The aviation industry is built on precision, safety, and compliance. Every licensed aviation professional must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure passenger and aircraft safety. However, some training providers cut corners, compromising exam integrity and violating EASA regulations
The consequences?
Students unknowingly receive invalid certifications, which damage their credibility, hinder employment opportunities, and waste their investment in training.
This was the case with AIR-TECH Bildung GmbH, an institution that failed to follow proper examination procedures, leading to all their certificates issued in 2023 and 2024 being revoked by the German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).
Let’s break down what happened, the risks of choosing a non-compliant academy, and how you can protect your aviation career.
The AIR-TECH Scandal – What Happened?
«Invalid Certificates of Recognition issued by DE.147.0014 (AIR-TECH Bildung GmbH) in 2023 and 2024»
In November 2024, the LBA officially declared all certificates issued by AIR-TECH Bildung GmbH in 2023 and 2024 INVALID.
Key findings from the investigation:
- Incorrect marking of wrong answers as correct. Students who failed were mistakenly marked as having passed.
- Failure to conduct mandatory secondary reviews. Quality control was either poorly executed or entirely skipped.
- Certification of unqualified candidates. Some students were granted certificates without actually passing their exams.
- Lack of compliance with EASA Part-66 standards. Exams did not meet regulatory requirements, leading to non-recognition of certifications.
As a result:
🔴 Hundreds of students were left with invalid certifications.
🔴 Employers had to reassess affected employees, leading to job losses and career setbacks.
🔴 Aviation safety was put at risk due to unqualified personnel working in the industry.
This case highlights the dangers of trusting a training provider that does not strictly adhere to EASA regulations.
The Risks of Training at a Non-Compliant Academy
Choosing an aviation training provider that fails to meet EASA Part-66 requirements can have severe consequences for students and professionals alike:
- Your Certification May Be Declared Invalid
If your training provider fails to comply with EASA regulations, your certificate could be revoked or deemed unrecognized by industry authorities. This means:
🚫 Inability to apply for aviation jobs requiring EASA-certified training.
🚫 Lost career opportunities in Europe and beyond.
🚫 Additional time and financial investment in retaking training at a compliant institution.- Employers Will Not Recognize Your Credentials
Many aviation employers strictly verify certifications before hiring. If an academy has a history of non-compliance, its certificates may be blacklisted by major airlines and MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul organizations).
Hiring managers will question the validity of your knowledge and training.
You may be required to retrain and re-certify, delaying your career progression.
- Compromised Exam Integrity = Poorly Trained Technicians
The purpose of strict EASA exams is to ensure that aviation professionals meet high safety and technical standards. If an academy allows students to pass without demonstrating actual knowledge, it results in:
Unprepared technicians making critical mistakes on real aircraft.
Potential safety risks for passengers and crew.
Increased liability for companies employing non-qualified personnel.
- Financial Loss – Paying for a Worthless Certificate
Tuition fees for aviation training can range from thousands to tens of thousands of euros. If your certificate is later declared invalid, you have wasted both time and money.
🔴 No refunds for non-compliant training.
🔴 Additional costs for retaking EASA-compliant courses.
🔴 Lost income due to delayed certification.
How to Protect Yourself from Invalid Certifications
Before enrolling in any aviation training academy, follow these critical steps to ensure your certification will be valid and recognized worldwide:
- Verify EASA Approval – Always check if the academy is officially recognized by EASA and listed as an approved training organization (Part-147 ATO).
- Ensure Exams Are Secure – Avoid academies that allow exams on personal computers, as this increases the risk of cheating and exam manipulation.
- Ask About Compliance Measures – A legitimate academy should follow strict EASA Part-66 requirements, including:
- Supervised and secure exam conditions.
- Standardized question marking and secondary reviews.
- A strict policy against unauthorized materials or assistance.
- Check for Past Violations – If an academy has had its certifications revoked in the past, this is a major red flag. Research student reviews and regulatory reports before making a decision.
- Choose an Academy with a Strong Reputation – Look for schools that have been operating for years with a proven track record of compliance and successful graduates.
Why 360 Aviation Life is the Right Choice
At 360 Aviation Life, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, security, and compliance to ensure that your certification is valid, respected, and internationally recognized.
✔ Exams Conducted on Secured Tablets – Our screen-locking technology prevents tampering or cheating.
✔ Strict Exam Supervision – Each exam session is closely monitored to maintain integrity.
✔ EASA-Approved Training Curriculum – We follow all EASA Part-66 guidelines, ensuring compliance.
✔ Global Recognition – Our certifications are accepted worldwide by airlines, MROs,
and aviation authorities.
✔ Continuous Innovation – We provide advanced training methods,
including audiobooks, flashcards, quizzes, and interactive learning tools to help
students succeed.
Your certification is your future – choose an academy that protects it!
📌 Don’t take risks with your career. Train with 360 Aviation Life today!
Conclusion: The Lessons from the AIR-TECH Case
The revocation of AIR-TECH’s certificates serves as a warning to all aspiring aviation professionals: Not all training providers are equal.
✔Choosing the wrong academy can result in:
✔Invalid certifications.
✔Wasted time and money.
✔Lost job opportunities.
✔Serious aviation safety risks.
At 360 Aviation Life, we take your training, certification, and future seriously. We provide EASA-compliant training that guarantees integrity, quality, and recognition across the industry.
📢 Make the right choice today – Enroll with a trusted, certified aviation academy.
