Sir - In his letter "Should licence rules be adapted?" (Flight International, 28 May-3 June, P66), Mark Crane writes on the subject of the European Joint Aviation Requirement (JAR) 66 Notice of Proposed Amendment and qualification for the issue of an aircraft-maintenance basic licence (AMBL).
Currently licensed or authorised personnel will be entitled to "grandfather rights", which ensure that they retain their certification privileges without the need to convert to a JAR-66 AMBL unnecessarily. Their conversion to a JAR-66 licence will be necessary should they desire it or wish to add an aircraft type outside the coverage of any basic licences they hold.
The JAR-66 provides avenues for the recognition of academic knowledge, and experience requirements vary according to the level of formal training received. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has already held discussions with the Aviation Training Association and industry representatives on these issues. It is hoped that the outcome will reflect a range of fundable options for JAR-66 approved basic training or academic courses tailored to JAR-66. No doubt other Joint Aviation Authorities states will do likewise.
There are differences between the licence structure of JAR-66 and that in place for British Civil Aviation Requirements Section L, for example. This means that it is unlikely that a current licence holder will automatically qualify for a full JAR-66 licence. Human factors and JAR aviation legislation appear to be "new" modules to be addressed.
The single-licence category approach highlighted by Mr Crane is not appropriate either, since JAR-66 licences are combinations of disciplines - eg, airframes, engines and electrics. Appropriate exemptions will be granted for licences already held, and "grandfather rights" allow continued certification privileges without conversion.
It is worthy of note that licences, whether issued under JAR-66 or other requirements, cannot be given away. Their issue must be based upon the demonstrable satisfaction of appropriate standards of skill, knowledge and experience, reßective of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's recommendations.
J C McKenna
Head of engineer licensing
Civil Aviation Authority
Gatwick Airport, Sussex, UK
Source: Flight International
