Introduction

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Category C Aircraft Maintenance Licence represents asignificant professional milestone for maintenance engineers seeking to advance their careers in aviation.As aircraft systems grow increasingly sophisticated and base maintenance operations expand incomplexity, Category C certifying staff occupy pivotal leadership positions within the maintenanceorganization hierarchy.

This technical overview examines the regulatory framework, qualification pathways, privileges, andstrategic career advantages associated with obtaining the EASA Category C licence—an essentialcredential for professionals responsible for final aircraft certification following scheduled heavymaintenance events.

Regulatory Context and Certification Authority

The Category C licence is established under EASA Part-66 regulations, which define the harmonizedstandards for aircraft maintenance licensing across EASA member states. The licence authorizes qualifiedpersonnel to certify the completion of base maintenance operations in accordance with Part-145approved maintenance organization requirements.

Authorization Scope and Certifying Privileges

Category C licence holders are entrusted with specific certification privileges that distinguish them fromother maintenance personnel:

• Primary Authorization: Release to service of complete aircraft following base maintenance activities
• Certification Scope: Final verification and certification that all scheduled maintenance, inspections,repairs, and modifications have been properly accomplished
• Organizational Function: Oversight of the collective maintenance effort performed by B1, B2, andsupport personnel
• Compliance Responsibility: Ensuring adherence to approved maintenance data, procedures, andregulatory requirements

It is important to note that Category C staff typically do not directly perform maintenance tasksthemselves. Instead, they function in a supervisory capacity, reviewing documentation, ensuring workpackage completion, and issuing the final certificate of release to service (CRS) that authorizes theaircraft’s return to operational status.

Qualification Pathways: Dual Routes to Certification

EASA regulations establish two distinct qualification pathways for obtaining the Category C licence,accommodating professionals with different backgrounds and experience profiles:

Pathway 1: Progression from B1/B2 Licence

This pathway is designed for experienced B1 or B2 licence holders seeking to advance to Category Ccertification.

Prerequisites:

• Valid EASA Part-66 B1 or B2 Aircraft Maintenance Licence

• Minimum of 3 years of documented experience as certifying staff or support staff

• Experience must be within a Part-145 approved maintenance organization

• Experience must include work on complex motor-powered aircraft (CMPA)

• At least 12 months of the required experience must involve base maintenance activities

Application Process:

• Submission of EASA Form 19 to the appropriate National Aviation Authority (NAA)

• Provision of documented evidence of required experience

• Verification of experience by the NAA

• Type ratings held on the existing B1/B2 licence will transfer to the Category C licence

Knowledge Requirements:

• No additional theoretical examinations are required

• Existing knowledge demonstrated for B1/B2 qualification is considered sufficient

Pathway 2: Direct Entry with Academic Qualifications

This pathway accommodates professionals with relevant academic engineering qualifications who wish toenter the aircraft maintenance certification field directly at the Category C level.

Academic Prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, electronic, avionic,or another relevant engineering discipline

• Degree must be recognized by the appropriate NAA as relevant to aircraft maintenance

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of documented experience in an aircraft maintenance environment

• Experience must include tasks directly associated with aircraft maintenance

• At least 6 months of the required experience must involve base maintenance activities

• Experience may be gained in environments such as CAMO, Part-145, or Part-CAO organizations

Knowledge Requirements:

• Successful completion of examinations in all applicable modules defined in Appendix I of Part-66

• Potential for academic credits based on degree content, subject to NAA evaluation

• Submission of academic transcripts and course content for NAA assessment of potential modulecredits