The OpenSKY Academy AeroSkills Pass defines the competency assessment and training standards for Mechanic and Technician roles engaged in structural, sheet-metal, composite, and EWIS practical tasks. It is fully aligned with ICAO competence training guidance, the UK CAA and EASA Part-66 requirements.
This standard has been developed to provide a structured, measurable, and auditable benchmark for competency-based training and assessment of practical hand-skills required of aircraft maintenance personnel, applied equally to new staff, developing mechanics, and experienced certifying staff.
It is intended for use by Maintenance and Repair Organisations and maintenance training organisations as a way of recognising levels of practical hand-skills competence of staff in a consistent manner as they move around the industry as well as providing a clear path for competence progression.
It may also be applied as a reference for curriculum development, qualification pathways, and internal quality assurance processes.
The content reflects current regulatory expectations established by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the competency principles described in ICAO Doc 9868 and associated global best practice.
By defining explicit performance criteria for each tier of competence, this standard supports training organisations, maintenance organisations, and individual learners in demonstrating compliance with approved data, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
OpenSky Academy Ltd is committed to the very highest standards in aircraft maintenance. This standard forms part of that commitment and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and industry needs.
The continued safety and airworthiness of aircraft depend on the competence of the personnel who carry out, inspect, and certify maintenance activities. As aviation technology evolves, so too must the standards used to develop and assess the practical skills required in aircraft structures, sheet-metal work, composite repair, and Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) maintenance.
This standard establishes a structured, tiered framework for evaluating the performance of Mechanics and Technicians engaged in these disciplines. It reflects the principles of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), ensuring that competence is demonstrated through observable behaviours, measurable outputs, and consistent application of approved maintenance data.
The competencies are aligned with regulatory expectations under UK CAA and EASA Part-66/147 requirements and supported by ICAO guidance. They are designed to ensure that individuals progress from foundational hand-skills to advanced, certifying-level performance, with clear indicators of independence, accuracy, judgement, and compliance at each tier.
This standard may be applied in:
– Approved Maintenance Training Organisations (AMTOs/MTOs)
– Maintenance and Repair Organisations (MROs)
– Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMOs)
– Apprenticeship and vocational training programmes
– Competency assurance and internal quality systems
The adoption of a consistent, auditable standard for practical hand-skills supports:
– improved training quality and alignment across the industry;
– common expectations for supervisors and line managers;
– transparent progression pathways for learners;
– enhanced safety performance through precision workmanship;
– readiness for regulatory oversight and external audit.
The AeroSkills Pass provides the basis upon which training providers and maintenance organisations may design courses, assessment tools, logbooks, and practical examinations that meet required standards of regulatory compliance and industry practice.
AeroSkills Pass Levels
Level 1
Foundation
The Foundation level represents the capability to perform simple, clearly defined practical tasks under appropriate supervision. Individuals at this level are required to demonstrate safe tool handling, adherence to instructions, basic accuracy, and an understanding of structural and EWIS sensitivities.
Level 2
Core
The Core level represents the capability to perform routine and moderately complex maintenance tasks with limited or no supervision, demonstrating consistent precision, correct use of tools and equipment, and the ability to interpret approved data independently. Individuals are expected to apply sound judgement, perform effective self-checks, and produce work to a standard suitable for certification by appropriately authorised personnel.
Level 3
Advanced
The Advanced level represents the capability to perform complex, multi-stage, and high-tolerance tasks independently, applying advanced diagnostic reasoning, technical leadership, and strong decision-making. Individuals at this level are expected to protect structural and system integrity, ensure compliance with all applicable data and regulations, support or mentor junior personnel, and contribute to the organisation’s airworthiness and safety objectives.
The Instructor level is crucial for any company wanting to embed the AeroSkills Pass standard into their everyday engineering. It is certification for Level 3 engineers who undertake a ‘train the trainer’ style course with OpenSKY Academy, empowering and equipping them for mentoring, training and assessing others in Levels 1-3.
The AeroSkills Pass
On successful assessment at any given level, the learner will be issued with their own unique credit card-sized AeroSkills Pass. The Pass is requested from and issued by OpenSky Academy and included in the training package subscription.
The Pass will display the relevant qualification level information, a tamperproof hologram and will be verifiable by employers or quality functions via the QR code.