Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer in year 2024 – 2025.
Aircraft are fascinating when it comes to reaching destinations in the shortest possible time. It stands as an invention that has helped generations and will continue to do so with ease.
But what stands as a fact is that these airplanes need maintenance and servicing from time to time and if you seek answers to becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), this read is for you.
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is a specialized officer who is a professional in maintaining, inspecting, as well as repairing an aircraft. He or she works to ensure that the aircraft is safe and working well enough to ensure a safe flight.
The work of an AME is pretty creative and diverse. It involves specializing in a certain kind of aircraft, understanding responsibilities that come with the little yet significant technicalities, and their efficient functioning to maintain the aircraft.
Starting with the vehicle, an aircraft is a device that is made to fly by gaining support from the air. Becoming an engineer who specializes in maintaining aircraft, involves gaining the right knowledge and experience to attain expertise in the field.
Eligibility Criteria (AME):
To become an AME, you must meet these criteria:
- Education: 10+2 with PCM or diploma in relevant engineering fields.
- Age: Minimum 16 years.
- Medical Fitness: Pass a medical exam.
- Passport: Required for airport training.
- Language: Proficient in English.
- Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Background Check: Clear security verification.
- Vision: Meet aviation vision standards.
- Physical Fitness: Able to work in demanding conditions.
- No Criminal Record: Required for airport clearance.
How To Become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Step by Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to understand the process better:
Step 1 - Gain a Detailed Understanding
The first step is gaining a good understanding of the role of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). You should know the intricate responsibilities and the underlying expectations your team may have once you step into this role. They specialize in working on engines, avionics, and structural components.
Step 2 - Fulfill the Basic Requirements
Make sure your basic criteria are met. For instance, you should be at least 16 years of age. Your educational qualifications should be met – you should have a high school completion diploma or any equivalent degree that meets the criteria mentioned above. You can also pursue a specialized course in mathematics, and physical and mechanical sciences for an added advantage.
Step 3 - Complete Your Education
Getting educated in the required field is important for any job. If you are searching how to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, you should go for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)- approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) program in the U.S. or any equivalent program recognized by your country’s authority. They take at least 1 or 2 years to completion and help you gain the relevant expertise.
In India, you have to enroll in a DGCA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program.
The duration of the course is typically 2 to 4 years, depending on the specialization you choose (Mechanical or Avionics).
During the course, students are trained in:
- Aircraft systems (engines, structures, electrical and avionics systems)
- Maintenance practices and safety protocols
- Civil aviation regulations and standards
- Practical training on aircraft
Here are a few most popular DGCA-approved AME institutes across India that offer training programs.
1st – Pune Institute of Aviation Technology
2nd – Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology
Step 4 - Achieve Hands-On Experience
Gaining practical and hands-on experience in any particular job is equally necessary to ensure the achievement of the working license. This can be done by working under the supervision of a licensed AME. You should also have at least 18 months of experience with an airframe or powerplant rating or a combination of both. These practical experience requirements vary from country to country and you should maintain documentation for the same.
Step 5 - Details of achievement
You should document the details of passing written examinations as well as the certifications of clearing interviews as well. You should also pass the practical examinations and assessments to meet the essential requirements for becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Step 6 - Obtain Your AME License
Acquisition of a DGCA license is mandatory for becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer. You should submit your application to the appropriate authority and pay the fees or any requisite amount that is required for the completion of the entire process.
Once licensed, you can start working as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India or abroad. These are some basic requirements that should be met to get the license.
In India, there are three main categories of AME licenses issued by the DGCA:
- Category A License: Allows you to perform minor line maintenance tasks such as routine checks and basic repairs.
- Category B1 License (Mechanical): Authorizes you to work on the mechanical systems of an aircraft, including engines, airframes, and hydraulic systems.
- Category B2 License (Avionics): Focuses on electrical and avionics systems, such as communication, navigation, and automatic flight control systems.
Step 7 - Obtain Your AME License
Just like continued practice is needed to attain certain expertise in the requisite field, you should ensure that you continue studying and gaining knowledge about the little basic and advanced intricacies that come with the job. If your license needs renewal, apply to the requisite authority and make sure it gets done in a timely manner.
Step 8 - Explore career opportunities
The career of an aircraft maintenance engineer can be as diverse as you want it to be. With time, once you begin working and gaining specialized knowledge. You should look for employment opportunities in airlines or maintenance organizations for positions such as line maintenance technician or maintenance supervisor.
What are the advantages of becoming a licensed AME?
Any and every profession comes with its set of outstanding qualities and benefits that make it one of a kind. Similarly, once you know how to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, you should also dive deep into the benefits of becoming one:
- There is a consistent need for becoming an AME, thus the employment opportunities will never dry out. The possibilities are endless and the profession comes with amazing job security and opportunities for career advancement.
- There is a great earning potential for an aircraft maintenance engineer. With added experience and expertise in types of aircraft and the newest technologies, their earning potential gradually increases.
- An AME can work pretty diversely. They can work in sectors like including cargo carriers, international airlines, private airlines, and government agencies too. They also have an option to work in different countries and regions.
- The work of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is hands-on and contributes to the safety and effective functioning of the aircraft. They also contribute to the safety of the passengers and are a fulfilling and rewarding aspect of the job.
- The opportunities that you achieve on becoming an AME are plenty. The aviation industry is global and comes with various creative opportunities that involve going abroad and fulfilling the dream of traveling and exploring the world.
- There is a high scope of growth as an aircraft maintenance engineer. You get the chance to connect with various professionals, leading to effective networking. This skill may end up leading you to various mentorship opportunities as well.
FAQs: How To Become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
If you want to be eligible to work as an aircraft maintenance engineer, you should have passed the higher secondary (10+2 board examinations) with primary subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Alternatively, you should hold an AICTE-approved engineering diploma with a minimum of 45%. This graduation can be done in any stream.
For those who have just finished their degree and are freshers in this field, the starting salary of an aircraft maintenance engineer is approximately INR 3,00,000 per annum which goes up to 40 lakhs per annum. The bar increases as one gains experience, more knowledge, and practical hands-on expertise as well.
Yes. Aircraft engineers and workers are always in demand, thanks to the ever-evolving aircraft and the innovations they come with. They need to be handled with precision, knowledge, and care.
Wrapping Up!
Knowing how to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer involves a lot more than just technical expertise and skill.
It involves staying updated with current developments of the aircraft along with the innovations that take place. It stands as a creative art that can be upskilled with dedication and care.
However, It also involves understanding creative opportunities like creating mentorship programs for the upcoming AMEs to ensure the country gets the best professionals.
I hope this guide answers all your questions regarding the steps to becoming an AME.
Let me know in the comments if you still have any quires left.
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Thank you…
