Aircraft Type Training Explained: A Simple Guide for Engineers

For aircraft engineers, earning a licence is a major milestone. But it is only part of the journey. To work on a specific aircraft and certify maintenance tasks, engineers must also complete Aircraft Type Training.

Aircraft type training gives engineers detailed knowledge of a particular aircraft model, from its systems and structure to its maintenance procedures and operational characteristics. It is a vital step that ensures engineers can safely maintain modern aircraft and support airline operations.

For engineers early in their careers or those moving to a new aircraft fleet, understanding how type training works can help clarify the next stage of professional development.

What Is Aircraft Type Training?

Aircraft type training is specialised technical training that allows licensed engineers to maintain and certify work on a specific aircraft type.

Aircraft maintenance licences such as Part 66 demonstrate an engineer’s overall competence and technical knowledge. However, every aircraft has its own design, systems architecture and maintenance requirements. Engineers therefore need additional training before they can work independently on a particular aircraft.

Type training provides a deep understanding of:

• Aircraft systems and configuration
• Airframe structure and materials
• Electrical and avionics architecture
• Powerplant and engine interfaces
• Aircraft maintenance procedures
• Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting

Once the training is successfully completed and recorded, the aircraft type can be added to the engineer’s licence, allowing them to certify maintenance tasks on that aircraft.

Why Aircraft Type Training Matters

Modern aircraft are highly sophisticated machines. Even aircraft from the same manufacturer can differ significantly in their systems and technology.

Type training ensures engineers understand the specific design and operational features of the aircraft they are responsible for maintaining. This knowledge is essential for:

• Maintaining aircraft safety and reliability
• Meeting regulatory compliance requirements
• Ensuring accurate troubleshooting and maintenance procedures
• Supporting efficient airline operations

Airlines and maintenance organisations rely on type trained engineers to keep aircraft operating safely and on schedule. Without properly trained personnel, aircraft cannot legally return to service after maintenance.

As fleets evolve and new aircraft technologies emerge, the demand for engineers with recognised type training continues to grow across the aviation industry.

Who Needs Aircraft Type Training?

Aircraft type training is typically required for engineers who want to gain certification privileges or work on a particular aircraft fleet.

This includes:

• Licensed Aircraft Engineers
  Engineers holding licences such as Part 66 B1 or B2 who want to add a specific aircraft type to their licence.
• Engineers Transitioning to New Aircraft
  Maintenance engineers moving from one aircraft family to another, for example from Boeing aircraft to Airbus aircraft.
• Engineers Working Toward Certifying Roles
  Those aiming to become certifying engineers responsible for releasing aircraft back into service after maintenance.

For many engineers, completing type training is also an important step in expanding career opportunities. Engineers with multiple aircraft types on their licence are often able to work across a wider range of airlines, maintenance organisations and international projects.

What Does Aircraft Type Training Involve?

Aircraft type training programmes are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The goal is to ensure engineers understand not only how an aircraft works, but also how to maintain it safely and efficiently.

Theoretical Training

The theoretical phase is typically delivered in a classroom or structured learning environment. It covers the detailed technical knowledge engineers need to understand the aircraft’s design and systems.

Subjects commonly include:

• Aircraft general familiarisation
• Airframe structure and materials
• Flight control systems
• Electrical power generation and distribution
• Avionics and navigation systems
• Hydraulics and pneumatic systems
• Powerplant and engine interfaces
• Aircraft maintenance procedures and limitations

This part of the training ensures engineers understand the complex interactions between aircraft systems and how faults can be identified and resolved.

Practical Training

The practical element allows engineers to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real maintenance environment.

During practical training, engineers typically gain experience in areas such as:

• Aircraft inspections
• Component removal and installation
• System testing procedures
• Maintenance documentation and record keeping
• Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting

Hands on experience helps engineers develop confidence in performing maintenance tasks and reinforces the knowledge gained during the theoretical phase.

At the end of the course, engineers must pass examinations and assessments before the aircraft type can be added to their licence.

Common Aircraft Type Courses

Demand for type trained engineers often reflects the aircraft fleets operated by airlines around the world.

Some of the most widely requested aircraft type training courses include:

• Airbus A320 family (CEO and NEO)
• Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Boeing 777
• Airbus A330
• Boeing 757

These aircraft are used extensively by passenger and cargo operators, making them valuable qualifications for engineers looking to expand their career options within the aviation industry.

Choosing the Right Training Provider

Aircraft type training must be delivered by an approved training organisation such as Bostonair Technical Training Ltd, to ensure it meets regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Training providers approved under authorities such as EASA or the UK Civil Aviation Authority must meet strict quality and compliance standards when delivering training programmes.

When selecting a training provider, engineers should consider:

• Regulatory approvals and accreditation
• Instructor experience and industry background
• Access to practical training environments
• Course structure and technical depth
• Recognition of the training across the aviation industry

Choosing a reputable training organisation ensures the qualification is recognised by airlines and maintenance organisations worldwide.

Bostonair Technical Training

Bostonair has been delivering aviation training for nearly three decades and provides EASA and UK CAA Part 147 approved aircraft type training for engineers across the global aviation industry.

Bostonair’s courses are designed to combine structured theoretical learning with practical, real world maintenance experience. Training is delivered by experienced aviation instructors who bring operational insight from across airline and MRO environments.

The Bostonair type training portfolio includes a range of widely operated aircraft types, including:

• Airbus A320 family
• Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX
• Boeing 757
• Boeing 777 and Boeing 787
• Airbus A330

Courses are designed to support engineers working in airlines, maintenance organisations and aviation service providers worldwide. With a strong focus on regulatory compliance and practical knowledge, Bostonair helps engineers gain the expertise needed to maintain and certify modern aircraft safely.

Find out more about our Part-147 Approved Type Training Courses…

Aircraft type training plays a critical role in the career progression of aircraft engineers. It provides the detailed knowledge required to maintain specific aircraft and ensures engineers can meet the safety and regulatory standards required across the aviation industry.

For engineers looking to expand their skills, move into certifying roles or work across different aircraft fleets, completing recognised type training is an essential step.

As airlines continue to expand their fleets and introduce new aircraft technologies, engineers with recognised aircraft type qualifications will remain in high demand across the global aviation sector.