EASA SIB 2014-32R1
Alleged Examination Fraud at Part-147 Maintenance Training Organisation, Hellenic Aviation Training Academy
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2014-32R1 addresses alleged examination fraud at the Part-147 Maintenance Training Organisation, Hellenic Aviation Training Academy (HATA). This bulletin affects all holders of Part-66 licences issued or amended based on HATA Certificates of Recognition (CoRs) for basic knowledge examinations in technical modules. It highlights safety concerns that some licence holders may lack sufficient knowledge to exercise their privileges safely.
What Changed
This revision supersedes the initial SIB 2014-32 by incorporating a European Commission Decision that revokes the automatic recognition of certain HATA CoRs and related Part-66 licences. It mandates reassessment of all affected licences by 21 March 2017, requires reporting of results, and allows acceptance of new applications with HATA CoRs only after additional evaluation.
Why It Matters
The document is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk where licensed maintenance personnel may not have adequate technical knowledge due to fraudulent examinations. Operators, maintenance organizations, and licensing authorities must ensure compliance to prevent unsafe maintenance practices and uphold regulatory standards.
What To Do
Affected Part-66 licence holders must inform their licensing authorities and refrain from exercising licence privileges until their knowledge is evaluated. Licensing authorities must review and reassess all Part-66 licences based on HATA CoRs by 21 March 2017, suspend or revoke licences if knowledge is insufficient or fraud is confirmed, and report findings to EASA and the European Commission. New licence applications based on HATA CoRs require additional evaluation before acceptance.