What is EASA Part 66?
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the aviation safety authority of the European Union, responsible for establishing and enforcing aviation safety standards across EU member states and beyond. EASA Part 66 is the regulatory standard that governs the licensing of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) — the professionals authorised to certify that aircraft are airworthy after maintenance.
EASA Part 66 is the international benchmark for AME licensing. Explore our EASA Part 66 programme at Vajra Aviation →. While India has its own DGCA AME license, EASA Part 66 is the equivalent standard recognised by aviation authorities across the European Union, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and many other regions. For any Indian aviation professional aspiring to work internationally — or with foreign-registered aircraft — EASA Part 66 is the qualification that opens those doors.
Key fact: EASA Part 66 holders are sought after by major global MROs and airlines — Emirates, Lufthansa Technik, Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Singapore Airlines Engineering all require or strongly prefer EASA Part 66 licensed engineers on their maintenance teams.
There are two primary categories of EASA Part 66 licence relevant to most engineering candidates: Category B1 (Mechanical) and Category B2 (Avionics). Choosing between them is one of the most important decisions you will make in your AME career — and this article gives you everything you need to make that decision confidently.
EASA Part 66 B1 — Aircraft Mechanical Engineer
Vajra Aviation — Bangalore
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The B1 licence authorises its holder to certify maintenance on mechanical systems of aircraft. It is divided into four sub-categories depending on the type of aircraft:
B1.1 — Aeroplane Turbine
- Covers commercial jets and turboprop aeroplanes
- Required for line and base maintenance on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, ATR, etc.
- Most sought-after B1 sub-category at Indian MROs
- 17 modules required for full qualification
B1.2 — Aeroplane Piston
- Covers smaller general aviation piston aircraft
- Relevant for flying clubs, private operators, charter companies
- Entry point for smaller MRO operations
- Fewer modules than B1.1
B1.3 — Helicopter Turbine
- Covers turbine-powered rotorcraft (Bell, Sikorsky, AgustaWestland)
- In demand for offshore, defence, emergency medical services
- IAF helicopter technical trade personnel find this a natural pathway
- Specialist niche with strong global demand
B1.4 — Helicopter Piston
- Covers piston-powered helicopters
- Less common category; relevant for training organisations
- Smaller scope of work and fewer exam modules
What Do B1 Engineers Actually Do?
A B1-licensed engineer is authorised to certify maintenance tasks on mechanical systems of aircraft. This includes:
- Airframe structures — fuselage, wings, empennage, control surfaces
- Turbine and piston engines — inspection, removal, installation, engine run-up
- Mechanical systems — hydraulics, fuel systems, pneumatics, landing gear
- Flight control systems — cables, linkages, actuators (mechanical aspects)
- Air conditioning, pressurisation, ice and rain protection systems
- Structural repairs and modifications under approved data
B1 engineers work in line maintenance (overnight checks, transit checks at airports) and base maintenance (heavy checks at MRO facilities). Their signature certifies that the mechanical work performed on the aircraft is safe for flight.
B1.1 Examination Modules
The B1.1 sub-category requires 17 modules of study and examination. The modules are structured to build from foundational science through to advanced aircraft systems:
- M1 Mathematics
- M2 Physics
- M3 Electrical Fundamentals
- M4 Electronic Fundamentals
- M5 Digital Techniques / Instrument Systems
- M6 Materials & Hardware
- M7 Maintenance Practices
- M8 Basic Aerodynamics
- M9 Human Factors
- M10 Aviation Legislation
- M11A Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- M12 Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- M13 Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- M14 Propulsion
- M15 Gas Turbine Engine
- M16 Piston Engine
- M17 Propellers
EASA Part 66 B2 — Aircraft Avionics Engineer
The B2 licence authorises its holder to certify maintenance on avionics and electrical systems of aircraft. Unlike B1, the B2 category is a single licence — there are no sub-categories. It covers the full spectrum of electronic and electrical systems found on modern commercial aircraft.
What Do B2 Engineers Actually Do?
A B2-licensed engineer works on the brain and nervous system of the aircraft — the electronic systems that enable navigation, communication, automation and monitoring:
- Communication systems — VHF/HF radios, SELCAL, ACARS, satellite communications (SATCOM)
- Navigation systems — ILS, VOR, DME, ADF, GPS, ADS-B, TCAS/ACAS
- Flight Management System (FMS) and autopilot systems
- Aircraft electrical power systems — generators, APU electrical, distribution networks
- Flight instruments — EFIS, ECAM/EICAS, weather radar, GPWS/EGPWS
- Avionics bay systems, line replaceable unit (LRU) removal and installation
- Data bus systems — ARINC 429, AFDX, fly-by-wire control systems
- Aircraft wiring, bonding, shielding and electrical system certification
B2 Examination Modules
The B2 licence requires 13 modules. Modules M1 through M10 are shared with B1, providing a common science and regulatory foundation. The advanced modules then diverge to focus on avionics and electronic systems:
- M1 Mathematics
- M2 Physics
- M3 Electrical Fundamentals
- M4 Electronic Fundamentals
- M5 Digital Techniques / Instrument Systems
- M6 Materials & Hardware
- M7 Maintenance Practices
- M8 Basic Aerodynamics
- M9 Human Factors
- M10 Aviation Legislation
- M11B Turbine Aeroplane — Electronic Instrument Systems
- M13 Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- M17 Propellers
Note on modules: B2 replaces the mechanical-specific modules (M11A, M14, M15, M16) with avionics-focused content in M11B. Because it has fewer modules (13 vs 17), the B2 programme is typically somewhat shorter in duration — though the avionics content in M11B is highly technical and demands a strong electronics foundation.
Head-to-Head Comparison: B1 vs B2
The table below summarises the key differences between EASA Part 66 B1 and B2 to help you compare both licence categories at a glance:
| Feature | B1 (Mechanical) | B2 (Avionics) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Airframe, engines and mechanical systems | Avionics, electrical and navigation systems |
| Sub-categories | B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4 | Single B2 category |
| Number of Modules | 17 (for B1.1) | 13 |
| Typical Duration | 18–24 months | 15–20 months |
| Entry Requirement | 10+2 with Physics & Maths, or Engineering degree | 10+2 with Physics & Maths, or Engineering degree |
| Key Job Roles | Line Maintenance Engineer, Airframe & Powerplant Engineer, Base Maintenance Technician | Avionics Technician, Aircraft Electrical Engineer, Avionics Systems Engineer |
| Typical Salary — India (Entry) | ₹4–8 Lakhs per year | ₹4–8 Lakhs per year |
| Typical Salary — India (Senior) | ₹15–25 Lakhs per year | ₹18–28 Lakhs per year |
| International Demand | Very high | Very high (growing with modern avionics) |
| Best Suited For | Mechanical / Aerospace engineering background; Ex-IAF aircraft fitter or mechanical trade | Electronics / Electrical / Instrumentation engineering background; Ex-IAF avionics or radar trade |
Career Prospects and Salary
B1 Career Path
The B1 career ladder is well-defined and offers clear progression through increasing levels of responsibility:
B2 Career Path
B2 engineers typically progress through avionics and systems specialisations, with increasingly strategic roles as technology evolves:
Global Demand
Both B1 and B2 licences are internationally portable and highly valued across the world's major aviation hubs. Airlines and MROs actively recruiting EASA Part 66 holders include:
- Emirates Engineering — one of the world's largest MRO operations (Dubai)
- Lufthansa Technik — global MRO leader across Europe, Asia and the Americas
- Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance — major European MRO
- Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) — Asia-Pacific hub
- Abu Dhabi Aviation, Oman Air Technical, Royal Jordanian — Middle East operators
India Market Demand
India's commercial aviation fleet has grown to over 700 aircraft and is on track to exceed 1,500 aircraft by 2030, driven by IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and new entrants. This growth creates significant domestic demand for EASA Part 66 holders at:
- Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) — India's largest MRO
- IndiGo Engineering — growing in-house maintenance capability
- Air Works India — multi-type MRO across India
- GMR Aero Technic, Bird Group, Max MRO — expanding domestic MRO sector
- International MROs setting up operations at India's new MRO hubs (Nagpur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad)
Who Should Choose B1?
The B1 licence is the right choice if your background, interests and career aspirations align with mechanical engineering and hands-on aircraft systems work. You should choose B1 if:
- Your educational background is in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or production engineering
- You are drawn to hands-on mechanical work — engines, hydraulic systems, airframe structures, landing gear
- You want to work in base maintenance or heavy checks (C-checks, D-checks) at MRO facilities
- You are an Ex-IAF aircraft fitter or served in a mechanical trade — your military training maps directly to B1 content and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways
- You want to eventually qualify as a Type Rating engineer on specific aircraft types (e.g., Boeing 737 or Airbus A320) — the B1 base licence is the foundation for this
- You prefer working with large physical components — engines, panels, control systems — rather than LRU avionics boxes and wiring
Who Should Choose B2?
The B2 licence is the right choice if your background is in electronics, electrical systems or modern digital technology and you are excited by the complexity of modern aircraft avionics. You should choose B2 if:
- Your educational background is in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation or telecommunications
- You are interested in modern avionics — glass cockpits, Flight Management Systems, autopilot, digital data buses
- You want to specialise in emerging technologies — ADS-B, SATCOM, fly-by-wire, advanced ACAS, next-generation FMS
- You are an Ex-IAF avionics technician, radar operator or communications trade specialist — your military training in electronic systems aligns strongly with B2 content
- You want to pursue high-value system engineering roles in avionics integration or modification programmes
- You are attracted to the intersection of aviation and digital technology — the B2 domain will only grow in importance as aircraft become more software-driven
Can You Hold Both B1 and B2?
Yes — and many experienced AMEs choose to pursue both. Holding both a B1 and B2 licence dramatically increases your employability, versatility and salary potential. A combined B1/B2 engineer can certify both mechanical and avionics maintenance tasks, making them especially valuable to smaller operators and MROs that prefer fewer, more versatile licensed engineers.
Efficiency advantage: Modules M1 through M10 are common to both B1 and B2. If you complete B1 first and then pursue B2 (or vice versa), you do not need to re-sit those ten modules. You only need to complete the category-specific advanced modules. This makes adding the second licence significantly more efficient than starting from scratch.
Vajra Aviation, through its partnership with Aviotrace Swiss, offers training for both B1 and B2 modules. Our structured, module-by-module approach allows students to efficiently plan a pathway to both licences with clear milestones.
Why Vajra Aviation for EASA Part 66 Training?
Vajra Aviation is the only aviation training institute in Bangalore with a formal partnership with Aviotrace Swiss — an EASA-accredited training organisation based in Switzerland. This partnership gives our students access to EASA-aligned study material, examination preparation and institutional credibility that is unmatched in the region.
- Only Bangalore institute with Aviotrace Swiss (EASA-accredited) partnership
- 23 EASA modules successfully cleared by students under our programme
- Ex-IAF AME conversion pathway — dedicated guidance for military personnel navigating the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process
- Module-by-module structured approach — clear milestones, no ambiguity about what is covered and when
- EASA-aligned study material sourced from Aviotrace Swiss — the same materials used by students in Europe
- Experienced faculty with hands-on background in aircraft maintenance, both military and civil
- Individual counselling to help you choose between B1, B2 or a combined pathway based on your background
Explore Our EASA Part 66 Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
EASA Part 66 is a European standard administered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. It is not automatically recognised by India's DGCA as an equivalent to the Indian AME licence for domestic operations. However, EASA Part 66 is recognised by aviation authorities across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and many other regions.
In India, EASA Part 66 holders are highly valued by international MROs and airlines operating EASA-registered aircraft, particularly as India builds out its MRO sector. Many Indian graduates use EASA Part 66 as a qualification for international employment or for roles at foreign-carrier MRO facilities in India.
Yes. EASA regulations allow module exemptions for holders of relevant engineering degrees, subject to assessment by the competent authority. For example, graduates of Electronics or Electrical Engineering programmes may be eligible for exemptions from certain B2 modules (such as M3, M4, M5) if their degree course content matches the EASA syllabus.
The specific exemptions vary depending on the course content and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. At Vajra Aviation, we provide specific guidance on exemption eligibility based on your educational background and the applicable EASA regulations.
At Vajra Aviation, the B1.1 programme is structured module-by-module and typically takes 18–24 months to complete all required modules and examinations. This duration can vary based on:
- Individual study pace and prior knowledge
- Any module exemptions granted based on educational background
- Examination scheduling and availability at authorised centres
- Whether you are studying part-time alongside other commitments
Our counsellors can give you a more precise timeline once they understand your specific background and goals.
The pass mark for all EASA Part 66 module examinations is 75%. Examinations are conducted in a multiple-choice format at authorised examination centres approved by the relevant EASA competent authority. The number of questions and the time allowed vary by module, with more complex modules (such as M11A or M11B) typically having more questions and a longer examination duration.
Students who do not achieve 75% in a module may re-sit the examination, subject to a mandatory waiting period between attempts.
Yes — and this is one of Vajra Aviation's key specialisations. Ex-Indian Air Force AME personnel can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which may exempt them from certain EASA Part 66 modules based on documented military training, experience and competencies.
The RPL process requires careful documentation of your military service records, trade training and practical experience. The specific modules that may be exempted depend on your trade (mechanical, avionics, radar, communications, etc.) and the competent authority's assessment.
Our team provides dedicated support to Ex-IAF personnel navigating the RPL process — from reviewing your service documents to advising on the most effective conversion pathway. Many of our instructors have themselves gone through this journey and understand it from both sides.
Explore EASA Part 66 Training at Vajra Aviation
Bangalore's only EASA Part 66 training institute with Aviotrace Swiss partnership. Structured module-by-module programme for B1 and B2 — with dedicated support for Ex-IAF AME personnel.