Aircraft Maintenance Certifying Engineer

An Aircraft Maintenance Certifying Engineer works on maintaining and certifying aircraft of all types from small aeroplanes to airliners, jet fighters and helicopters, both civil and military. They should have a comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems, carry out approved maintenance processes to maintain and certify the airworthiness of the aircraft. It involves highly skilled, complex and specialist work, maintaining aircraft systems according to approved data and work instructions, using relevant hand tools and equipment. They must comply with civil and or military regulatory and organisational requirements. They must be able to research data sources, ensuring that on completion of a task all aircraft documentation is accurately completed and certified. They must work both individually and as part of a larger team, including carrying out supervisory duties and oversight of work completed. They will demonstrate their ability to identify and resolve problems using the approved data, processes and understand the limits of their authority/approval. They will understand how and why Standard Operating Procedures are produced for maintaining aircraft and the importance of using them. An Aircraft Maintenance Licence will be required to carry out this role.

Knowledge and Skills

Use of mathematical techniques, algebraic expressions, formulae, calculation and physics to understand the theory of flight, aerodynamics and aviation maintenance processes
Understand the structure, properties and characteristics of materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of aircraft components, whole structures and sub-assemblies
Understand the fundamentals of electrical, electronic, digital, analogue, aircraft systems and maintenance practices
Read, interpret, explain and suggest improvements to engineering data; drawings, specifications, maintenance manuals, computer generated information and aircraft documentation
Safe selection and use of hand and mechanical tools and equipment while carrying out maintenance of aircraft
Appropriate bonding and assembly techniques e.g. in composite assembly
Complying with and ensuring others comply with statutory military and/ or civil air legislation, quality and organisational requirements for aviation safety and occupational health and safety while carrying out aircraft maintenance techniques
Human Factors in aviation – developing an understanding of attitudes and behaviours to ensure aviation safety
Use, analyse and interpret the results obtained from test equipment, both mechanical and electronic while carrying out aircraft maintenance activities
Undertake and supervise aircraft functional checks and fault diagnosis e.g. electrical bonding and earthing; flight control rigging and adjustment
Correct selection, use and training of ground support equipment
Inspect, repair, remove and replace aircraft major assemblies, components, sub-assemblies and systems. To include the Identification and installation of mechanical fasteners, measuring and marking out and the selection of the correct materials
Sealing and jointing techniques: use of seals, gaskets and jointing techniques
Precision drilling and finishing of holes in aircraft assemblies
Identification, control, repair and prevention of damage, fatigue and corrosion

Behaviours

Strong work ethic: motivated, proactive, committed
Dependability and responsibility: punctual, reliable
Positive attitude: constructive thinking, motivated to succeed, committed to equality and diversity, environmental, social and economic sustainability, safety mind-set
Team player: able to work and interact effectively within a team
Effective communication: spoken, listening, body language, presentation, written
Adaptability: able to adjust to change
Honesty and integrity: truthful, sincere and ethical
Self-motivation: self-starter, able to make appropriate decisions and lead their own professional development
Personal commitment: prepared to make a personal commitment to the industry
Leadership To deliver reliable and dependable results in work outputs, quality, work ethics and self-development, as well as encouraging and supporting the development of others
Accountability To follow the specified company procedures and controls and be responsible for their monitoring review and development
Reflective To reflect on current and past performance and provide information and recommendations for improvements in planning, delivery of working practices as well as training and development

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their Apprenticeship. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically possess four GCSEs B grade (or equivalent) or above on entry including English, Maths and a Science. Apprentices without Level 2 Maths and English must achieve this prior to taking the end – point assessment.

Duration

Typically 48 months, timescales may reduce if an apprentice has prior relevant qualifications/experience.

Professional Qualification / Recognition

This Apprenticeship Standard is at Level 4 (equivalent to Higher National Diploma) .

After a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development within a protected environment/or under close supervision in the workplace or area, all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualification (working title - currently in development)

Level 2 Aerospace and Aviation (Foundation Competence)

After a further period of skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications/certification (working titles - currently in development)

Level 4 Aerospace and Aviation (Development Competence)

plus

Certification against the EASA part 66 modules – B Licence

All of the qualification/certification requirements in the foundation and development phases are mandatory outcomes for the completion and final certification of the Apprenticeship Standard. Each qualification has a core and options approach and employers will select the most applicable pathway and unit options to meet their business requirements. Further detail can be found in the Employer Occupational Brief which is an annex to the Assessment Plan.

There will be an assessment at the end of the development phase where the apprentice will need to demonstrate full competence against the qualification outcomes for knowledge, skills and behaviours, set out in the Standard and Employer Occupational Brief. On successful completion of the employer endorsement phase (sign off) apprentices will be then be put forward to be awarded their Apprenticeship completion certificate. Knowledge and vocational qualifications that meet national and/or regulatory requirements will be included on the Certificate

This apprenticeship will be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech). The apprentice will also have made a successful application for an EASA Part 66 category B Licence

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.