The License to learn…?

Most people are quite divided over this topic. The idea of starting this is not to make a statement or even my opinion. Please go ahead and use the ‘comments’ link at the bottom of this post to make your opinions known.
The license that’s issued to us by the DGCA after all that fanfare of attending AME school, going through apprenticeships and on-job-training, and amidst all that finding the time to study, even burning the midnight oil, and then finally passing the DGCA exams, the license you’re issued has just GOT to be it right ?

Well...., maybe not!
Here is where the argument starts. “Obviously! The DGCA itself has given you written authorization to perform maintenance activities within the scope of the authorization/license”
Quite true! This is evidenced by the fact the DGCA issues the BAMEL (Basic Aircraft Maintenance License) on applying for it, after clearing your exams on Regulations (C.A.R), Paper II or general engineering and workshop practices, and Paper III in the appropriate category. Additionally, the license to certify aircraft comes only after Paper IV or the ‘specific’ paper that covers Aircraft or engine type.

In short, the DGCA has put you through stringent checks and put in place several procedures that ensure the tasks you’re authorized to complete are well known to you and that you are competent in that respect.

The other school of thought is of the opinion that the license is one that actually,... starts the learning process! That, even though the license is issued, you can’t really claim “oh yeah! I can do it all! I have the authority to do so!”

The argument clearly surrounds the complacency factor. However, there’s one more thought to this. Do we really look at obtaining our AME license and the responsibility accompanying it, as a ‘destination’? Or, would we rather want to account for it as a constant journey,…one that is often referred to as the ‘the learning process’!

There certainly is more to it…! Read on and do make your opinions known.