Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Overview:
1. Under the NPRM, a current certificated technician with both the airframe and powerplant rating would be considered the equivalent of an AMT(T) (aircraft). The A&P would continue to enjoy the same privileges under the proposed rule as he has under Part 65. He would not be required to exchange his A&P for an AMT(T). But, a Part 65 certified mechanic with one rating (airframe) would not be issued an AMT(T) unless that technician took and passed the powerplant rating. The technician would have to complete the powerplant exams inside an 18-month window, which starts on the date of the publication of the final notice of rulemaking on Part 66 in the Federal Register. If the technician does not, he would have to complete a curriculum at an FAA-approved training provider to obtain the additional rating. However, the technician would continue to hold his current single rating and privileges.

2. A new Part 66 will be established, titled: Certification: Aviation Maintenance Personnel. The subparts D (mechanics) and E (repairman) in Part 65 will be removed and used to create subpart B (Aviation Maintenance Technician), subpart C (Aviation Maintenance Technician Transport), subpart D (Inspection Authorization) and subpart E (Aviation Repair Specialist – Section 66.1).

A (General) of Part 66 will contain language similar to subpart A of the older Part 65, (drugs, alcohol, and cheating), but includes the requirement for all Part 65 certified mechanics to register with the FAA’s Airman Certification Branch in Oklahoma City within 12 months after the effective date of the final rule and periodic (AMT)(T) registration at the every 48 calendar months thereafter (Section 66.17). The new rule also prohibits falsification; reproduction; or alterations of applications, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records. If found guilty of such an act, the individual may have some or all of his certificates suspended or revoked (Section 66.19).

3. The term mechanic will be tried. It will be replaced with the term Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) there would be two AMT certificates: Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) and Aviation Maintenance Technician – Transport (AMT(T)) (Section 66.51 and Section 66.101). The major difference between the two certificates is the holder of an AMT(T) certificate will be able to return all types of aircraft for return to service, including transport – category aircraft certificated under Part 25 and Part 29. The ability to sign off all types of aircraft for return to service is the same privilege that all current A&P mechanics presently enjoy and this privilege will be grandfathered under the proposed rule.

4. There will be two ratings under an AMT(T) certificate: Aircraft and Aviation Maintenance Instructor (Section 66.53) .

5. To qualify to take the AMT test, the individual must show 5,000 hours of practical experience in procedures, tools, materials, etc., or graduate from an FAA-certificated aviation maintenance school. (Section 66.65) The AMT(T) has the same requirements as an AMT, but will include an additional 573 training hours in such broad subject areas as advanced electronics; composites; structural repair; powerplants and systems; publications; safety and environments found on transport aircraft. The actual subjects taught would be identified in an FAA Advisory Circular. An “approved” training provider would only supply this training for an AMT(T) (Section 66.107 and Appendix A to Part 66).

6. Holders of the older Airframe and Engine (A&E) mechanics certificates that were last issued by the CAA in 1952 and still intend to exercise the privileges of a mechanic, are strongly urged to exchange their old A&E certificate for an A&P mechanic’s certificate before the effective date of the final rule (18-month window). If you do not request the local FSDO to reissue you an A&P certificate, (no test is required other than showing up), your A&E certificate and all the privileges that go with it, including your Inspection Authorization (IA) if you have one, will become inactive until you receive your new A&P or AMT(T).

7. The new NPRM proposes to require recent experience requirements (Section 66.65 and 66.111) for AMT(T) who work for compensation and hire. This will include mandatory refresher courses, such as an Inspection Authorization refresher course or other courses of instruction acceptable to the Administrator every 24 months in addition to actual work on aircraft. This rule change does not include technicians who work for FAR Part(s) 121, 135, or 145 operators.

8. The NPRM will allow an AMT to repair or alter a horizontal-card, liquid-filled compass and approve it for return to service (Section 66.63 (d) (2) (ii)).

9. Individuals who wish to work as an aviation maintenance instructor in a Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School must meet the following requirements for the rating (Section 66.67).