Semi-trained maintenance staff
It is reported in Januarys issue of the magazine of The Association of licensed aircraft engineers that they have evidence of Full B1 type rating corses being completed in two weeks resulting in engineers licence type ratings being issued.
In the UK most airframe/engine type ratings would involve a training course of 7-9 weeks
It would seem that the JAA/EASA know all about this but will not take action because of "cultural differences".
To me this is a big flight saftey issue and as an airline captain I see it as very much an issue for pilots and engineers to get together and combat this erosion of aircraft maintenance standards.