Only approved UK Part-147 organisations are entitled to conduct type training. However, according to Appendix III to Part-66, other than Part-147 organisation (including Part-145 maintenance organisations and manufacturers) can be approved to provide theoretical element (theoretical training and examination) and/or practical element (practical training and assessment) of aircraft type training.
This so called “direct” approval may be granted by the UK CAA in accordance with 66.B.130 provided:
This is a one-time approval on a case-by-case basis for a single course or a predefined group of courses i.e. a UK Part-145 approved maintenance organisation cannot receive a permanent approval for aircraft type training.
The course and the assessment comply with the same standard valid for approved UK Part-147 organisations; this standard is described in paragraph 1 to 4 of Appendix III to Part-66.
No Part-147 Certificate of Recognition can be issued. However, appropriate training certificate(s) can be issued after successful completion of both elements.
UK CAA directly approved aircraft type training courses are only valid for UK Part-66 AML type rating endorsement within the UK regulatory system.
In the case of type training for airships in Group 1, the courses shall be directly approved by the CAA in all cases. The CAA shall have a procedure to ensure that the syllabus of the airship-type training covers all the elements contained in the maintenance data from the Design Approval Holder (DAH) (66.B.130(b)).
Existing UK Part 147 organisations may amend their existing scope to include further type course as required and therefore are not eligible for a Direct Course Approval. This may be achieved by applying to change to your existing approval.
The UK CAA will not grant a direct course approval to an EASA Part 147 organisation. Instead, an EASA Part 147 wishing to carryout type training to support a UK licence should apply for a UK Part 147 approval
How do I apply?
Complete the Part 66 Direct Course Approval (DCA) application form (SRG1013) and submit with the supporting documents using the Application Form Submission Service portal at the end of the form.
How much does it cost?
There is a charge payable for a UK Part 66 Direct Course Approval (DCA) application. The cost varies depending on the aircraft type for which the DCA is required (whether the aircraft is classified as a complex motor-powered aircraft or not), and whether the DCA is for practical training only.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Scheme of Charges Personnel Licensing offers further guidance.
In the event of a discrepancy between the information here and the Official Record Series 5, CAA Scheme of Charges Personnel Licensing), the Scheme of Charges takes precedence.
What do I need to send with my application?
You will need to send the following information to apply for a UK Direct Course Approval for Part 66:
- A completed application form submitted by an Authorised Representative of the Company, for example, the Accountable Manager/Quality Manager or an Individual who is responsible for training.
- A copy of the proposed training material (course notes).
- A copy of the proposed examination questions (to ensure compliance with UK Part 66).
- Details of the approved Instructor (Copy of current UK Part 145 Authorisation and/or UK Part 66 Licence).
- A copy of the proposed Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
What else do I need to know?
UK Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 and the associated Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM).
Aircraft ratings should be listed as per UK Part 66 Type Rating List (SRG1782). At this time the Part 66 listing does not include Sailplanes, Powered Sailplanes or Balloons. In this case use the aircraft type designation specified on the Part 21 aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
If the application team receive your application and all elements are present and correct, a Surveyor will be allocated and timescales discussed at that point.
What happens next?
Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by the apply team to ensure all the supporting documentation is present and then it will be assigned to an Airworthiness Surveyor for review.
How long is it valid for?
Once granted, a UK Part 66 Direct Course Approval (DCA) is valid for a period of 12 months (one year) from date of approval.
If an organisation or individual requires a further DCA, a further application should be submitted.
This approval is raised by the Airworthiness team and will be subject to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversight by an assigned Surveyor.
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