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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.

Ready to start? Choose your course

A320

Go to General Familiarization Go to Refresher Course

A330

Go to General Familiarization Go to Refresher Course
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