How to get your B2 aircraft maintenance licence (avionics) step by step
If you prefer working with wiring, instruments, flight controls and electronic systems over working on structures and engines, the B2 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 B2 licence?
The B2 licence is part of the EASA Part-66 regulation and allows its holder to certify the release of aircraft after maintenance on the avionics side: electrical systems, instruments, autoflight, communications and navigation, and other electronic systems.
It is the counterpart of the B1, which focuses on structure, engines and mechanical systems. If you want to know about that route, read our guide on how to get your B1 licence.
B1 vs B2 at a glance
| Focus | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Mechanical: structure, engines, mechanical systems and basic electrical | Avionics: electrical, instruments, autoflight, comms and navigation |
| Modules only in this category | 11 or 12 (airframe), 15 (gas turbine) or 16 (piston), 17 (propeller) | 13 (aircraft aerodynamics, structures and systems), 14 (propulsion) |
| Typical roles | Line and base maintenance on structure and powerplant | Line and base maintenance on avionics and electrical systems |
Requirements for the B2 licence
To get a B2 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 12 Part-66 modules for the B2 category, covering mathematics, physics, electricity, electronics, digital techniques, instrument systems and more.
- Practical experience: the usual minimums for the B2 are the same as for the B1.1: 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 B2
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 to around two years. 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 or workshop 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 B2
For the B2 you need to pass these 12 modules (you can find basic training courses on TechlogMRO):
- 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 13Aircraft aerodynamics, structures and systems
- Module 14Propulsion
The airframe and engine modules of the B1 (11, 12, 15, 16 and 17) do not apply to the B2. 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, it varies widely by country and school. As a reference, the courses currently published in the training section of TechlogMRO include Part-66 exams at around €250 per module, complete courses covering all the modules of one category (B1 or B2) from about €2,500, and a combined B1 + B2 pack at about €3,000. Check what each option includes and compare several organisations before deciding.
Keep in mind that the licence is not the last expense: the type rating is paid separately. For example, an Airbus A320 NEO type course published on TechlogMRO costs €2,950, with around 31 days of theory and 11 days of practical training.
After the B2: type rating and first job offers
Having the B2 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 B2 lets you certify mechanical work on structure and engines: that belongs to the B1.
- Assuming the B2 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.
Sign up for free and let opportunities come to you. Looking for work right now? Check the freelance calendar for open campaigns.