How to Get Your EASA Part-66 Licence

What Is an EASA Part-66 Licence?

An EASA Part-66 licence — the Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) issued under Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, Annex III — authorises you to certify and release aircraft maintenance in Europe. Licence holders act as certifying staff: they sign the release to service (CRS) that confirms an aircraft or component is airworthy after maintenance, as required by European law. The licence is issued by the national aviation authority of an EASA member state and is valid across all EASA member states.

The Part-66 licence is recognised throughout Europe and far beyond as a mark of technical competence in aviation maintenance. Licensed engineers inspect, repair, modify, and certify aircraft across every category — from small single-engine piston aeroplanes at flight schools to large turbine-powered airliners at major airlines and MROs. The certification process is rigorous by design: public safety depends on the competence and integrity of every engineer who signs a release to service.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can begin the certification process, Part-66 66.A.20 sets the foundational eligibility criteria:

• Minimum age — You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Part-66 licence. There is no maximum age limit.
• Language proficiency — You must be able to read, write, and communicate in the language in which the examination is taken; in practice this is English, the language of aviation maintenance documentation and manuals in Europe.
• Education — There is no formal diploma requirement, but secondary education with solid foundations in mathematics and physics is highly advantageous for the module exams.
• Experience or training — You must meet the experience requirements of 66.A.30 (2 to 5 years depending on the licence category) or complete an EASA-approved training programme at a maintenance training organisation (MTO, formerly Part-147) that reduces the experience period.
• Examinations — You must pass the Part-66 module exams (66.A.25) and, for most categories, an assessment of competence (66.A.40).

These requirements ensure that every candidate entering the process has the fundamental capacity to handle the technical and regulatory demands of the profession. Meeting these prerequisites is just the first milestone on a journey that typically takes two to five years depending on your path.

Step 2: Choose Your Path — Maintenance Training Organisation or On-the-Job Experience

Part-66 offers two pathways to qualify for the licence. Your choice depends on your circumstances, location, and learning preferences:

Path A: EASA-Approved Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO)

Graduating from an EASA-approved maintenance training organisation (the MTOs formerly certificated under Part-147) is the most structured route. MTOs across Europe — Lufthansa Technical Training, CAE, IAT, Air Service Training, ESM, FTEJerez and many others — combine classroom instruction in the Part-66 modules with extensive hands-on practical training. Programmes typically run 18 months to 3 years depending on the licence category and country.

The major advantage of the school path is that recognised training reduces the experience requirement — for example from 5 years to 3 years for B1.1, B1.3 and B2 with a recognised technical diploma, and from 4 years to 3 years for B1.2. Graduates also receive their module exam certificates and practical training credits through the same organisation, which dramatically accelerates the path to certification. MTOs must meet EASA curriculum and facility standards, and their graduates are prepared specifically for the Part-66 module exams and the assessment of competence. For help choosing a programme, see our guide to the best EASA training organisations in Europe.

Path B: On-the-Job Experience

The experience path involves working in aircraft maintenance and documenting your practical experience. Under 66.A.30, you need at least 2 years of practical experience for category A, 4 years for B1.2, 5 years for B1.1/B1.3/B2, and 2 years for B3. Your experience must be documented in a logbook, supervised by certifying staff, and cover a broad range of tasks: inspection, repair, troubleshooting, and the use of maintenance manuals and approved data.

Experience can be gained at Part-145 maintenance organisations, airline maintenance bases, general aviation shops, and flight schools. While this path takes longer, you earn while you learn and build industry connections along the way. Some candidates combine both approaches: completing an MTO programme to build theory and hands-on skills, then working as a mechanic while preparing for the module exams.

Step 3: Enrol in a Training Organisation — or Register for the Module Exams

Unlike the FAA system, there is no single eligibility form to have endorsed before testing. You register for Part-66 module exams through an approved maintenance training organisation or directly with your national aviation authority. If you choose the school route, the MTO manages your exam schedule as part of your course. If you choose the self-study route, you can sit the module exams at an MTO or CAA examination centre.

Whichever route you take, plan your exam schedule carefully: module exam credits are valid for 10 years (66.A.25), and you may attempt each module a maximum of 3 times consecutively — after the third failed attempt you must wait one year before retaking it, with at least 30 days between attempts.

Step 4: Pass the Part-66 Module Exams

The examination phase is where most candidates invest the bulk of their study time. Part-66 Appendix I defines 17 basic-knowledge modules, from M1 Mathematics to M17 Propeller:

• Fundamentals — M1 Mathematics, M2 Physics, M3 Electrical Fundamentals, M4 Electronic Fundamentals, M5 Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems.
• Structures and practices — M6 Materials and Hardware, M7 Maintenance Practices, M8 Basic Aerodynamics, M9 Human Factors, M10 Aviation Legislation.
• Category-specific aircraft and propulsion — M11 Aeroplane Aerodynamics Structures and Systems, M12 Helicopter Aerodynamics Structures and Systems, M13 Aircraft Aerodynamics Structures and Systems, M14 Propulsion, M15 Gas Turbine Engine, M16 Piston Engine, M17 Propeller.

Each licence category maps to its own subset of modules — nobody takes all 17. Category B1.1 (aeroplane turbine) requires 13 modules including M11, M14, M15 and M17, while B2 (avionics) requires the electronics-heavy set including M4, M5 and M13. Each module is examined at a defined knowledge level (1 = overview, 2 = detailed, 3 = in-depth), and the pass mark for every module exam is 75% (66.A.25) — higher than the 70% required in the FAA system. Exams are computer-based at MTO or CAA examination centres.

For a detailed breakdown of each module's question quota and time limit, and pacing strategy, see our EASA Part-66 module exam structure guide.

Many candidates find that using an AI-powered exam preparation platform like Skylicence Europe's AI study tools significantly improves their readiness. Adaptive learning algorithms identify weak areas, generate practice questions at calibrated difficulty levels, and provide instant feedback — dramatically accelerating the learning process compared to traditional textbook study alone.

Step 5: Log Your Practical Experience

If you are pursuing the experience path, Part-66 requires documented practical maintenance experience before you can be certified. The minimum is set by 66.A.30: 2 years for category A, 4 years for B1.2, 5 years for B1.1/B1.3/B2, and 2 years for B3. Graduates of recognised MTO training benefit from reduced periods — typically 3 years for most B categories with a recognised technical diploma, and 2 years for holders of a technician licence.

The key experience areas you must demonstrate competence in include:

• Inspection and testing — Performing scheduled and unscheduled inspections, interpreting inspection findings, and determining airworthiness.
• Repair and alteration — Executing structural repairs, component replacements, and approved modifications in accordance with manufacturer specifications and EASA approved data.
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics — Systematic fault finding using technical manuals, schematic diagrams, and diagnostic equipment.
• Record-keeping and certification — Completing maintenance records and logbook entries in compliance with Part-145 and Part-M/CAMO requirements.
• Release to service — Preparing work for certification and understanding the responsibilities of the certifying staff member who signs the CRS.

Your experience logbook is one of the most important documents in your career. It serves as the primary evidence of your experience when your application is reviewed. Keep meticulous records, and have the certifying staff who supervise your work confirm your entries.

Step 6: Pass the Assessment of Competence

For B1 and B2 categories, you must also pass an assessment of competence (66.A.40) covering the practical tasks appropriate to your licence category. This is the final and often most challenging hurdle in the certification process. The assessment is conducted by your national authority — or a training organisation it has authorised — and evaluates your ability to perform maintenance tasks to the standard required of certifying staff: interpreting maintenance data, carrying out inspections and repairs, using tools and test equipment, and completing the associated documentation.

Unlike the multiple-choice module exams, the assessment requires you to demonstrate genuine hands-on competence, not just recognition of correct answers. Preparation is critical. Practise the tasks you will be assessed on, study the maintenance data for the aircraft types in your experience log, and consider doing mock assessments with experienced licensed engineers.

Step 7: Get Your Part-66 Licence

Once you have passed the required module exams, completed the experience, and passed the assessment of competence, your national aviation authority issues the Part-66 licence with the categories and subcategories you qualified for. The licence is valid for life, provided you meet the continued-validity requirements — and it is recognised in every EASA member state, which makes Part-66 one of the most portable aviation credentials in the world.

Once licensed, you become certifying staff: you may sign the release to service for the work you perform, within the privileges of your licence category. B1 licence holders certify mechanical work, B2 holders certify avionics work, A holders certify a limited set of line maintenance tasks, and B3 holders certify work on small non-pressurised piston helicopters. For many engineers, the next step is type training on specific aircraft, leading to type-rated certifying staff positions at airlines and MROs.

Part-66 Licence Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The demand for licensed Part-66 engineers in Europe remains exceptionally strong. With an ageing workforce and the continued growth of European airline fleets, industry bodies project sustained demand for EASA-licensed engineers for years to come. Airlines, MROs, OEMs, and business aviation operators all compete for licensed talent, and certified engineers command a clear premium over unlicensed technicians.

Salary expectations vary by country, employer type, and experience. Entry-level licensed engineers in Western Europe typically earn between €30,000 and €45,000 per year. Experienced B1/B2 engineers commonly earn €45,000 to €65,000, while senior engineers, leads, and type-rated certifying staff at major airlines and MROs can earn €70,000 to €100,000 or more. For the full breakdown, see our EASA Part-66 engineer salary guide.

Beyond base pay, many engineers receive shift premiums, overtime pay, travel allowances, and comprehensive benefits packages. The licence also offers international mobility — the EASA Part-66 licence is recognised across all EASA member states, and European experience is highly valued by airlines and MROs worldwide.

How Skylicence Europe Helps You Prepare

Skylicence Europe is an AI-powered study platform built specifically for the EASA Part-66 module exams. Unlike generic study tools, our platform is engineered around Part-66 Appendix I and the official module syllabus, ensuring complete coverage of every topic you will encounter on exam day.

• Full coverage of all 17 modules — 4,464 EASA Part-66 questions mapped to Appendix I subjects, across all 8 licence categories (A, B1.1–B1.4, B2, B3).
• Adaptive difficulty — The AI adjusts question difficulty in real time based on your performance, focusing your study time on your weaker modules.
• Real exam simulations — Timed practice exams replicate the official module quotas and time limits, building speed and confidence before the real test.
• AI Tutor — Get instant explanations of complex topics in plain language. Ask questions naturally and receive exam-focused answers that reference Part-66 and EASA guidance material.
• Progress tracking — Detailed analytics show your performance across every module and knowledge level. You always know exactly where you stand and what needs more work.

The FREE plan gives you one licence category free — with all of its modules included. PRO is EUR 29.99/month and LIFETIME is a one-time EUR 199.

Start preparing with Skylicence Europe →