The A&P licence is not Type Rated. It provides the authority to perform specific maintenance certification activities, to essentially any Type Certificated product.
An Inspection Authorization provides further certification authority regarding Annual Inspections, Major Repairs and Modifications, subject to the appropriate Approved or Acceptable Data.
The FAA Repair Station System, is essentially a delegated version of the above authority, but with the ability to add specific specialised capabilities that may not be approved under an individual license.
Due to the huge numbers of aircraft and types operating in the US, this is a very practical and efficient method of operation. Airline and Air-taxi operations add specific training and experience requirements, but essentially the licence confers the ability to certify any job that you have previously accomplished (experience) or are specifically trained to perform. Additionally, you are required to have all specific maintenance documentation required to perform the maintenance activity. Good skills, experience and quality systems make for good maintenance.
This link contains a very complete FAQ list for A&P license information.
http://www.3lefties.com/erau/ap.htm
This link is for FAR Part 65.
http://www.faa.gov/avr/AFS/FARS/far-65.txt
Link for all FAR's.
http://www.faa.gov/avr/AFS/FARS/far_idx.htm
The A&P license system is going to remain in the same format as it currently exists, following the withdrawal of FAR Part 66 last year.
The FAA system is easy and defined to work under. It works very well and all the information is accessible, free, on the Net.
[This message has been edited by Cyclic Hotline (edited 21 March 2001).]