For engineers working within an aviation maintenance environment, staying current with aircraft type approvals is more than just a regulatory box-tick. Type courses are key to expanding your skills, opening up new contract opportunities, and keeping yourself competitive in the ever-evolving job market.
At JMC Aviation, we speak to contractors and aviation candidates daily about what’s next for their careers, and type courses is one of the most common topics that comes up. Here’s a quick guide on how they work, why they matter, and how we can help.
What is a Type Course?
A type course (also known as a type rating course) is formal training that qualifies you to work on a specific aircraft or engine type.
/ It builds on your base licence (B1, B2, AME, etc).
/ Covers systems, structures, avionics and troubleshooting for that specific aircraft type.
/ Ends with both theoretical and practical assessments.
Successful completion means you’re approved to certify and maintain that type, be that an A320, B737, or newer variants such as the A350, B787 etc.
Why Type Courses are important
To sign off maintenance on a particular aircraft, you must hold the type approval. Without it, you can’t certify a completed maintenance task or sign a final release to service.
/ The more types you hold, the more options you have for contracts worldwide. Clients look for engineers who can slot straight into their fleet.
/ A new type course can set you apart from other contractors, often translating into higher rates and longer-term work.
/ Aircraft types continually evolve, therefore keeping up to date with new fleet variations, ensures you stay relevant as older models are eventually phased out of service.
What is the benefit to you?
/ Improved career prospects and contract options across both contract and permanent opportunities
/ A wider choice of contracts across airlines, MROs, and leasing companies
/ Gain greater career stability. Contractors with in-demand types tend to get repeat contract offers allowing you to be more selective in your career choices
/ Professional growth and development keeps work interesting. Each new type broadens your knowledge base and keeps your skills sharp
/ Personal confidence and competence are enhanced. Formal training means you can complete the maintenance activity with the assurance that you’re fully compliant
How JMC Aviation can support you
At JMC Aviation, we understand that getting access to and attending the right type course isn’t always straightforward.
That’s where we can help. We can provide:
/ Guidance on the right type of course for you and your career aspirations. We can advise which approvals are most in demand in today’s market, helping you invest wisely in your training
/ Connections to approved training providers with occasional type course offerings via our customers. Through our network, we can point you toward trusted providers with upcoming course availability
/ Access to both permanent and contract roles once qualified. With a global customer base, we’re well-placed to connect you to roles where your new approval is valued
To discuss how different type courses can benefit you, or to discover the roles we have available across the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America contact our Managing Consultant, Matt Thomas – Matthew.Thomas@jmc-aviation.com.