The CAR-66 Issue III Rev.2

Key Features and Objectives of CAR-66

The introduction of CAR-66 aimed to streamline and update the licensing process:

• It eliminates the previous system of obtaining separate Airframe, Engine, Electrical, Instrument, and Radio System Licenses.

• It redefines the syllabus for the basic knowledge examination into a modular pattern.

• It introduces provisions for acquiring group type ratings of aircraft and corresponding certification privileges.

• It allows for the conversion of existing AME licences to the CAR-66 licence, either with or without limitations. A CAR-66 licence can be obtained either through this conversion process with applicable limitation, or by issuing a fresh license after passing the applicable modules of the Basic Knowledge Exam conducted by the CEO.

Categories of CAR-66 Licenses

The CAR-66 system categorizes AME licenses based on the aircraft type and complexity. License holders may hold any combination of categories, provided each qualification requirement is satisfied.

Main Categories and Subcategories:

1. Category A: Divided into A1 (Aeroplanes Turbine), A2 (Aeroplanes Piston), A3 (Helicopters Turbine), and A4 (Helicopters Piston).

2. Category B1: Focuses on aircraft structure, power-plant, mechanical, and electrical systems. Divided into B1.1 (Aeroplanes Turbine), B1.2 (Aeroplanes Piston), B1.3 (Helicopters Turbine), and B1.4 (Helicopters Piston).

    ◦ Note: Category B1 includes the appropriate sub-category of Category A.

3. Category B2: Applicable to all aircraft, focusing on avionic and electrical systems maintenance, including avionics and electrical tasks within power plant and mechanical systems requiring only simple tests.

    ◦ Note: The Category B2 licence does not include any A sub-category.

4. Category B2L: Issued with specific 'system ratings' for aircraft other than those in Group 1. System ratings include: Communication/Navigation (Com/Nav), Instruments (Ins.), Autoflight (A/F), Surveillance (Sur.), and Airframe systems (A/S). A B2L licence must contain at least one system rating.

5. Category B3: Applicable specifically to piston-engine non-pressurised aeroplanes of 2,000 kg Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) and below.

6. Category L: Applicable to sailplanes, powered sailplanes, balloons, and airships (other than Group 1 airships). It is divided into numerous subcategories based on aircraft type and construction material (e.g., L1C for composite sailplanes, L3H for hot-air balloons).

7. Category C: Applicable to aeroplanes and helicopters, primarily for issuing certificates of release to service following base maintenance for the complete aircraft.

Privileges of License Holders

The privileges granted vary significantly by category:

• Category A holders can issue certificates for release to service after minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification, restricted to tasks specifically endorsed on the authorization issued by an approved maintenance organization.

• Category B1 holders can issue certificates of release to service after maintenance on aircraft structure, power-plant, mechanical, and electrical systems. This includes work on avionics requiring only simple tests.

• Category B2 holders can issue certificates of release to service after maintenance on avionic and electrical systems, including avionics/electrical tasks within powerplant/mechanical systems requiring simple tests.

• Category C holders can issue a certificate of release to service following base maintenance for the aircraft in its entirety, once all required maintenance has been signed off by appropriate B1, B2, B2L, B3, and L support staff.

For any AME license holder to exercise certification privileges, they must meet requirements including adherence to applicable regulations (like CAR-M or CAR-145), acquiring six months of maintenance experience in the preceding two years, demonstrating adequate competence, and being able to read, write, and communicate effectively in the language of the technical documentation.

Licensing Requirements

To obtain or extend a CAR-66 license, applicants must meet requirements for eligibility, knowledge, experience, and skill demonstration:

• Eligibility: An applicant must be at least 18 years old and have passed the 10+2 examination in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification such as a Diploma in Engineering.

• Basic Knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge by passing modular basic knowledge examinations, as detailed in Appendix I or VII (for Category L) of the CAR-66, which comply with specific standards (Appendix II or VIII). These examinations must be passed within 10 years prior to application.

• Basic Experience: The minimum practical aircraft maintenance experience varies by category and previous qualifications (e.g., approved training or an engineering degree). For categories A, B1.2, and B1.4, three years of experience is required if no relevant degree or approved training is held. For B1.1, B1.3, and B2, five years is required. For Category C (Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft), three years of maintenance experience exercising B1.1, B1.3, or B2 privileges, including 12 months as base maintenance support staff, is required.

• Demonstration of Skill: Applicants must demonstrate their aircraft maintenance skill for each category, sub-category, or specific aircraft type/system applied for.

Aircraft Ratings and Endorsements

To exercise certification privileges on a specific aircraft type, the licence must be endorsed with the relevant aircraft ratings. Aircraft are classified into four groups for rating purposes:

• Group 1: Complex motor-powered aircraft, multi-engine helicopters, certain high-altitude aeroplanes, aircraft with fly-by-wire systems, and large gas airships. These require an Individual Type Rating for B1, B2, or C licenses.

• Group 2: Aircraft other than Group 1, categorized into subgroups (e.g., single turboprop aeroplanes, single turbine engine helicopters). These may require a Type Rating, Manufacturer Sub-group Rating, or Full Subgroup Rating.

• Group 3: Piston engine aeroplanes other than Group 1. These may require an Aircraft Type Rating or Full Group Rating.

• Group 4: Sailplanes, powered sailplanes, balloons, and airships (other than Group 1). For B2/B2L licences, this requires a Full Group Rating.

Endorsing an aircraft type rating usually requires satisfactory completion of theoretical training and examination, and for categories other than C, practical training and assessment (or "skill test" for Groups 2/3 aircraft). On-the-Job Training (OJT) is mandatory for the endorsement of the first type rating for Group 1 aircraft in each category/subcategory. OJT is completed under the mentorship of qualified individuals in an approved maintenance organization