Exciting News: New Pathway to Aircraft Engineer’s Licence Now Available!

The modular licence pathway allows apprentices to gain a licence tailored to the specific privileges needed in your workplace. Unlike the traditional all-or-nothing licence, this approach enables progressive licensing with exclusions that can be lifted over time.

1. Modular Accelerated Pathway (MAP):

• First licence achievable after 2 years (e.g., Airframe or Powerplant).
• Licence will have exclusions (e.g., electrical, instruments).
• After another year, exclusions can be lifted if theory and practical are completed.
• Requires employers to release apprentices for extended theory blocks and provide structured workplace training.

2. Traditional Pathway:

• Licence application submitted at the end of the apprenticeship.
• o Apprentice completes Cert IV and applies for licence with broader privileges (e.g., airframe + powerplant) but with exclusions

Under MAP, an apprentice may obtain a licence within two years, provided all training and practical requirements are met.

• One licence submission (RPL/Form 465) is funded.
• Additional (RPL/Form 465) licence submissions are $695 each (GST inclusive) consultation.casa.gov.au+12Aviation Australia+12Civil Aviation Safety Authority+12

Yes, it is applicable across all licence categories.

Consult with an Aviation Australia assessor to determine whether the Certificate IV or Diploma pathway suits your business needs and aircraft systems.

Are electrical and instrument units funded under the modular pathway?

• Not funded under Certificate IV.
• Funded under the Diploma of Aeroskills pathway.

Can current LAMEs use this pathway to lift exclusions?

No. However, unlicensed AMEs with a Certificate IV can use this pathway to complete required units and apply for a modular licence.

Theory Delivery

Example pathway –  An Apprentice enrolled in Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) who wants a B-1.1 Airframe (1^st) & Powerplant (2^nd)  Modular licence

Theory & Practical required for a “Fast Track” program

Year 1

Theory

• B-1 – Mathematics
• B-2 – Physics
• B-3 – Electrical Fundamentals
• B-6 – Aircraft Materials & Handling
• B-7 – Maintenance Practices

Year 2

Theory

• B-8 – Aerodynamics
• B-9 – Human Factors
• B-10 – Aviation Legislation
• B1-11 – Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems

Practical in the following units required for an Airframe licence at the end of 2 years

Year 3

Theory

• B1-15 – Gas Turbine Engines
• B1-17 – Propellers (if required)

Practical in the following additional units required for a Powerplant licence

MSMENV272 – this unit is required for the Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical).  This unit can be RPL’d when the Apprentice completes MSMENV472.

Using the above example, when the Apprenticeship is completed, and all Modular licence requirements have been met, the Apprentice would be eligible for:

• MEA40718 – Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) – Testamur
• MEA50219 – Diploma of Aeroskills (Mechanical) – Statement of Attainment
• CASA Certificate of Recognition
• Modular Licence B1.1 Airframe & Powerplant (with exclusions)

NT Funding

• Funding available for current Certificate IV in Aeroskills Apprentices, and people who have already completed their Certificate IV in Aeroskills.
• There is no requirement for the student to be a current apprentice to access the funding.
• Funding is available to cover the Licencing units that fall under either:
• MEA50219; or
• MEA50118

MEA50219

Units funded:

Theory funded:

MEA50118

Units funded:

Theory funded:

RPL process – Form 465

• 1 RPL included
• Additional RPL’s at a cost – $695.00

Apprentices – enrolled in Certificate IV in Aeroskills

• Apprentices are enrolled in the Certificate IV in Aeroskills as per their Training Contract. Concurrently, we will enrol them into the Diploma of Aeroskills for the relevant licencing units that are not part of the Certificate IV in Aeroskills pathway
• Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) Apprentices, should be able to achieve a B1.1 Airframe Modular Licence AND1 Powerplant Modular licence over the course of their 4-year Apprenticeship.

Trainees – enrolled in Diploma of Aeroskills

• Will be working towards achieving their full Diploma, and Licence, outcome. However, along the way, as the requirements are met for a modular licence, they could complete an RPL process for a modular licence to be issued, while continuing to work towards their full outcome.

An initial Modular licence could be issued after 2 years, if all theory & practical requirements have been met.

Yes. Funding is available for the specific units needed to meet CASA’s modular licensing requirements.

Contact your Aviation Australia assessor to review your current progress and determine the units required for modular licensing.

• You can switch to modular—consult your assessor.
• You can apply for a modular licence while continuing your Diploma. Your assessor will help determine what theory and practical components have been met.

Refer to CASA Part 66 Manual of Standards Appendix X for a detailed list of exclusions applicable to each licence category.

Funding covers only the specific units required for licensing. Exam funding depends on the pathway and unit requirements—check with your assessor.

Yes. Completing a modular licence via Certificate IV does not affect your eligibility to enrol in the Diploma of Aeroskills later.