SUBPART A – GENERAL
65.1 Applicability
This section explains who and what this regulation applies to. It covers:
1. Certificates and Licenses:
o Basic Certificate
o Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License (AME License)
o Certificate of Maintenance Approval
o Certificate of Validation
2. General Rules: The rules for operating under these certificates and licenses.
65.3 Definitions
Important terms are defined here:
Aircraft Rating: Special conditions, privileges, or limitations added to a license.
License: Proof that the holder is authorized and competent to work on aircraft.
Line Maintenance: Quick fixes or checks that don’t need special tools or training.
Maintenance: Includes inspection, repair, and part replacement but not minor operations.
Psychoactive Substances: Drugs or alcohol that affect mental function. (Coffee and
tobacco are not included.)
65.5 Aircraft Groups
Aircraft are divided into three groups for licensing purposes:
1. Group 1: Complex aircraft, such as jets, multi-engine helicopters, and those with
advanced systems (e.g., fly-by-wire).
2. Group 2:
o 2a: Single turbo-prop airplanes.
o 2b: Single turbine helicopters.
o 2c: Single piston helicopters.
3. Group 3: Simple piston-engine airplanes (not in Group 1 or 2).
65.7 Application and Issue
To apply for a license:
1. Fill out the form and pay the fee.
2. Meet all the requirements.
3. If a license is revoked, the individual must wait one year before reapplying.
65.9 Use of Psychoactive Substances
License holders cannot work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Problematic substance use is also prohibited.
65.11 Test: General Procedure
Tests are conducted by the Director General at specified times and locations.
The minimum passing score is 70%.
If you fail, you can retake the test after 30 days.
65.13 Written Test: Cheating or Unauthorized Conduct
Cheating is prohibited, including copying or helping others during exams. If caught:
You are ineligible for a license for 1 year.
Your existing license can be suspended or revoked.
65.15 Falsifications of Documents
It’s illegal to submit fake documents or alter licenses.
If caught, licenses can be suspended or revoked.
65.17 Change of Address
If you change your address, notify the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation) within 30
days.
65.19 Medical Fitness
You cannot work if you know or suspect you are physically or mentally unfit.
65.21 Inspection of License
The license must be shown to the DGCA within 24 hours if requested.
SUBPART B – BASIC CERTIFICATE
65.31 Eligibility Requirement: General
To get a Basic Certificate, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Understand technical English (used in manuals).
3. Pass the written test (valid for 24 months).
4. Meet experience requirements.
65.33 Category
The Basic Certificate categories are:
1. A1: Airframe (airplanes).
2. A2: Airframe (helicopters).
3. A3: Piston engines.
4. A4: Turbine engines.
5. C1: Radio.
6. C2: Instruments.
7. C4: Electrical.
65.35 Knowledge Requirements
You need to pass a written test that covers:
Aircraft construction and maintenance.
Relevant laws (CASR and ICAO regulations).
65.37 Experience Requirements
To get a certificate, you must provide:
1. A graduation certificate from an approved training school, OR
2. Proof of practical experience:
o 48 months in airframe/engine or avionics categories.
o 72 months if you worked on both.
65.39 Training Organization Students
Students from CASR 147-approved training schools can take their written tests before
completing work experience.
65.41 General Privileges and Limitations
With a Basic Certificate, you can:
Perform maintenance for your certificate category.
After June 2018, you need to work in an approved organization (CASR 145) to approve
repairs.
65.43 Validity of Basic Certificate
A certificate is valid unless suspended, revoked, or canceled.
SUBPART C – AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER (AME) LICENSE
65.51 Eligibility Requirement: General
To obtain an AME License, the applicant must meet these conditions:
1. Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
2. English Proficiency: Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand technical
English as used in manufacturers' manuals.
3. Testing: Must pass oral and practical tests within 24 months of applying.
4. Basic Certificate: Must already hold a Basic Certificate that is active and has been
effective for at least 18 months.
65.53 License Categories
The AME License is divided into categories:
1. Category A – Airframes and Engines:
o Subcategories include combinations of airframe (A1, A2) and engine types (A3,
A4):
A1.3: Airframe (airplane) + piston engine.
A1.4: Airframe (airplane) + turbine engine.
A2.3: Airframe (helicopter) + piston engine.
A2.4: Airframe (helicopter) + turbine engine.
2. Category C – Avionics:
o Combines radio, instrument, and electrical systems (C1, C2, C4).
65.55 Skill Requirements
Applicants must pass oral and practical tests for the license category or type rating they
seek.
The tests evaluate the ability to complete hands-on maintenance tasks in alignment with
the written test subjects.
65.57 General Privileges and Limitations
The privileges of an AME License depend on its category:
1. Category A (Airframes and Engines):
o Maintenance and simple testing of:
Aircraft structure.
Powerplants (engines).
Mechanical and electrical systems.
Avionics systems requiring only basic tests (no troubleshooting).
2. Category C (Avionics):
o Maintenance of:
Electrical and avionics systems.
Avionics components within powerplant and mechanical systems
requiring simple tests.
Limitations:
License holders cannot approve aircraft for return to service for a specific type unless
they have the appropriate aircraft type rating (Section 65.61).
To maintain privileges, the license holder must:
o Complete recurrent training or
o Work at least 6 months on the aircraft type or supervise maintenance within the
preceding 24 months.
65.59 Additional Privileges
1. Category A:
o Can sign off minor scheduled maintenance and simple defect repairs for aircraft
under CASR 121 and 135.
o May perform annual and 100-hour inspections under CASR Part 91.
2. Category C:
o Can approve avionics and electrical system repairs in specified categories.
65.61 Endorsement of Aircraft Ratings
To add a type or group rating to the AME License, the following must be completed:
1. Type Training:
o Attend approved training for the specific aircraft type.
o Training must cover systems, structures, and maintenance practices for that
aircraft.
2. Practical Experience:
o Initial Type Rating: At least 6 months of hands-on work with the aircraft.
o Additional Type Ratings: At least 3 months for each new type rating.
3. Testing:
o Pass written and practical tests for the aircraft type.
65.63 Validity of AME License
1. A license is valid for up to 3 years from the date of issuance or renewal.
2. The license must be renewed before it expires to remain valid.
3. Suspended or revoked licenses must be returned to the DGCA.
65.65 Renewal of AME License
To renew an AME License:
1. Submit proof of:
o Recurrent human factors training.
o Relevant maintenance activity in the last 24 months, such as:
Performing annual/100-hour inspections.
Working on aircraft maintenance in an AMO.
2. If no maintenance activity has been performed in 24 months, the holder must pass a
written test to demonstrate knowledge is still current.
Key Takeaways for Subpart C
1. Eligibility: The AME License requires holding a valid Basic Certificate and completing
additional training, testing, and experience.
2. Privileges: Allows maintenance and certification tasks on specific aircraft systems, but
only with the appropriate ratings.
3. Renewal: Continuous activity or recurrent training is necessary to maintain the license.
