KCAA AMEL flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

AMEL licence scope

An aircraft maintenance engineer licence issued by KCAA authorising the holder to certify maintenance on specified aircraft types within the categories endorsed, subject to recent experience and current competency requirements.

Type endorsement

A recorded authorisation on an AMEL permitting certification on a specific aircraft type, granted after type-specific training, on-type experience, and successful examination in the relevant category.

Category Airframe (A)

AMEL category covering airframe structure and systems such as flight controls, hydraulics, landing gear, and pressurisation, with separate type endorsements required for each aircraft type.

Category Engine (C)

AMEL category authorising certification of powerplant maintenance, including engine systems, propellers where applicable, and associated controls, limited to types endorsed on the licence.

Category Avionics (E)

AMEL category covering avionics systems such as communication, navigation, autopilot, and instruments, requiring type-specific endorsement and demonstrated competence before certification privileges apply.

Category Electrical (EL)

AMEL category authorising certification of aircraft electrical systems including generation, distribution, and wiring, with privileges limited to types endorsed and to tasks within the holder's demonstrated competence.

Certification of maintenance

A signed statement that specified maintenance has been performed and the aircraft or component is airworthy with respect to that work, issued only by a holder of the appropriate licence category and type endorsement.

Experience logbook

A record of practical maintenance tasks showing dates, aircraft types, and tasks performed, countersigned by the supervising licensed engineer, used to substantiate the experience required for licence issue or endorsement.

Modular knowledge examination

KCAA AMEL examination structure with separate papers for airframe, engine, avionics/electrical, and legislation, each with a published pass mark and a defined period of validity for results.

Recent experience requirement

A prescribed amount of maintenance activity within a defined preceding period that a licence holder must demonstrate to keep certification privileges valid; failing it requires re-currency action.

Maintenance release

The authorised return to service of an aircraft after maintenance, made under approved organisation procedures or by a suitably rated engineer, confirming the work was completed to the required standard.

Approved maintenance organisation

An organisation holding KCAA approval with documented procedures, facilities, personnel, and quality systems, permitting it to perform and release maintenance within the scope of its approval.

Continuing airworthiness

The set of processes ensuring an aircraft remains compliant with airworthiness requirements throughout its life, including inspections, defect control, modifications, and records, supported by licensed certifying staff.

Licence validity period

The period for which an AMEL remains effective, governed by recent experience and competency requirements; expiry does not automatically renew and requires assessment by the Authority.

Supervised practical training

Maintenance performed by a candidate under the direct oversight of a licensed engineer, who countersigns the logbook to evidence the experience required for licence issue or type endorsement.

Designated AMEL Examiner

A person appointed in writing by KCAA to conduct skill tests, oral assessments, and type endorsement checks for licence applicants, acting under Authority procedures and oversight.

Examiner eligibility

Requirements for designation include holding the licence and type ratings to be tested, a prescribed period of post-licence experience, and a satisfactory standardisation assessment by the Authority.

Conflict of interest

A situation where an examiner has trained, employed, or supervised the candidate within the restricted period, which disqualifies the examiner from conducting that candidate's assessment.

Candidate eligibility check

The examiner's verification of identity, licence status, logbook entries, and prescribed experience before testing; any shortfall is documented and reported rather than waived.

Skill test

A practical and oral assessment of a candidate's maintenance competence against published standards, conducted by a designated examiner, with a recorded pass or fail outcome and written debrief.

Oral assessment

A structured questioning session by a designated examiner covering systems knowledge, airworthiness legislation, and maintenance practices, contributing to the overall licence or endorsement decision.

Test report submission

The requirement for examiners to forward completed skill test documentation to KCAA Licensing within a prescribed timeframe, including candidate details, aircraft type, and outcome.

Examiner standardisation

Periodic monitoring, refresher training, and audit of designated examiners by KCAA to ensure consistent application of test standards and procedures across all assessments.

Designation currency

The time-limited validity of an examiner appointment, maintained through ongoing testing activity, standardisation checks, and compliance with Authority procedures; lapse results in withdrawal.

Examiner records retention

The obligation to keep records of all tests conducted, including candidate identity, date, aircraft type, and result, and to produce them to KCAA on request.

Re-test waiting period

The minimum interval set by KCAA before a failed candidate may attempt a skill test again, during which specified additional training must be completed and documented.

Impartiality declaration

An examiner's disclosure of any personal, financial, or employment relationship with a candidate or operator that could affect objectivity, followed by recusal where the Authority requires.

Licence application file

The compiled evidence submitted to KCAA for licence issue or endorsement, typically including application form, logbook, examination results, training certificates, and examiner test report.

Type rating check

An assessment conducted by a designated examiner confirming the candidate's practical competence on a specific aircraft type before the type endorsement is recorded on the licence.

Examiner authority limits

A designated examiner may test only within the categories and types held and authorised; testing outside that scope is invalid and reportable to the Authority.

Withdrawal of designation

KCAA action removing an examiner's authority for reasons such as lapsed currency, procedural non-compliance, or compromised impartiality, after which no further tests may be conducted.

Assessment standards

Published performance criteria against which skill tests and oral assessments are judged, ensuring decisions are consistent, defensible, and independent of the candidate's training provider.