Smarthawke. The organisations I work with are split as follows:
Org 1: One Part 66/ BCAR engineer/ 2 full-time 'technicians' (i.e. not 66 or BCAR qualified). One accountable manager, one accountant and a quality manager (me!). This organisation is Subpart F and G approved, with I privileges.
Org 2: One part 66/ BCAR engineer who is also the accountable manager. 1 full-time technician, 2 admin staff and a quality manager (me again). This organisation is well into the process of getting F and G with I privileges.
Org 3: 2 Part 66/ BCAR engineers/ 2 (I think) technicians, accountant, accountable manager, quality manager. This organisation has just been Subpart F and G approved with I privileges.
As far as qualifications for ARS (Airworthiness Review Staff - you can tell the first language is not English with that acronym...): M.A.707(a):
To be approved to carry out airworthiness reviews, an approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall have appropriate airworthiness review staff to issue M.A. Subpart I airworthiness review certificates or recommendations.
In addition to M.A.706 requirements[general stuff], these staff shall have acquired:
1. at least five years experience in continuing airworthiness, and;
2. an appropriate Part-66 licence or an aeronautical degree or equivalent, and;
3. formal aeronautical maintenance training, and;
4. a position within the approved organisation with appropriate responsibilities.
Note point 2. IO540 - I think the degree in Knitting will not suffice!
Camlobe -
The reality is you could have a graduate with absolutely no live aircraft experience certifying aircraft as fit to fly following deep and heavy maintenance.
Not as far as I can see - there are several statements to the effect that the certifying staff must have understanding of what they are certifying before they do so (M.A. 607(a):
In addition to M.A.606(g), certifying staff can only exercise their privileges, if the organisation has ensured:
1. that certifying staff can demonstrate that in the preceding two-year period they have either had six months of relevant maintenance experience or, met the provision for the issue of the appropriate privileges; and,
2. that certifying staff have an adequate understanding of the relevant aircraft and/or aircraft component(s) to be maintained together with the associated organisation procedures...
One of my tasks as Quality Manager is to ensure that certifying staff (who are formally approved by me as it says above underlined) understand what they will be signing off!