Build the pathway before choosing the booking
Aircraft type-training listings can include theory, Practical on Course (POC), On-the-Job Training (OJT) books and exclusion-removal products for the same aircraft family. They serve different purposes. The right selection starts with your current licence and the outcome you are trying to reach.
Use this guide to compare the components and organise a training enquiry. For the general introduction, see aircraft type training and type ratings. For current options, use the aircraft-family selection page.
What each component contributes
| Component | Its role in your planning | What you should not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | Aircraft-specific knowledge training and the applicable examinations. | That a theory booking also includes the practical requirements. |
| POC | A structured practical course and assessment component. | That its completion resolves every requirement for every applicant. |
| OJT | Workplace training and a record of the required task activity. | That purchasing a task book supplies aircraft access, supervision or completed training. |
| Exclusion removal | Training relevant to a defined limitation on an existing licence or rating. | That it is the same product as a full type course. |
CASA distinguishes knowledge, practical training and assessment, and relevant OJT requirements in the type-rating pathway. Its guidance on becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer is the starting point for checking the regulatory structure. The provider needs your individual details to explain how the selected products fit it.
Worked example 1: planning a first type rating
An engineer identifies a suitable theory intake and wants to book immediately. Before doing so, the useful questions are what practical training will follow, what OJT arrangements are required, and whether the workplace can support the intended program.
The engineer should ask for the complete sequence, including prerequisites, aircraft access, supervision, records and assessment. That makes it possible to arrange leave and employer support around the pathway rather than discovering a practical dependency after completing theory.
If a particular OJT book is proposed, confirm the aircraft and engine, licence category and task coverage before purchase. A product marked with a reduced task percentage should only be selected once its relevance to the engineer’s approved circumstances has been established.
Worked example 2: adding another aircraft to existing experience
An engineer already holds a type rating and is moving to a different aircraft. The training enquiry should include the current licence category, existing ratings, relevant previous training and the intended aircraft and engine.
The useful output is a confirmed list of what remains to be completed. Do not copy a colleague’s sequence simply because both engineers work on the same fleet: their licence categories, ratings and earlier training may differ.
Ask how completion will be documented and which documents need to be retained for the eventual application. CASA’s aircraft maintenance engineer examinations guidance explains that type-rating examinations relate to the aircraft, engine and systems covered by the approved syllabus.
Worked example 3: addressing an exclusion
An engineer sees an exclusion-removal course under the aircraft family they maintain. The first step is to identify the exact wording and location of the exclusion on the licence and have it checked against the product.
CASA’s exclusion-removal guidance treats category exclusions and type-rating exclusions separately. Do not infer that a short course listed under the correct aircraft family removes every limitation or provides the whole type-rating pathway.
Send the licence details with the enquiry and ask what the course addresses, its prerequisites and what remains to be done after successful completion.
Turn the advice into a simple planning sheet
Create one line for each component you need. Record its course title and code, scope, prerequisites, date, location, fee inclusions and completion evidence. Add the employer arrangements that make attendance or workplace tasks possible.
For practical activity, name the dependency instead of leaving a blank: aircraft access to be confirmed, supervisor nomination required, records awaiting review, or assessment date to be agreed. These are actionable items that can be followed up before they delay progress.
Keep the total cost separate from the fee for the next booking. Theory, practical training, books, travel and accommodation may be separate purchases. Ask about current inclusions rather than assuming a package from the layout of the course page.
If all you need now is a book
Use the OJT book listings to select the correct aircraft and category. The book supports recording the program; it is not evidence that the program has been completed, a training placement or a rating endorsement.
For uncertainty about the category or task coverage, contact Sigma before checkout. For a specific aircraft example, read the 737 NG course options.
Confirm the intended outcome before applying
Ask one final question: “When I successfully complete these selected components, what will I have, and what will I still need to do?” A clear answer connects the course bookings to your actual goal and gives both you and your employer a practical plan to work from.
