The regulation of aircraft maintenance professionals differs significantly between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, leading to distinct roles and training structures. Let’s compare EASA Part-66 Category A mechanics and FAA Level 2 Ramp and Transit personnel.
The EASA Part-66 Category A license permits an individual to issue a Certificate of Release to Service (CRS) after performing minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification on an aircraft.
This is a limited but crucial certification, allowing them to sign off on specific tasks. Obtaining this license is part of a broader, highly structured EASA Part-66 system, which includes theoretical modules and practical experience.For training, “General Familiarisation” (Gen Fam) courses are fundamental for EASA Part-66 licenses.
A typical Gen Fam course, providing a general theoretical knowledge.The FAA does not have a direct equivalent to the EASA Part-66 licensing structure for these specific operational roles. Instead, maintenance personnel are typically certified through the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P).
However, airlines and maintenance organizations often implement their own internal training programs to define skill levels for specific operational environments.”Level 2 Ramp and Transit” training, in the FAA context, refers to a specialized curriculum designed for personnel performing routine servicing, basic troubleshooting, and minor maintenance tasks directly on the ramp or during transit.
These programs focus on practical skills, system familiarization, and safety procedures relevant to quick turnarounds. A common duration for such a focused “Level 2 Ramp and Transit” training module is indeed 80 hours, providing concentrated instruction on relevant aircraft systems and procedures.
Both approvals are company issued and not annotated per type onto a license.
At Online Aviation Training we provide both types of training and if you want to learn more why not follow us on LinkedIn or email us to learn more in**@*at.aero