Understanding FAA vs EASA Certification Requirements

Introduction

The global aviation industry operates under various regulatory frameworks, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) being the two most influential authorities. This article provides a detailed comparison of certification requirements between these two major regulatory bodies, focusing on aircraft maintenance personnel licensing, maintenance organization approvals, and continuing airworthiness requirements.

Aircraft Maintenance Personnel Licensing

FAA Certification

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate:

• Eligibility: 18 years of age or older, able to read, write, and speak English
• Experience Requirements: 18 months of practical experience with either airframes or powerplants, or 30 months of concurrent experience with both, OR completion of an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School
• Examination: Three components:
  • Written examination (multiple choice)
  • Oral examination
  • Practical examination demonstrating skills
• Ratings: Airframe, Powerplant, or combined A&P
• Renewal: No expiration date; remains valid as long as the mechanic is active (worked for at least 6 months within the last 24 months) or passes a refresher course
• Inspection Authorization (IA): Additional certification allowing mechanics to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs/alterations; requires 3 years of experience as an A&P and current work engagement

EASA Certification

Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License (AML):

• Categories:
  • Category A: Line maintenance certifying mechanic (subcategories A1-A4 for different aircraft types)
  • Category B1: Maintenance certifying technician - mechanical (subcategories B1.1-B1.4)
  • Category B2: Maintenance certifying technician - avionics
  • Category B3: Maintenance certifying technician for piston-engine non-pressurized airplanes of 2000 kg MTOM and below
  • Category C: Base maintenance certifying engineer
• Basic Knowledge Requirements: 17 modules covering various technical subjects, with different module requirements for each license category
• Experience Requirements: Varies by category:
  • Category A: 1-3 years depending on prior technical education
  • Category B1/B2: 2-5 years depending on prior technical education
  • Category B3: 1-3 years depending on prior technical education
  • Category C: 3 years as B1/B2 in line maintenance OR 5 years in base maintenance OR academic degree plus 2 years in civil aircraft maintenance
• Examination: Module examinations for each required module, administered by an approved Part-147 organization or the national aviation authority
• Validity: 5 years, must be renewed before expiration
• Type Ratings: Separate endorsements required for specific aircraft types (for categories B and C)

Key Differences in Personnel Licensing

Aspect	FAA	EASA
License Structure	Simple: Airframe, Powerplant, or combined A&P	Complex: Multiple categories and subcategories (A, B1, B2, B3, C)
Validity	Lifetime (with currency requirements)	5 years, requires renewal
Type Ratings	Not required for mechanics (only for Repairman Certificates)	Required for B1, B2, and C licenses for specific aircraft
Theoretical Knowledge	Less structured, focused on practical application	Highly structured 17-module system with specific requirements for each license category
Certification Privileges	A&P can work on any aircraft (with appropriate experience); IA required for certain approvals	Strictly defined by license category and type ratings

Maintenance Organization Approvals

FAA Certification

14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station:

• Classes and Ratings: Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, Radio, Instrument, Accessory, Limited, and Specialized Service
• Key Requirements:
  • Suitable facilities, equipment, materials, and data
  • Qualified personnel
  • Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual
  • Training program
  • Self-audit/inspection system
• Inspection System: Required, but less prescriptive than EASA
• Certification Process: Application, document review, facility inspection, certificate issuance
• Renewal: No expiration date, but subject to FAA surveillance and inspections

EASA Certification

Part-145 Maintenance Organization:

• Classes and Ratings: Aircraft, Engines, Components, and Specialized Services
• Key Requirements:
  • Appropriate facilities, equipment, tools, materials, and data
  • Sufficient qualified personnel
  • Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE)
  • Detailed procedures for all aspects of maintenance
  • Quality system with independent audits
  • Safety management system
• Management Personnel: Specific requirements for Accountable Manager, Quality Manager, and other key positions
• Certification Process: Application, document review, audit, certificate issuance
• Validity: Unlimited, subject to continued compliance verified through regular audits

Key Differences in Organization Approvals

Aspect	FAA Part 145	EASA Part-145
Documentation	Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual	Maintenance Organization Exposition (more comprehensive)
Quality System	Inspection system required, less formalized	Formal quality system with independent audits required
Management Structure	Less prescriptive requirements	Specific requirements for key management positions
Safety Management	SMS implementation in progress	Safety Management System required
Subcontractor Control	Less detailed requirements	Comprehensive requirements for subcontractor oversight

Continuing Airworthiness Requirements

FAA Requirements

• Maintenance Program: Manufacturers' recommended programs or operator-developed programs approved by the FAA
• Inspection Requirements:
  • Annual inspections for general aviation aircraft
  • Progressive inspection programs as an alternative
  • 100-hour inspections for commercial operations under Part 91
  • Detailed inspection programs for commercial operators under Parts 121, 125, and 135
• Airworthiness Directives (ADs): Mandatory compliance, tracked by the aircraft owner/operator
• Service Bulletins (SBs): Generally not mandatory unless incorporated into an AD
• Record Keeping: Maintenance records must be retained by the owner/operator

EASA Requirements

• Part-M: Regulations for continuing airworthiness management
• Maintenance Program: Must be approved by the competent authority and based on manufacturer's data
• Airworthiness Review: Annual review of aircraft records and physical inspection required
• Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC): Issued for 12 months, can be extended twice
• CAMO: Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization required for commercial air transport
• Airworthiness Directives: Mandatory compliance, tracked by the CAMO
• Service Bulletins: Not mandatory unless required by an AD or incorporated into the approved maintenance program

Key Differences in Continuing Airworthiness

Aspect	FAA	EASA
Airworthiness Certification	Annual inspection	Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)
Management Organization	Not required for general aviation	CAMO required for commercial operations, recommended for complex GA
Maintenance Program Approval	Less formal process for GA aircraft	Formal approval process for all aircraft
Reliability Programs	Required only for certain operations	More widely required, especially for commercial operations

Bilateral Agreements and Recognition

The FAA and EASA have established a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) that facilitates:

• Reciprocal acceptance of certifications for products and parts
• Approval of maintenance organizations (FAA Part 145 / EASA Part-145)
• Technical cooperation and standardization efforts

However, the agreement does not provide for direct recognition of maintenance personnel licenses. Mechanics holding FAA A&P certificates or EASA Part-66 licenses must still obtain certification from the other authority if they wish to work on aircraft registered under that authority.

Conversion Pathways

FAA to EASA Conversion

For A&P mechanics seeking EASA Part-66 licenses:

• Credit for experience and basic knowledge
• Need to pass examinations on EASA-specific modules (typically modules 9, 10, and 13)
• Meet experience requirements
• Apply through a national aviation authority in an EASA member state

EASA to FAA Conversion

For Part-66 license holders seeking FAA A&P certificates:

• May receive experience credit
• Must still pass all FAA written, oral, and practical examinations
• No direct conversion pathway

Conclusion

While both the FAA and EASA regulatory frameworks aim to ensure aviation safety, they differ significantly in their approach, structure, and specific requirements. The FAA system tends to be more flexible but places greater responsibility on individuals, while the EASA system is more structured and prescriptive. Understanding these differences is crucial for:

• Maintenance personnel seeking international career opportunities
• Organizations operating in both regulatory environments
• Aircraft owners transferring aircraft between registries
• Training institutions preparing students for global careers

As the aviation industry continues to globalize, efforts toward greater harmonization between these regulatory systems are ongoing, but significant differences remain that require careful navigation by all stakeholders.