In connection with the shortage of skilled labour in the aviation industry - and as one of several initiatives resulting from the workshop with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA at the beginning of the year - SAMA has developed a draft-concept for the training of aspiring licensed aircraft technicians, which has been submitted to the FOCA for a first review.

The traditional way of obtaining an EASA Part-66 licence, which is required for the independent performance of work and its certification as aircraft technician is very time-consuming, inefficient and cost-intensive - for both the specialists and the companies themselves. Re-training often takes several years and, according to the European aviation legislation of EASA, it requires candidates to work under permanent supervision, which significantly reduces the productivity and the attractiveness of the training.

The new concept is intended to make the re-training of qualified professionals to become licensed aircraft technicians more efficient in terms of time and, above all, more attractive to potential specialists. The concept has two main objectives:

1) Increasing independence and productivity during training
The existing three-year practical training programme is to be designed in such a way that, in addition to the theoretical training, candidates can carry out around 80% of their practical work independently and productively on the aircraft. This should help to increase the attractiveness of re-training for an EASA Part-66 licence for potential candidates and at the same time to improve efficiency and profitability for companies.

2) Specialisation of training
In future, practical training will be specifically focussed on different categories: In the current design-phase for 'aircraft with engine propulsion', 'aircraft with propeller propulsion' and 'helicopters'. This is to ensure that the re-training programme meets the requirements of different aircraft types and that trainees are prepared for specific specialist areas.

If you would like to view the entire draft-concept or if you have any questions or inputs on the topic, please contact us at any time.