Theres no doubt that RMA's relieve the workload on LAE's. The LAE can get on with more serious matters without having to worry about the brake unit change or the boiler that wont brew. Just the paperwork side of things in my company often takes longer than the job. When I first joined my present employ, the RMA's had to carry out some of my tasks because I did not have electrical extension. I had full A & C inc ground run, boro etc but I couldn't certify a reading light change....the mechanic could?

G.R. I can confirm that Ali-Crom, AKA 'Lard Arse' STILL frequents Sutcliffe's emporium of Inedible toxic waste, but only to cover double shifts as he does'nt have a 'Long- haul' lunch box.....yet!

So we may be slowly being replaced by RMA techs but not by BMA techs according to the latest Tech News bulletin.

As from the 1st June 2001 BMA holders may not:
a) carry out, detailed & special detailed inspections.
b) perform engine ground running.
c) issue a CRS
d) certify for mods & sp/chks.
e) certify either part of a dupe insp.
f) certify for boroscope insps.
g) certify for function & operational checks of a/c systems except cabin equip.
h) certify final clearances.
This list would appear to suggest that currently , BMA holders are authorised to carry out all the above items but for some strange reason the Quality Dept. have included 6 items which BMA holders have never been authorised to do prior to the 1st June deadline anyway. The only differences I can see is the removal of the Dupe insp & funct/op check privileges.
The "World's favorite" BMA technicians who are paid very well compared to other airlines now have a almost worthless qualification thanks to the introduction of JAR66 and now the LAEs are to be shafted again & given the extra privileges of the RMA/BMA for no reward.
The Unions must be laughing their nuts off.

Is this RMA thing you are discussing anything like the JAR A Licence or is it just somthing BA have come up with?
Do any other airline operate a similar system.
I'm about to leave the RAF and will be looking for an aviation job and I don't want to end up being a "Jack of all trades master of none" having just spent the best part of 15 years as an avionic tech.
(By the way, yes I have Avionic Licences, not all of them but I've made a start!)