Certifying Staff
What exactly do certifying staff do?
Certifying staff inspect the traffic and operation safety of aircrafts and other flying devices. They also check the components and fittings. That might be motors, electrical accessories or security devices. The inspection tasks vary depending on which license they have.
Generally, certifying staff work in aviation companies, at aircraft manufacturers and in part-145 organisations. Furthermore, there are task fields in engineering offices for technical specialist planning or in Airworthiness Management.
Part-145 organisations are companies that are certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or the Federal Aviation Authority (FBA) to carry out particular maintenance tasks and issue the corresponding release certificates. Large airlines and air rescue companies engage their own Part-145 organisations with certifying staff.
One particularity of aviation certifying staff who do training in accordance with the Regulations for Aviation Personnel is that they may only work in German companies which have been certified as an Approved Aeronautical Company by the Federal Aviation Authority in Brunswick. Whoever has undergone the exam in accordance with Part-66 guidelines can work and carry out verifications Europe-wide in every Part-145 organisation which has been certified by EASA.
Which requirements do certifying staff need to fulfil?
Continued Training in conformity with EASA Part-66
Admission to attend the individual training modules so as to obtain a license in accordance with EASA Part 66 depends on the prior knowledge of the candidate. In certain circumstances, passing an exam in a different module can serve as prerequisite for admission. Depending on the area, several years of professional experience may also be an additional requirement.
Continued Training in conformity with Air Traffic Rules for Staff (LuftPersV)
In order to access continued training in conformity with LuftPersV., completed vocational training in one of the necessary specialist areas is required. For a First Class Certifier Permit, you need to do the vocational training at a state- or state recognised Technical School or advanced technical college. In addition, you may need to prove several years of work experience in the relevant area.
Furthermore, applicants for authorised personnel licenses need to be at least 18 years of age.
How can I become a certifying staff member?
To become a certifying staff member, you need to obtain a license which entitles you to issue release certificates. The job titles vary depending on which category of license you obtain.
Preparation training courses for the individual licenses take place at recognised Training Institutes which have been verified by the Federal Aviation Office. They are carried out in accordance with the EASA Part 66 guidelines. Furthermore, preparation courses for obtaining the authorised personnel licenses are offered in accordance with the Regulations for Aviation Personnel.
Training courses are generally organised in modules or thematic blocks of various durations. To get admitted to the exams, you do not necessarily need to take part in the modules; however, if you do not attend them, the scope of the exam is usually increased significantly.
The duration of courses to obtain licenses for authorised personnel in accordance with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 varies depending on which licence is being obtained, your educational background and any other licenses you may have already obtained.
Where does training to become a certifying staff member take place?
Theoretical lessons normally take place in the training rooms at educational institutes which have been recognised by the Federal Aviation Office.
The practical part takes place in an airplane shipyard or in a flight simulator.
As the number of educational institutes is limited, course participants may need to accept long travel time and an overnight stay somewhere.
How good are prospects of advancement for certifying staff?
Constant continued education is a part of daily life for certifying staff, as the profession's framework conditions are continuously changing.
How high is the salary for certifying staff?
The salary for certifying staff varies from employer to employer. The average gross salary comes to around 3,400 EUR (status from 2010).