The short answer
A Military Aircraft Maintenance Licence does not automatically become a CASA aircraft engineer licence. Sigma will help you turn your Defence training and experience into a clear civilian pathway. We review your background, recognise relevant credit and plan the remaining training, exams and practical requirements with you.
Start with the civilian job you want to do
A maintainer moving into a helicopter operation may need a different plan from someone moving into airline avionics or a component workshop. Tell us where you want to go. We can help identify whether you need a trade qualification, a CASA category licence, an additional aircraft rating or a defined restriction removed.
Keep the military and civilian systems clear. DASA’s DASR 66 and 147 guidance describes the MAML framework. CASA’s current application guidance includes a specific ADF qualifications application route as well as the Part 147 pathway. The right application route must be confirmed for your circumstances; enrolling with an MTO is a training option, not a claim that it is the only possible application route.
What will we help you review?
These are the records we may work through with you. You do not need to collect everything before getting in touch; we will explain what is relevant to your background and target licence.
| Record | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Current MAML, exclusions and endorsements | Shows the military licence scope held, rather than just the trade name. |
| Qualifications and statements of attainment | Identifies formally completed units that can be checked for credit. |
| Training and examination records | Separates unit competence, course completion and examination results. |
| Service and employment history | Sets out platforms, dates, roles and the maintenance actually performed. |
| Authorised practical evidence | Helps establish the relevant tasks, your role and how work can be verified. |
If access to records is difficult, start with a conversation. We will help identify suitable evidence and an approved way to provide it.
Have a chat with Nick about your evidence
Our Training Manager, Nick Booth, is ex-ADF and understands Defence systems. Tell him which bases and aircraft you have worked on and the civilian outcome you want. He will talk you through the best evidence options for your background and explain the next steps in plain language.
You do not have to work out the paperwork on your own. Nick can help identify the records, verification or assessment needed, while respecting Defence information controls. Have a chat before sharing restricted records; we will explain what can be provided and how.
Read more about how we recognise Defence experience and handle evidence.
Engineers training engineers
Defence experience. A clear civilian pathway.
We help you make the most of the training and experience you already have, then guide you through the work needed for your next licence outcome.
Do Defence units remove the need for CASA exams?
Do not treat a unit result, a military training certificate and a CASA examination result as interchangeable. Recognition against units of competency and credit towards CASA knowledge requirements are separate checks. We review the records against the civilian pathway and confirm which CASA examinations remain. A MAML alone is not a blanket exemption.
Our knowledgebase addresses MAML recognition towards a CASA licence. For practical planning, have the currency, scope and acceptability of each result checked rather than relying on the name of the course you completed.
We’ll plan an efficient, cost-effective pathway
We will review your background, recognise the credit you are entitled to and plan the remaining study and practical experience together. The aim is to avoid repeating training you have already covered and spend your time and money on the work that moves you towards your chosen outcome.
You do not need to untangle the requirements yourself. We will explain what needs to happen, in what order, and support you through it. If your next civilian role could help build the experience you need, we can also discuss options with Sigma Workforce.
Choose the right Sigma starting point
Civilian licence
Apply for the CASA outcome.
Use the CASA category course finder and state your Defence background in the application. The selected outcome provides the reference for the evidence review.
Military scope
Apply for the MAML training outcome.
If your immediate need is a MAML exclusion or endorsement, use the DASR MAML directory. Do not book a civilian course simply because the category letters look similar.
Questions we hear from engineers
Can I start while I am still serving?
Yes. Have a chat with Nick while you are still serving. He can help you plan around your current role, access to evidence and the civilian outcome you want.
Will Sigma provide a standalone RPL report?
No. Our RPL review is part of a training pathway. Read the application, credit and tuition process so you understand when the tailored course and initial report are provided.
Your next step
Put your Defence experience to work in the next role.
Choose the civilian category you want, apply and describe your qualifications and military maintenance background. If you are unsure of the endpoint, ask the training team before selecting the course.
Reviewed 31 October 2026. Course details and regulatory requirements can change. Use the linked course information and current regulator guidance when planning your pathway.
