An applicant for an Air Traffic Controller Licence shall have demonstrated a level of knowledge in the following areas:

• Principles of flight: principles of operation and functioning of aircraft, powerplants and systems; aircraft performance relevant to the air traffic control operations;
• Human performance and limitations relevant to air traffic control;
• Aeronautical meteorology; use and appreciation of meteorological documentation and information; origin and characteristics of weather phenomena affecting flight operations and safety; altimetry;
• Principles of air navigation, limitation and accuracy of navigation systems and visual aids; and
• Air traffic control, communication, radiotelephony and phraseology procedure (routine, non-routine and emergency); use of the relevant aeronautical documentation; and safety practices associated with flight.

An applicant for an Air Traffic Controller Licence shall have demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Authority, a level of knowledge in the following areas appropriate to the rating that will be endorsed-

• Airspace structure;
• Applicable rules, procedures and information sources;
• Jamaica Civil Aviation Regulations and the Manual of Operations;
• Air Navigation facilities;
• Air traffic control equipment and its use;
• Terrain and prominent landmark;
• Characteristics of air traffic and traffic flow;
• Meteorology and weather phenomena;
• Emergency and search and rescue plan;
• Principles, use and limitations of radar and other surveillance systems and associated equipment and
• Procedures for the provision of approach or area radar control services, as appropriate, including procedures to ensure appropriate terrain clearance.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Type Rating

• An applicant for a Type Rating endorsement on an AME Licence will be required to demonstrate to the Authority that he/she has obtained sufficient training and experience to allow the applicant to make a determination that the aircraft meets the specifications of its type certificate and that it is serviceable and fit for flight.
• The Authority shall, once the training and experience requirements are met, convene a panel of not less than two persons to conduct an oral examination of the applicant. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate familiarity with the aircraft, its systems, and its power plant(s), commensurate with the ATA 104 Level III training standards.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence

An applicant for an AME Licence shall –

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Provide proof of citizenship;
• Be able to speak, read, understand and write the English language;
• Have completed a course of study, approved by the Authority;
• Have accumulated not less than four (4) years of aircraft maintenance experience;
• Pass the required multi-choice knowledge tests, obtaining not less than 80%; and
• Pass the required practical and/or oral tests, obtaining not less than 80%

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Knowledge Requirements

1. An applicant for an AME Licence shall demonstrate a level of knowledge satisfactory to the Authority, in the areas in which the privileges of the licence will be exercised.
2. The Authority will accept evidence of satisfactory completion of a knowledge test for 24 months after the applicant has been approved to take the test.

The applicant shall have demonstrated a level of knowledge relevant to the privileges to be granted and appropriate to the responsibilities of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence holder, in at least the following subjects –

(1)       rules and regulations relevant to an aircraft maintenance licence holder including applicable airworthiness requirements governing certification and continuing airworthiness of aircraft and approved aircraft maintenance organizations and procedures;

(2)        basic mathematics; units of measurement; fundamental principles and theory of physics and chemistry applicable to aircraft maintenance;

(3)        characteristics and applications of the materials of aircraft construction including principles of construction and functioning of aircraft structures, fastening techniques; power plants and their associated systems; mechanical, fluid, electrical and electronic power sources; aircraft instrument and display systems; aircraft control systems; and airborne navigation and communication systems;

(4)        tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft including methods and procedures for the overhaul, repair, inspection, replacement, modification or defect rectification of aircraft structures, components and systems in accordance with the methods prescribed in the relevant Maintenance Manuals and the applicable Standards of airworthiness; and

(5)        human performance and limitations relevant to the duties of an aircraft maintenance licence holder.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Experience & Training Requirements

(a)   An applicant for an AME Licence shall present satisfactory documentary evidence to the Authority that the applicant has completed an approved course of study, including both theoretical and practical components, under the supervision of a Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME), a licensed AME, or a qualified instructor, who has been approved by the Authority to carry out the function.

(b)  Where an applicant has completed an approved course at a Maintenance Training Organization, the applicant shall present his certificate or diploma to the Authority for verification.

(c) An applicant for an AME Licence shall present satisfactory documentary proof that he has obtained at least four years of experience in the field of aircraft maintenance, covering a sufficiently wide range of tasks that will enable a level of competency suitable to the privileges of the licence being granted.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Skill Requirements

(a)  An applicant for an AME Licence shall be required to demonstrate the skill requirements prescribed by the Authority, in the manner prescribed.

(b) A demonstration of skill, appropriate to the privileges to be granted to the licence holder, may be made in an oral examination, a practical examination or a combination of both, as specified by the Authority.

Schedule of Exams

All written examinations are conducted every 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. sharp.  Out of schedule sittings may be accommodated but must be requested in writing by the candidate or ATO and approval given.  All applicable fees are required to be paid at least 2 days prior to the sitting of the exam.

Process for Administering a Knowledge Test

The first step is for the applicant to contact the JCAA PEL Office. PEL Office staff must provide applicants with information relating to knowledge test prerequisites, required authorisations and endorsements, where applicants write their knowledge tests and the appropriate fees that are involved.

The second step is for the applicant to receive an endorsement from an authorised instructor or Aviation Training Organisation that the applicant has completed the required training and is ready to take the knowledge test.

The third step is for the applicant to receive confirmation from the PEL Office to take the knowledge test.

To be eligible for Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating an applicant shall-

1. Hold a Class 2 Flight Instructor Rating in the aircraft category sought.
2. Pass with a minimum of 80% on the knowledge test.
3. Have conducted a minimum of 400 hours of dual flight instruction towards the granting of a private pilot licence in the appropriate aircraft category.
4. Have recommended a minimum of 10 students for the private pilot licence flight test and have had a minimum of 8 students successfully pass the flight test on their first attempt.
5. Pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the Flight Instructor rating sought in an aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the aircraft rating sought and is certified and capable of performing all of the required manoeuvres as set out in the appropriate flight test guide.

Active or retired Jamaica Defence Force personnel who have qualified to pilot wings standards shall be deemed to have met the ground school instruction requirements, the written examination requirement, the skill requirement, and the requirement to hold a Private Pilot Licence, provided that the applicant-

a) meet the experience requirements of which a minimum of 10 hours flight time was acquired in the category of aircraft for which the licence is sought in the 12 months preceding the date of application, and

b) obtains a minimum of 70% in the written Air Law examination.

Airman Knowledge Test Reports for all categories of licence are valid for 24 calendar months. The applicant should plan to complete the skill test during the 24-calendar month validity period. If the Airman Test Report expires before completion of the skill test, the applicant must retake the knowledge test.