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EASA General Familiarization (Level 1) & Refresher Training

EASA: General Familiarization (Level 1) & Refresher / Recurrent Training

This page summarises what each course is and who needs it, using only official EASA regulations and guidance.

Based on EASA rulesPart-66 • Part-145 • Part-CAMO

What is a General Familiarization (Gen Fam) course?

Definition (EASA Part-66, Appendix III, Level 1): a brief overview of the airframe, systems and powerplant as described in the aircraft’s maintenance data. It’s intended to give awareness of the type, not maintenance release privileges.

Source: EASA Part-66 materials describing Level 1 — General Familiarisation within Appendix III (Type Training Levels). See the references below.

Who needs a Gen Fam course?

Part-CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness)

  • Nominated persons (e.g., postholder roles under CAMO.A.305) are expected to have knowledge of a relevant sample of aircraft types gained through a formalised course at least equivalent to Part-66 Appendix III Level 1 (General Familiarisation).
  • CAMO staff should receive initial and recurrent training appropriate to their job function to remain competent; Gen Fam meets the “type knowledge” expectation where applicable.

This is an organisational competence requirement. It does not grant maintenance certification privileges.

How about licensed B1/B2/B2L/B3/C/L staff?

Gen Fam is not a type rating. Certifying privileges on a specific aircraft type require the appropriate Part-66 type rating (category and level per Appendix III). Gen Fam may still be used for awareness or for roles that need type knowledge but do not issue a Certificate of Release to Service (CRS).

Your organisation may include Gen Fam in its competence programme for non-certifying roles or management staff.

What is a Refresher / Recurrent training course?

Part-145 requirement: maintenance organisations must ensure all certifying staff and support staff receive sufficient recurrent training in each 2-year period so they have up-to-date knowledge of relevant technologies, organisation procedures and safety management, including human factors.

  • Typical contents (per EASA AMC): changes to product configuration, regulatory changes, MOE/procedure updates, SMS objectives, and human factors/safety lessons.
  • Recency of experience: certifying and support staff must also be involved in at least 6 months of relevant maintenance experience in any consecutive 2-year period (separate from training).

Who needs Refresher / Recurrent training?

  • Mandatory under Part-145: certifying staff and support staff (as defined in 145.A.35) — recurrent training each 2 years, plus recency of experience.
  • Other Part-145 personnel: organisations must operate a competence system. EASA AMC to 145.A.30(e) expects adequate initial and recurrent training for all relevant job functions (planners, mechanics, specialised services staff, supervisors, etc.).
  • Part-CAMO personnel: EASA AMC to CAMO.A.305(g) likewise expects initial and recurrent training appropriate to the role to keep competence current.

Quick matrix

Audience Gen Fam (Level 1) Refresher / Recurrent
CAMO nominated persons Expected (formalised, at least Level 1) for relevant type knowledge Yes, initial + recurrent per CAMO competence system
CAMO staff (engineering/planning/ARS) Used to meet “relevant sample” type knowledge where applicable Yes, initial + recurrent per CAMO competence system
Part-145 certifying staff & support staff Optional for awareness (not a type rating) Mandatory recurrent training every 2 years + 6 months recency in 24 months
Other Part-145 personnel Organisation decision (competence-based) Yes, initial + recurrent per 145.A.30(e) competence system

Key takeaways

  • Gen Fam = Level 1 awareness. It satisfies the EASA expectation for type knowledge for CAMO nominated persons and other roles that do not certify maintenance.
  • Refresher/Recurrent training is mandated in Part-145 for certifying and support staff every 2 years, with a separate 6-month recency requirement.
  • Competence systems in both Part-145 and Part-CAMO require initial and recurrent training tailored to each job function.

References (EASA official)

  • Part-145 — 145.A.35 certifying/support staff: recurrent training each 2 years; and 145.A.35(c) 6-month recency. Online Easy Access Rules (latest consolidated). EASA eRules
  • Part-145 AMC to 145.A.35(d) — recurrent training content and planning. EASA eRules
  • Part-145 AMC to 145.A.30(e) — competence system; adequate initial and recurrent training for all relevant job functions. EASA eRules
  • Part-66 Appendix III — Type Training Levels, including Level 1 General Familiarisation definition. EASA syllabus overview PDF: Syllabus_Part66_General_081028.pdf
  • Part-CAMO AMC — CAMO.A.305(c) nominated persons: formalised training at least equivalent to Level 1 for a relevant sample of aircraft; and CAMO.A.305(g) initial & recurrent training to maintain competence. AMC & GM to Part-CAMO and EASA User Guide: UG.CAMO.00006-002

Always check the current Easy Access Rules for the latest consolidated wording.

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A330

General Familiarization (soon) Refresher (soon)
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