Earlier this week, I was contacted by an aircraft technician interested in organizing a course for himself and a group of colleagues. I welcomed the opportunity and provided a full overview of our EASA-compliant training program, including access to our digital learning platform, pre-recorded classes, structured book summaries, exam simulations, and expert support.
What followed was deeply concerning.
After reviewing our methodology, the technician explained that while he was personally interested, his colleagues were not. Instead, he relayed their request: They simply wanted to pay to take the exams — no training, no preparation — just to get their certificates.
This is not just a breach of ethical standards. It is a direct violation of EASA Part-66 regulations, and more importantly, it poses a significant threat to aviation safety.
A Worrying Trend Across the Industry
Unfortunately, this kind of behaviour is not isolated. Across the aviation maintenance sector, we are witnessing a growing trend where individuals seek shortcuts, and in some cases, institutions are willing to accommodate them — issuing certifications without ensuring the required level of competence.
This undermines not only the integrity of the profession but the safety of everyone who relies on well-trained, qualified technicians to keep aircraft safe and airworthy.
What Are the Risks?
- Invalid Certifications: Certifications obtained through dishonest means can and will be revoked when discovered. Students may find themselves unemployable or forced to retake training under tighter scrutiny.
- Legal and Professional Repercussions: Participating in or facilitating exam fraud can lead to legal consequences, permanent disqualification from certification pathways, and reputational damage that may follow someone throughout their career.
- Endangering Lives: Aircraft maintenance is a high-stakes profession. Cutting corners in training directly increases the risk of maintenance errors, which can endanger lives and compromise aviation safety.
A Recent Case: The AIR-TECH Scandal
In 2024, the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) — the German aviation authority — revoked all certificates issued by AIR-TECH Bildung GmbH in 2023 and 2024. The investigation found serious examination irregularities: incorrect answer marking, inadequate review processes, and certifications issued without proper qualification. The result? All affected certifications were declared invalid, and hundreds of students were left with nothing to show for their time and financial investment.
The Role of Ethical Training Institutions
At 360 Aviation Life, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, security, and regulatory compliance. All our exams are conducted on academy-issued tablets, locked down to prevent tampering. Our programs are built on the foundations of real knowledge, fair assessment, and international recognition.
We believe aviation professionals should earn their credentials with integrity — not purchase them through shortcuts.
Final Thoughts
To all students, technicians, and training centres: certification is not just a piece of paper — it is a reflection of your readiness to carry responsibility in one of the world’s most safety-critical industries.
We call on the aviation community to take a firm stand against these practices, protect the credibility of our profession, and prioritize safety and knowledge above all else.
There are no shortcuts in aviation. There is only preparation, responsibility, and professionalism.
