GA aircraft engineer training should fit the aircraft you maintain
Training pathways · Published 24 September 2026
General aviation needs training pathways that make sense for piston aircraft, helicopters, smaller fleets and mixed workloads. Sigma supports all five B-category streams and plans the training around the engineer’s background and the work available.
Start with the aircraft and systems
The B categories distinguish aircraft and systems scope. They are not simply labels for “airlines” and “GA”. A turbine aeroplane in a small regional operation still needs the relevant turbine aeroplane pathway.
- B1.1
- Turbine aeroplanes
- B1.2
- Piston aeroplanes
- B1.3
- Turbine helicopters
- B1.4
- Piston helicopters
- B2
- Avionics
Category scope is only part of the picture. The individual licence, exclusions, aircraft rating requirements and applicable authorisations also matter. CASA’s licensing guidance explains the route to licence issue and the separate aircraft rating considerations.
Different engineers need different starting points
An apprentice building the trade
Use a complete qualification and supported workplace plan. Match the stream, units and supervised work to the intended outcome from the start.
An experienced AME seeking a licence
Review existing qualifications and evidence, then train and assess the remaining units and complete the applicable licensing requirements.
A LAME adding scope
Check the existing category, examinations and exclusions. Plan the additional training and experience for the new scope.
An operator needing selected privileges
Discuss whether a modular licence outcome suits the intended work, or whether a full category pathway is the better long-term choice.
Map the work before choosing the course
Tell us the aircraft types, engine types, systems and tasks your engineers maintain. We can identify the relevant training pathway and check whether the workplace can support the required practical evidence. If the workplace cannot provide a required task, we plan how the engineer can gain that experience.
Aircraft maintenance and component workshop work also need to be distinguished. A component specialist’s experience can be valuable without automatically satisfying every on-aircraft licensing requirement. Our mechanical, avionics and structures guide explains the different work and qualification outcomes.
A supported option for smaller operations
For apprentices, Sigma offers workplace delivery without mandatory recurring block release. For experienced people, RPL and gap training recognises demonstrated competence and provides support for the remaining work. Both approaches start with the qualification or licence scope the engineer needs.
Your next step
Find the category your work requires.
Choose the licence outcome and apply. If your operation needs a combination of pathways, send us the aircraft, roles and existing qualifications so we can plan it with you.
Find a licence pathwayWritten by the Sigma Aerospace College training team. AMROBA is cited as an industry source; these are Sigma’s explanations and services, not an AMROBA endorsement.
Ready to put this into practice?
Know the licence or qualification you need? Choose your course, apply online and follow the payment steps.
Choose a licence courseNeed help choosing? Enquire with our teamUseful links
College course information and CASA guidance for further reading.
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