Gaining a B1 licence is a significant milestone for anyone in the aircraft maintenance industry, granting the authority to certify maintenance on live aircraft. A B1 licence gives an engineer the legal credentials to carry out and oversee critical maintenance tasks.
But what does it truly mean to hold this qualification? In this article, we’ll break down exactly what a B1 licence is, how you can obtain it, and what it allows you to do in the world of aviation maintenance.
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What is a B1 licence?
Great question, and one you’ll find yourself answering repeatedly once you achieve it. Once you finally get it, you’ll likely be faced with these sorts of questions from family and friends for the rest of your life.
“So it’s like a degree, right?”
Anyway, let’s dive in.
A B1 licence gives the holder the authority to certify maintenance carried out on live aircraft. Think of it in the same way as when a lawyer passes the bar and can officially practise law in a live court. It’s a qualification gained through alternative means to the degree route and can usually only be useful in this setting.
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B1 vs B2 licences: What’s the difference?
In the aircraft maintenance world, there are two primary trades, B2 and B1. Here’s a brief breakdown of their specialisations:
B2
The B2 engineer specialises in working on avionics, navigation systems, radar systems, autopilot, aircraft instrumentation and cabin entertainment systems. If you are familiar with the ATA system, the chapters most associated with the B2 trade are chapters 22, 23, 31, 34, 44, 45, and 46.
B1
The B1 specialises in every other system onboard. Whether it’s troubleshooting hydraulic systems or rigging flight controls it falls under their jurisdiction.
In some instances, a B1 can venture into B2 territory under the right circumstances. The regulations state that a B1 can carry out minor work in any of the chapters listed above if it’s considered a quick repair or replacement of a part where the testing and return to service requirements are simple testing with a result that is an unambiguous pass or fail.
If the return to service requirements utilise specialised testing equipment such as pitot static test kits, then a B2 licenced engineer will need to take over.
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How much experience do you need to gain a B1 licence?
Before officially applying for your B1 licence, you must rack up hands-on experience with live aircraft recorded in a cap-741 logbook. Here’s the breakdown:
- 5 years of practical maintenance experience if you have no prior technical training.
- 3 years of experience if you’ve completed CAA-recognised technical training.
- 2 years of experience if you’ve completed an approved Part-147 basic training course.
Importantly, this experience must be documented in a CAP-741 logbook, where you track the tasks and maintenance performed on live aircraft.
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The B1 Part 66 modules: Your checklist
To earn your B1 licence, you’ll need to successfully complete a series of modules that cover various aspects of aircraft maintenance and engineering. Each module has its own level of complexity, and the exams can be demanding. Here’s an overview of some of the modules you’ll encounter:
Module 1: Maths
‍You’ll cover topics like algebra, trigonometry, and basic calculus. While you may not use fractions daily, being able to draw upon your embedded maths knowledge will prove crucial.
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Module 2: Physics
‍This module dives into mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. Topics like Newton’s laws, energy conservation, and the behaviour of materials under stress are all on the menu.
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Module 3: Electrical Fundamentals
‍This module focuses on the basics of electricity—current, voltage, resistance, and Ohm’s law. You’ll also explore power generation, circuit design, and electrical safety.
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Module 4: Electronic Fundamentals
‍Expanding on electrical concepts, this module introduces semiconductors, transistors, and diodes. It’s the groundwork for understanding more advanced avionics systems.
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Module 5: Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems
‍This is where you dive into digital systems, including data buses, logic gates, and binary arithmetic. You’ll also study the operation of electronic instruments used in navigation and communication.
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Module 6: Materials and Hardware
‍Aircraft aren’t just wires and circuits. They’re also bolts, rivets, and composite materials. This module covers the properties of metals, corrosion prevention, and the standards for hardware used in aviation.
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Module 7A: Maintenance Practices
‍This module focuses on the hands-on side of maintenance. Topics include using tools, reading technical documentation, and performing inspections. The essays test your ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. There are two essays to be taken for this module, one on an avionic subject and another on a mechanical subject.
Module 8: Aerodynamics
‍This module explores airflow, lift, drag, and the principles of flight. Understanding aerodynamics is vital when troubleshooting systems like autopilots or navigation aids.
Module 9A: Human Factors
‍A critical module that examines how human behaviour impacts safety. You’ll learn about fatigue, stress, communication, and how to mitigate errors in high-stakes environments. An essay about this subject will be part of the exam which you can sit separately.
Module 10: Aviation Legislation
‍Welcome to the world of aviation regulations. You’ll study Part 66, airworthiness directives, and international standards. This module can be painfully dry, but it’s essential for understanding your legal responsibilities as an engineer and it’s worth noting that there is an additional essay included with this exam.
Module 11A: Turbine Airplane Aerodynamics, Structures, and Systems
This mammoth module covers everything from aerodynamics to landing gear systems. It’s the all-encompassing guide to turbine aircraft and their inner workings. The pace at which the courses run for this module is your biggest challenge. You need to have honed down your studying style before taking this one on.
Save this one until later down the road. You’ll find that passive experience working the aircraft throughout your journey will help prepare you for this one. The depth of knowledge required is immense, but by the end, you’ll feel like an aircraft whisperer.
Module 15: Gas Turbine Engine
Engines, engines, and more engines. Compressors, turbines, fuel systems—this module is an engineer’s dream if you love the smell of jet fuel in the morning.
Challenging but rewarding. If you geek out over engines, you’ll actually enjoy studying this one. If not, well, at least it’s interesting enough to keep you awake.
Module 17: Propulsion Systems
This module dives into the principles and operation of aircraft engines, covering everything from turbine engines to jet propulsion systems. You’ll study components like compressors, turbines, fuel systems, and thrust production, all essential for understanding how aircraft are powered and propelled. It’s a critical module for anyone passionate about engines and their maintenance.
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Tips for surviving your Part-66 modules:
- Start Early:
Module 11 isn’t something you can cram for. Spread out your study sessions to avoid burnout. - Coffee is your friend:
Especially when tackling module 10. This module is the most mind-numbingly boring subject when entering the industry. And about the most fascinating once you’ve been in for a while. - Join a study group:
Misery loves company—and you’ll find solidarity with others tackling the same modules.  - Study smart:
Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorising facts. For modules like 13, break the material into manageable sections and review regularly. - Practice questions:
Work through past exam questions to familiarise yourself with the format and identify weak areas. Club66 Pro is a valuable tool for exam revision. Use it only if studying for a CAA exam. - Use visual aids:
Diagrams, flowcharts, and videos can help you grasp complex systems in modules 5 and 11. YouTube is your best friend here. - Stay motivated:
Reward yourself for completing study sessions or passing exams. Remember, every module you conquer brings you closer to your goal.
‍The module exams must be taken in a part 147 approved training centre or at the CAA. Check out this article for a full list of locations where you can take exams. Once you have passed all exams and logged the required experience in your logbook, you can submit your application to the CAA for review.
Your application will be queued and processed by a licensing officer. If successful, your CAA B1 licence will be mailed to you.
As for explaining to your family what it is exactly you’ve just achieved, just tell them to refer to annex III to Part-66 of 1321/2014, and they’ll soon stop asking.
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‍Is obtaining a Part-66 B1 licence for you?
In conclusion, obtaining a B1 licence in aircraft maintenance engineering is a rewarding yet demanding process that requires dedication, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience.
This qualification not only opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in aviation, but also places you in a critical role where safety and precision are paramount.
While the journey to gaining your B1 licence may be challenging, with the right preparation, persistence, and study strategies, you can successfully navigate through the necessary modules and gain the expertise required to maintain and certify live aircraft.
Once achieved, the B1 licence will grant you the authority and recognition to make a significant impact in the aviation industry.