Severe Impact of ILT's SOJT Assessment on Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

In the aviation industry, regulatory compliance and adherence to standards are paramount. Recently, a significant development has impacted many aircraft maintenance engineers holding licenses issued by KIWA/ILT. This situation has raised several questions and concerns within the aviation community.

Background

ILT/KIWA, a reputable certification body, issued licenses to aircraft engineers after they fulfilled the regulatory requirements of qualification, experience, training, and Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT). However, at the end of 2024, the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (ILT) sent an intent to suspend the licenses of all engineers who completed their SOJT at MRO's located in other EASA member state. According to ILT, their assessment revealed that the SOJT performed at these Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations did not meet EASA standards, leading to numerous findings and the subsequent intent to suspend licenses.

Key Issues and Questions being asked by impacted engineers:

Why Didn't ILT Assessed/Audited These MROs Earlier before issuing initial license?

One of the primary questions is why ILT did not conduct audits and assessments of these MROs before issuing initial licenses. Regular audits are crucial to ensure compliance with EASA standards and to prevent such situations from arising.

Why Are License Holders Being Impacted?

The engineers who obtained their licenses in good faith, after fulfilling all regulatory requirements, are now facing the consequences of the MROs' non-compliance. This raises concerns about the fairness of penalizing individuals for systemic issues.

Timing of the Suspension Intent

ILT's assessment was carried out this year, and the intent to suspend licenses was sent to all engineers those who have completed their SOJT before assessment/audit. This raises questions about the timing and whether it would have been more appropriate to apply these findings to future endorsements rather than retroactively affecting current license holders.

Impact on Careers and Industry

The suspension of licenses has significant implications for the careers of affected engineers and the overall industry. It disrupts their professional & personal lives and can lead to a shortage of qualified personnel in the aviation sector.

Transparency and Communication

There is a need for greater transparency and communication from ILT regarding the findings of their assessment and the rationale behind their decision. Clear communication can help mitigate confusion and provide clarity to those affected.

Future Preventive Measures

What measures will be put in place to prevent such situations from occurring in the future? Ensuring regular audits and compliance checks can help maintain the integrity of the licensing process.

EASA Harmonization and Responsibilities

The situation also raises questions about the harmonization of EASA standards across member states. How can EASA ensure that all member states and their respective NAAs (National Aviation Authorities) are consistently applying and enforcing these standards? What responsibilities do NAAs have in maintaining the integrity of the licensing process?

Support for Affected Engineers

What support mechanisms are in place for the engineers affected by this decision? Who is going to take responsibility for this impact and why engineers are only being affected socially, economically and professionally?

Public Interest and Aircraft Safety

If the decision is truly in favor of public interest, why are the aircraft on which these engineers have worked still flying? Why other authorities have not acted on this till now? Shouldn't these aircraft be grounded and re-checked to ensure they meet safety standards? This raises concerns about the consistency and thoroughness of the regulatory response.

Why are only ILT/KIWA license holders being affected? If the SOJT at these MROs is not up to EASA standards, why haven't other authorities acted similarly and issued suspension or intent to suspend licenses for engineers who have completed SOJT at these organizations?

EASA's Role and Response

What is EASA doing to address this situation? How are they planning to tackle the inconsistencies in the application of standards across member states? EASA needs to provide clear guidance and support to ensure that all NAAs are aligned in their enforcement of regulations. This includes addressing the discrepancies in how different authorities respond to non-compliance issues and ensuring that public interest and safety are not compromised.

Validity of Past Licenses

Engineers holding licenses have fulfilled all the requirements at the time of issuance, which were verified by ILT inspectors. How can ILT now claim non-compliance after 4-6 years? This raises questions about the competence and reliability of ILT's process. It suggests a significant oversight or failure within ILT's system, casting doubt on their ability to manage and uphold regulatory standards effectively. This situation unfairly places the burden on license holders who acted in good faith and met all the requirements set forth at the time.

Impact on Engineers' Lives

The affected license holders have invested 10-15 years of their lives and approximately $20,000-$50,000 to earn their licenses by fulfilling all the requirements at the time of issuance. This act by ILT has already severely impacted their lives, leading to job losses and jeopardizing their livelihoods. The emotional and financial toll on these professionals is immense, and they deserve a fair and just resolution.

Conclusion

The recent actions by ILT have brought to light several critical issues within the aviation regulatory framework. While maintaining high standards is essential, it is equally important to ensure that the processes are fair and transparent. The affected engineers and the broader aviation community deserve clear answers and a path forward that addresses these concerns without compromising safety and compliance.

As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for regulatory bodies, MROs, and the aviation industry to work together to find solutions that uphold standards while protecting the interests of dedicated professionals.

Share