An Inspector; also licensed under EASA Part 66; reports about a local maintenance provider that handles several customer airlines from the world; who repeatedly issues certificates for release to service (CRS) under a one time approval from Maintenance Control of the Operator; because the provider doesn't have enough qualified mechanics to release all the different types of aircraft they service.
Synopsis
An Inspector; also licensed under EASA Part 66; reports about a local maintenance provider that handles several customer airlines from the world; who repeatedly issues certificates for release to service (CRS) under a one time approval from Maintenance Control of the Operator; because the provider doesn't have enough qualified mechanics to release all the different types of aircraft they service.
Narrative
I would like to bring to your attention my concerns about a Line Maintenance Provider that handles several customer airlines from around the world. As I am a Licensed Engineer under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 66; I am aware about the requirements that need to be fulfilled to issue a Certificate for Release to Service (CRS) to EASA and FAA Member Aircraft. I know most of the employees of this Provider and I know that almost none of them has a license qualified enough to release all these different types of Aircraft after routine or non-routine transit stops.I was told by one of the Mechanics; that especially on Airbus types from European carriers; they use the procedure to release the aircraft under a one time approval from Maintenance Control of the Operator. To my knowledge this should not be an everyday procedure. A second statement by another employee was; that he was attending a '1.5 weeks' type rating for a CRJ aircraft and that from that day; he is allowed to handle this Canadian registered Aircraft. I visited several type ratings and I know that it needs much more than 1 or 2 weeks to understand all aircraft systems other than general familiarization. Furthermore; I can confirm that the mechanics; most of the time work with their own tools that are not engraved or marked accordingly. Also calibrated tools; like for example torque wrenches; are in bad conditions. Last but not least; I have my doubts that all documentations and manuals needed for aircraft mare up to date and that the srequirements for spare parts; serviceable and unserviceable are met.
NASA callback
Reporter stated more oversight by the FAA is needed; regarding a local Line Maintenance Provider that contracts Maintenance services to several airlines; foreign and domestic; involving B737's; B747; B777 and Airbus aircraft. Many of the provider's maintenance personnel he is referring to; are only allowed under their EASA ratings to 'Assist' other EASA Qualified Mechanics; by performing tasks such as checking tire pressures and servicing engine oil quantity levels. Instead; they are doing Maintenance they are not qualified for. Reporter stated the same maintenance provider uses one fully Qualified Mechanic type Lead to sign-off the work of other Assistants covering twenty to twenty-five aircraft on any given day.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.