How to get your B1 aircraft maintenance licence step by step
If you dream of working on the flight line or in the hangar, checking engines and structures on commercial aircraft, the B1 licence is your way in. This guide explains what it is, what you need, how long it takes and how to get it under the European Part-66 regulation.
What is the B1 licence?
The B1 licence is part of the EASA Part-66 regulation and allows its holder to certify the release of aircraft after maintenance. It focuses on the mechanical side: structure, engines, mechanical systems and basic electrical systems.
There are two main variants: B1.1 for turbine or piston-engine aeroplanes, and B1.3 for turbine-engine helicopters. The B1 does not cover advanced avionics, which belongs to the B2 licence.
Requirements for the B1 licence
To get a B1 licence you need to meet three pillars: theoretical training, exams and practical experience.
- Minimum age: 18 years old to apply for the licence.
- Theoretical training: pass the Part-66 modules for the B1 category, covering mathematics, physics, electricity, materials, aerodynamics, turbine engines and more.
- Practical experience: show real experience in aircraft maintenance. The usual minimums for the B1.1 are 2 years if you complete an approved Part-147 basic course, 3 years with other relevant technical training, and 5 years with no prior training.
- Language: a good level of technical English, as documentation and exams are handled in this language.
Two routes to the B1
Route 1: training at a Part-147 organisation
≈ 2 years of experience · Part-147 course · fastest route
An approved Part-147 training organisation delivers the full course and runs the official exams. With this route, the practical experience required is reduced significantly, usually to around two years depending on your situation. It is the fastest and most common route for people starting from scratch.
Route 2: experience and self-study
3–5 years of experience · self-study · document your experience carefully
If you already work in a hangar without going through a Part-147 course, you can prepare on your own and sit the exams with the competent authority or an authorised centre. In this case the required experience is longer, usually five years, or three if you have other relevant technical training, and you will need to document it carefully.
The Part-66 exam modules for the B1
The exams are split into modules, and you can find basic training courses on TechlogMRO. For the B1.1 you need to pass these 13 modules:
- Module 1Mathematics
- Module 2Physics
- Module 3Electrical fundamentals
- Module 4Electronic fundamentals
- Module 5Digital techniques and electronic instrument systems
- Module 6Materials and hardware
- Module 7Maintenance practices
- Module 8Basic aerodynamics
- Module 9Human factors
- Module 10Aviation legislation
- Module 11Turbine aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems
- Module 15Gas turbine engine
- Module 17Propeller
The B1.2 swaps module 15 for module 16 (piston engine), and the B1.3 for helicopters uses modules 1 to 10, 12 and 15.
Each module is passed separately, and passed modules are valid for 10 years, so you need to gain your experience and apply for the licence within that window.
How long does it take and how much does it cost?
The total time depends on the route you choose. With a full-time Part-147 course, the theory part is usually completed in one to two years, and then you add the practical experience in a maintenance organisation.
As for cost, full training courses can vary widely by country and school, so the best approach is to request quotes from several organisations before deciding.
After the B1: type rating and first job offers
Having the B1 licence is not the end of the road. To certify on a specific aircraft type you will need a type rating, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. Many employers pay for it, while others prefer candidates who already have it. Holding both a licence and a type rating greatly increases your options for permanent and freelance roles.
Your first type rating also requires on-the-job training (OJT). Under Part-66 (66.A.45(c)), the first type rating in each licence category needs supervised practical work on real aircraft tasks in a Part-145 maintenance organisation. The authority that issued your licence approves the programme, and a designated assessor certifies at the end that it is complete. Later type ratings in the same category do not need it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Neglecting to log your experience from day one.
- Letting passed modules expire because you did not plan your calendar.
- Choosing a school without checking that it holds a valid Part-147 approval.
- Assuming the B1 lets you certify any aircraft without a type rating.
Frequently asked questions
Take the next step with TechlogMRO
Once you have your licence, or even while you are preparing for it, create your profile on TechlogMRO. Companies can find you by filtering by licence and ratings, and you can browse permanent job offers, freelance work in the calendar and training courses published by specialist organisations.
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