplying licensed engineers
For over 30 years CBSbutler has built up a strong reputation for providing unique recruitment solutions in the technical sector. We work alongside a range of clients across the UK, EU, Middle East, American, Asia and the Far East who offer both unlicensed and licensed engineers jobs.
We can supply Aircraft Mechanics and Engineers type rated for a range of different aircraft at a number of different levels / licence types including: EASA, JAR66, B1, B2, FAA A&P, ICAO. We can also supply mechanics, fitters and sheet metal workers on a wide variety of aircraft. If you are looking for a permanent or contract licensed engineer job contact our experienced recruitment consultants for more information about our latest vacancies.
