GCAA CAR-66 vs EASA Part-66: Is Your Study Material Valid in the UAE?
If you are preparing for an aircraft maintenance engineer licence in the United Arab Emirates, you may wonder whether EASA Part-66 practice questions and textbooks apply to you. For the theory exams, the answer is largely yes. Here is the plain-English explanation, with official sources at the foot of the page.
The bottom line
The UAE's GCAA modelled its CAR-66 licensing rule on the EASA Part-66 framework, so the basic-knowledge structure, licence categories and exam standard mirror it closely. That makes practising EASA Part-66 questions valid preparation for the GCAA basic-knowledge exams. What is not shared is the licence itself — an EASA and a UAE GCAA licence are separate and not mutually recognised.
At a glance
Aligned with EASA
- CAR-66 modelled on the EASA Part-66 framework
- Categories A, B1.1–B1.4, B2, B3, C and L
- Basic knowledge per Appendix I; exam standard per Appendix VII
- 10-year exam-validity window, like EASA
- Exams via a CAR-147 approved training organisation
UAE-specific
- Separate authority (GCAA) and a separate licence
- EASA and GCAA licences are not mutually recognised
- Module 10 (Aviation Legislation) is UAE air law
- Experience and validity rules are set by the GCAA
Does the UAE use Part 66?
In effect, yes — through its own equivalent. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) licenses aircraft maintenance engineers under CAR-66 “Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing”, part of the UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs), Part II. The current edition is Issue 09.
CAR-66 is based on the EASA Part-66 framework: it mirrors the same licence category structure and the same basic-knowledge and examination approach, with the detailed requirements set out in CAR-66's appendices. This close alignment is why EASA Part-66 study material maps cleanly onto the UAE basic-knowledge syllabus.
Are the modules and exams the same?
For the basic-knowledge theory, they are closely aligned — which is why EASA study material works for UAE candidates. Here is the side-by-side:
| What | EASA Part-66 | UAE CAR-66 | Aligned? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic-knowledge modules | Appendix I (Modules 1–17) | Appendix I basic knowledge | |
| Examination standard | Appendix II | Appendix VII | |
| Exam pass mark † | 75% | 75% | |
| Exam-validity window | 10 years | 10 years | |
| Licence categories | A, B1, B2, B2L, B3, C, L | A, B1, B2, B3, C, L | |
| Module 10 (Aviation Legislation) | EU/EASA air law | UAE air law — study locally | |
| Licence recognition | — | Not mutual — apply via the GCAA |
† The 75% pass mark and exam format are reported by UAE aviation training providers; the GCAA CAR-66 document sets the formal standard via Appendix VII. Confirm the current exam parameters directly with the GCAA / a CAR-147 organisation before relying on them.
The UAE licence structure
CAR-66 defines a set of aircraft maintenance engineer licence categories that mirror EASA's. The B1 subcategory split is the same Aeroplane/Helicopter × Turbine/Piston grid:
Category A & B1 subcategories
- A1 / B1.1 — turbine aeroplane
- A2 / B1.2 — piston aeroplane
- A3 / B1.3 — turbine helicopter
- A4 / B1.4 — piston helicopter
Categories B2, B3, C & L
- B2 — avionics (electrical / instrument / radio), all aircraft
- B3 — piston-engine non-pressurised aeroplanes ≤ 2000 kg
- C — base maintenance certifying engineer (large aircraft)
- L — sailplanes / balloons / airships (light aircraft)
Holding an EASA licence? Converting to GCAA
There is no automatic swap between EASA and UAE GCAA licences — they are not mutually recognised. To obtain a UAE licence you apply to the GCAA, which assesses your qualifications and examinations against CAR-66. Because CAR-66 is modelled on Part-66, an existing EASA basic-knowledge pass record may support your application, but the GCAA makes the determination — it is not granted on the strength of the EASA licence alone.
Conversion and recognition rules change — always check the official GCAA licensing pages (linked below) for your exact situation before you start.
What this means if you're studying in the UAE
For the UAE CAR-66 basic-knowledge exams, EASA Part-66 practice questions are valid preparation — CAR-66 is modelled on the same framework, examined to the same module structure and standard. Our question bank covers all 17 modules, ready for UAE candidates and EASA candidates alike. Just remember that Module 10 (Aviation Legislation) is UAE-specific and should be studied from local material.
Sources
Primary statements on this page come from the GCAA Civil Aviation Regulations and GCAA e-services. Exam-format details (marked † above) come from UAE training providers and are labelled as secondary. Verify each point directly:
-
GCAA — CAR-66 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing (Issue 09) · the licensing regulation itself (categories, Appendix I basic knowledge, Appendix VII exam standard).
gcaa.gov.ae/…/CAR-66 — AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER LICENSING — ISSUE 09.pdf -
GCAA — Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) library · the full CAR set, including Part II Licensing & Training Organisation regulations.
gcaa.gov.ae/en/epublication/Pages/CARs.aspx -
GCAA — Renewal of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AMEL) Licence · the official licensing e-service.
gcaa.gov.ae/en/eservices/renewal-of-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-amel-licence/302 - UAE aviation training providers — Part 66 / CAR-66 exams · secondary: 75% pass mark and exam format.
Information last verified against the sources above: June 2026.
This page is general information to help you prepare, not legal advice. Regulations can change — always confirm your own licensing situation on the official GCAA website before making decisions.