Behind every safe flight stands a team of specialized engineers whose skills are defined by the licences they hold. Knowing which licence matches your skills and interests will help you make a more intelligent decision for your career path.
The EASA B1 licence focuses on mechanical systems like engines, airframes, hydraulics, and fuel systems. In contrast, the B2 licence specializes in avionics and electronic systems—the aircraft’s digital nervous system controlling communications, navigation, and instruments.
So, your daily work, training, and exams will be pretty different depending on the licence you choose.
Your choice between B1 and B2 can shape your job options since specific aircraft and employers sometimes prefer one over the other. Take a moment to think about your interests and goals before picking a specific path in aircraft maintenance.
Overview of EASA B1 and B2 Licences
EASA issues two main licences for aircraft maintenance: Category B1 and Category B2. These licences are defined under EASA Part-66 regulation and lead to very different responsibilities and types of work in aviation.
The B1 licence has several subcategories:
- B1.1 for turbine engines airplanes
- B1.2 for piston engine airplanes
- B1.3 for turbine engine helicopters
- B1.4 for piston engine helicopters
Key differences between B1 and B2 Licences
Mechanical versus Avionics Focus
B1 licence holders work mostly on mechanical aspects—airframe, powerplant, and systems like hydraulics, landing gear, and fuel but also on electrical systems. You’ll learn to spot and fix faults in these areas, making sure the structure and engines are flight-ready.
B2 licence holders handle avionics systems. Your tasks involve the aircraft’s electrical systems, communications, navigation aids, instruments, and automatic flight control.
You’ll be responsible for ensuring all electronic and electrical parts function as intended. The focus is more on technology than on physical structure.
Both licences fall under the broader Category B maintenance licences. Still, the main difference is whether you’re more into the plane’s mechanics or its electronics systems.
Aircraft Systems and Components Authorised
With a B1 licence, you can work on and certify maintenance for major mechanical and engine components—things like fuel systems, flight control surfaces, structural repairs, and the airframe. Turbine and piston engines are included, depending on your subcategory (like B1.1 for turbine airplanes and B1.2 for piston airplanes).
A B2 licence gives you privileges over aircraft avionic systems. You’re authorized for electrical generation and distribution systems, autopilots, radios, radar, and cockpit displays.
You can’t work on engines or major structural elements. Still, you are responsible for certifying the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of complex electronic systems.
Conversions among categories
If you already hold an EASA licence and want to add another licence category or sub-category, there is a process. You’ll need to meet specific educational, examination, and experience standards to demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills.
Conversions from B2 to B1
To switch from a B2 Avionics licence to a B1 Mechanical licence, you’ll need to complete extra theoretical modules that the B2 curriculum doesn’t cover. Those modules are M6, M7(MC), M7(essay), M11, M15 and M17.
Plus, you’ll need hands-on experience with mechanical systems—documented in your experience log book, of course.
The amount of extra experience depends on your background. It’s advisable to collaborate closely with your licensing authority to ensure your current experience aligns with EASA’s requirements.
Once you’ve ticked all the boxes, you can apply for the B1 category endorsement.
Conversions from B1 to B2
If you want to go from B1 (Mechanical) to B2 (Avionics), you’ll need knowledge and skills specific to avionics systems. That means taking extra theoretical exams in areas such as communications, navigation, and electrical systems.
You’ll also have to complete practical tasks involving avionics maintenance and troubleshooting. Documenting your minimum one year work experience with avionics is a must before you apply for a B2 endorsement.
The following knowledge modules and exams must be completed to upgrade a B1.1 licence to include a category B2 certification. These modules are M4, M5, M13, M14. Some CAAs also require M7(MC) and M7(essay).
Training and Examinations for B1 and B2 Licences
If you’re aiming for an EASA B1 or B2 licence, you have to prove both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This means completing approved courses, passing exams, and demonstrating your ability to use maintenance manuals and technical data.
Theoretical knowledge modules
B1 and B2 licences both require you to study a set of core Part 66 theoretical modules and pass the Part 66 exams.
Both B1 and B2 have identical basic modules (with some exceptions in modules 4,5 and 7), which are:
- Module 1: Mathematics
- Module 2: Physics
- Module 3: Electrical Fundamentals
- Module 4: Electronic Fundamentals
- Module 5: Digital Techniques / Electronic Instrument Systems
- Module 6: Material & Hardware
- Module 7: Maintenance Practices
- Module 8: Basic Aerodynamics
- Module 9: Human Factors
- Module 10: Aviation Legislations
After these modules, the differences start.
B1 modules focus on mechanical systems and consist of the following modules with exams:
- Module 11: Piston / Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- Module 15: Gas Turbine Engines (B1.1.) or Module 16: Piston Engines (B1.2)
- Module 17: Propellers
If you’re going for B2, you’ll dive deeper into the following modules:
- Module 13: Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems
- Module 14: Propulsion
Practical Training and Assessments
Practical training is where you demonstrate your ability to perform the work on real aircraft. For your first type rating, on-the-job training (OJT) is a big part of your learning.
You’ll log experience by following specific tasks and procedures, always under supervision. Assessors look at how you use manuals, locate parts, and carry out the mechanical or electrical work your licence covers.
They’ll also expect you to follow safety procedures, diagnose faults accurately, and keep good records. Training takes place in EASA-approved training organizations or with employers who can provide recognized on-the-job training (OJT).
Finishing this training usually involves practical assessments and your supervisor’s sign-off.
Privileges and Limitations of B1 Licence Holders
Aircraft and Systems you can maintain
As a B1 licence holder, you’re authorized to perform mechanical maintenance across the following:
- Airframe structures
- Engine systems (both piston and turbine)
- Flight controls
- Hydraulic components
- Fuel systems
Permitted Maintenance Activities
Your certification allows you to:
- Troubleshoot and fix mechanical faults
- Replace or repair structural components
- Conduct engine performance testing
- Sign off on maintenance for mechanical systems
You can certify the release to service after completing maintenance tasks within your qualification scope, provided your employer has authorized you, and you’ve maintained current competency.
Maintenance Types
You’re qualified to perform:
Line Maintenance:
- Routine inspections
- Minor repairs
- Quick-turnaround tasks on the ramp or apron
Base Maintenance
- More comprehensive work conducted in hangars
- In-depth inspections and repairs
You can issue certificates of release to service following scheduled maintenance and straightforward defect rectification within your approved scope of work.
Privileges and Limitations of B2 Licence Holders
B2 engineers are authorized to maintain, troubleshoot, and certify avionic and electrical systems. You’re not expected to handle mechanical tasks—your primary focus is on complex electronic communication and navigation equipment.
That includes functions such as flight management, communication, navigation, and radar.
B2 privileges apply to both fixed-wing planes and helicopters but only for the types and ratings listed on your licence. To add more types, you’ll need extra training and assessments.
Maintenance Tasks within Avionics and Electrical
As a B2 engineer, your daily work revolves around maintaining, inspecting, and replacing avionic and electrical components. You’ll check wiring, sensors, instruments, antennas, and control panels for integrity and performance.
You’re responsible for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on systems like autopilot, radios, emergency equipment, and cockpit instruments. B2 engineers make sure all systems meet manufacturer and safety standards before signing off the aircraft for service.
Your scope doesn’t include major repairs to mechanical parts, and any work outside your privileges must be coordinated with the appropriate engineers.
Avionics Troubleshooting and Defect Rectification
Troubleshooting avionic and electrical faults is a massive part of the B2 licence. You’ll use test equipment, fault-finding guides, and system diagnostics to hunt down issues in flight management, navigation, and radar systems.
When you find a defect, you’ll decide if it’s a faulty part or wiring, then repair or replace it as needed. You have to follow strict procedures and log everything you do during defect rectification.
Career Opportunities and Professional Pathways for B1 and B2 Categories
Your choice between a B1 and B2 EASA licence shapes the maintenance tasks you’re qualified for. It also influences your progression paths and the civil aviation sectors where you’ll be in demand.
Both categories offer strong job prospects. There are clear opportunities for advancement as a licenced aircraft engineer.
Progression For Licenced Aircraft Engineers
As you gain experience, you can advance to senior roles, such as Lead Engineer or Maintenance Manager. Many engineers shift from hands-on work to supervisory positions after years on the job.
Typical progression steps:
- Junior Engineer
- Line/ Base Maintenance Engineer
- Senior Engineer or Technical Specialist
- Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
What is your best decision between an EASA B1 or B2 licence? Just go for both!
In today’s competitive aviation maintenance environment, pursuing both B1 and B2 licences represents a strategic career investment that delivers significant returns.
With relatively modest additional effort beyond a single licence path, you can enhance your employability and earning potential.
Comprehensive Technical Coverage
While B1 qualifies you for mechanical systems maintenance and B2 covers avionics, modern aircraft increasingly blur these traditional boundaries. Advanced aircraft, such as the A350 or B787, integrate sophisticated electronic controls with mechanical systems.
By mastering both domains, you develop a holistic understanding that allows you to troubleshoot complex, interconnected problems that single-licence technicians might struggle with.
Greatly Enhanced Employability
MROs and airlines increasingly seek versatile technicians who can certify work across multiple systems. With both licences, you can:
- Sign off on a broader range of maintenance tasks
- Reduce the need for multiple specialists on a single job
- Work independently on complex troubleshooting scenarios
- Transition between different types of maintenance roles
Efficient Study Progression
The B1 and B2 syllabus share substantial common ground, particularly in basic knowledge modules. Once you’ve mastered these for one licence, extending your studies to the second requires only learning the specialized content—a much smaller hurdle than starting from scratch.
Financial Advantage
Dual-licenced technicians typically command premium salaries—often 20-30% higher than single-licence holders. This substantial income boost more than compensates for the additional study investment over your career lifetime.
Career Flexibility
With both certifications, you can pivot between mechanical and avionics roles as industry demands shift. This adaptability provides insurance against technological changes and market fluctuations that might impact one specialty more than another.
The additional study commitment—typically 6-12 months beyond your first licence—represents a small investment compared to the decades of enhanced opportunities, higher compensation, and greater job security that dual qualification provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
B1 and B2 licences each focus on different parts of aircraft maintenance. Both open up unique job opportunities, need specific qualifications and can affect your long-term career and salary.
What are the primary differences in the scope of work between EASA B1 and B2 licenced engineers?
If you have a B1 licence, you mostly handle the mechanical side of aircraft maintenance. That means working on the structure, engines, powerplant, and both mechanical and electrical systems.
With a B2 licence, your work centers around avionics. You focus on electrical, electronic, navigation, instrument, and communication systems.
The main difference? B1 is mechanical, while B2 is electronic and electrical.
How does the earning potential compare for EASA B1 and B2 licenced engineers?
Both B1 and B2 engineers are in demand across aviation. Salary usually depends more on your experience, employer, and location than the licence category itself.
In some places, B2 engineers—because they handle complex avionics—can earn slightly higher average wages. However, these differences aren’t always significant.
What are the qualifications required to obtain an EASA B1 or B2 licence?
To get either licence, you’ll need to complete approved training and pass several exams. Practical experience working on aircraft is also required.
The amount of experience varies based on your education and the type of licence. Both licences require you to show a solid understanding of maintenance practices.
Which licence, B1 or B2, is more advantageous for a career in aviation engineering?
The proper licence for you depends on your interests and long-term goals. If you like hands-on mechanical work, a B1 licence might fit you best.
If you’re more into electronics and troubleshooting avionics, a B2 licence could be the better pick. Airlines and maintenance companies value both, so either can lead to a solid career in aviation.
Can one convert between an EASA B1 licence and a B2 licence, and if so, how?
You can add a B1 or B2 licence if you already have the other. You’ll need to meet the training and experience requirements for the new category.
This means passing extra exams and gaining additional experience in the new area.
What career opportunities are available for B1 and B2 licenced aircraft engineers?
With a B1 licence, you can work as a mechanical engineer. That usually means handling line or base maintenance on aircraft.
Your focus will be on inspecting and repairing structures, engines, and mechanical systems. It’s a hands-on role that keeps you close to the action.
If you have a B2 licence, you’ll probably specialize as an avionics engineer. You’ll spend your days maintaining and troubleshooting electronic equipment—think navigation and communication systems.
Both licences hold a lot of weight in the aviation world. They can open doors with airlines, maintenance companies, or even manufacturers if you’re into that sort of thing.
