Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Admin
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), also named a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, is a licensed person who carries out and certifies aircraft maintenance. The license is widespread internationally and is recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Read more to learn about the aircraft maintenance engineer career and job opportunities.
Aircraft maintenance engineers install, maintain and repair aircraft structures, airframes and engines, aircraft radio, avionic (electronic), and mechanical systems. Aircraft Engineer is also called an Aircraft maintenance engineer. Not to be confused with Aerospace engineering or Aeronautical engineer. Usually referred to As LAE (Licensed Aircraft Engineer). While in Europe, they are called Certifying Aircraft Technicians.
While In the United States, they are called an Aircraft mechanic or A&P mechanics. in some countries, a graduate of AME is referred to as an Engineer, whereas certifying Engineer will be a Licensed Aircraft Engineer. Aircraft Engineering involves the Maintenance and servicing of All parts of an Aircraft.
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Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Scope
This is the golden era for those who desire to build their career as an AME. After getting an AME License, successful candidates have wider opportunities for placement in various Govt. / Private firms like international/Domestic Airlines, MROs (Maintenance & Repair Organizations, CROs (Component repair organizations), AMO (Approved Maintenance organizations), Flying Clubs, Training Institutes, Air taxi Services, Cargo Operating Airlines, Specializes Service Shops, etc.
The future of AME is a great phase in the aviation industry.
- There is already a shortage of AME in the World. There is a requirement of 7,54,000 licensed AME worldwide as the license is valid worldwide, so AME from any Institute can do a job in India and Abroad.
- The UDAN scheme is giving a boost to AME’s career. UDAN Scheme makes airfare affordable for common people to travel through. A drastic increase in domestic passenger can be seen, which result in rising in AME career.
- The growth rate of air passengers is around 25%, leading to the requirement for new aircraft. Many airlines ordered 1080 aircraft, which built job opportunities for AME.
- Boeing and Airbus will set up their MRO Organisations in different states of India, which will build thousands of jobs for AME.
- India is in the race to become the 3rd largest in the aviation sector, a great achievement. India comprises very hardworking and passionate people who can make India proud. The career opportunities for AME are thereby the growth of aviation.
- India took its first step in manufacturing civil aircraft, which hikes the opportunities for Aircraft Engineers.
- India became the best market to invest in as India is quickly developing in the aviation sector. Qatar Airways, WOW Airlines, etc., are entering India’s aviation market, which raises the hike in the requirement of AME.
- Airfares cheaper than auto-rickshaw ride: Aviation minister Jayant Sinha leads to Extraordinary Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Career. As aircraft fares decrease, more people will be able to travel by aircraft.
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Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Job Description
The job of an aircraft engineer is to design, develop and oversee the construction of aircraft and spacecraft. They may also be involved in the testing and repair of these vehicles. Aircraft engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
Following are the roles, responsibilities, skills & knowledge required as an AME. Kindly check below the aircraft engineer job descriptions.
Aircraft Engineers Responsibilities
AMEs may do some or all of the following:
- Check aircraft engines, airframes, and electronic and mechanical systems to ensure they work correctly and meet safety requirements according to Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
- Read diagrams
- Repair or replace faulty or old parts or systems
- Test parts and systems to make sure they work
- Use electronic test equipment to view structures without taking them apart (non-destructive testing)
- Keep records of repairs.
- Dismantling, inspecting, testing, repairing, and reassembling aircraft engines.
- Installing electrical circuits.
- Testing communication, aircraft, and electronic instruments and systems.
- Testing and replacing oxygen system components.
- Assembling aircraft frames.
- Conducting routine preflight inspections of engines and mechanical systems.
- Keeping detailed records of all maintenance work.
- Maintaining the company’s facilities and equipment.
- Ordering parts and supplies as needed.
- Upholding all safety and security procedures and FAA regulations.
Licensed aircraft engineers also inspect and approve the work of other AMEs.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Skills and Knowledge
Aircraft maintenance engineers need to know the following:
- Aircraft’ electronic, mechanical, and structural systems and equipment
- How aircraft fly (aerodynamics) and how different materials react during flight
- The maintenance requirements of the aircraft they are servicing
- Approved repair techniques and procedures
- Safe work practices and aviation safety rules and regulations.
Working conditions
Aircraft maintenance engineers:
- Usually, work shifts may have to be on call during evenings and weekends.
- Work in hangars or workshops and on airfields
- Work with chemicals such as fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluids, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly and in conditions that may be noisy and stressful.
- May travel overseas.
AME Qualifications Requirement
To become an aircraft engineer, an individual must obtain a Licence from the National Aviation Authority. However, the procedure to become an Aircraft engineer might differ from country to country depending on the national Aviation Authority policy.
While In Europe and most commonwealth countries, EASA part 66 is being adopted. EASA is the European Aviation Safety Agency. Some countries adopt FAR part 65 to issue an Aircraft mechanic license. A few other countries are adopting a procedure similar to BCAR section L.
In India, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a four-year license program. It comprises two years of academic and two years of practical training in a live environment.
AME Course can be pursued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Govt of India approved AME Institutes in India. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Course is related to the protection and well-being of the aircraft and its passengers.
The eligibility criteria to pursue an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Course;
- At the time of admission, the candidate must have passed 10+2 with PCM or an equivalent AICTE-approved three-year engineering diploma in any stream or any higher qualification in science with Physics and Mathematics.
- The candidate eligible for admission in B.Tech Courses is also eligible for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program.
- Candidate age can be between 16 to 28 years at admission.
- The candidate must not have color blindness or any physical disabilities.
- Candidate must have a minimum of 45% marks in 10+2 with PCM or equivalent.
To obtain an aircraft maintenance engineer license, the individual must pass the AME Entrance Exam and then enroll at an AME Institute. The DGCA will be in charge of some modules.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salary
AMEs are highly paid professionals. After getting a license, not only salary, but the job also provides respect and high regard. AME is knowledgeable and skillful as they are the backbone of the aircraft. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering jobs salary according to the payscale is;
The average Base Salary for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India INR 728,188, The aircraft maintenance engineer’s salary per month is around ₹66.7k in India.
Aircraft maintenance engineer salary in India is quite lucrative compared to other engineering professions.
Average Base Salary for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in the USA $70,539
Job Opportunities For AME
The industry sectors where an AME can do work;
- Airlines: An airline is a company that provides regular services carrying people or goods in airplanes. Before an aircraft can fly, a Licensed AME has to analyze and solve aircraft problems. After signing the certificate, an aircraft can fly.
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauls (MRO) industries: MRO companies specialize in performing maintenance actions on aircraft and their components, such as jet engines, landing gears, etc. To maintain the actions, licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are required.
- Aircraft Manufacturing Companies: Aircraft Manufacturing Companies manufacture aircraft such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, etc. AME is hired to maintain and operate engines, electronics systems, etc.
- Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies: Aircraft are made up of numerous parts. To manufacture those parts, Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies have built. AME can analyze those parts and help them to build better ones.
- Aircraft Operation Organizations: ICAO, EASA, etc., are Aircraft Operation Organizations. Their organization deals with the well-being and protection of civil aviation. When it’s about Safety in aircraft, AME is the first name.
- Flying Clubs: A flying club is an organization that provides its members with affordable access to aircraft. That aircraft needs to be maintained by licensed AMEs.
- Aviation Training Centres: AME knows another candidate about Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and its scope.
- Civil Defence Forces: The Defense uses many aircraft to protect the country for various purposes. Licensed AMEs also maintain defense aircraft.
- And any place where an aircraft is used in civil: Wherever aircraft are used, they require maintenance by an authorized Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Aircraft maintenance engineer fresher jobs can be found online job portals and websites.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses & Colleges
Aircraft maintenance engineering courses are available at many different universities and colleges. The coursework usually covers aircraft systems, engines, avionics, and flight control systems. Students in these courses also learn how to troubleshoot and repair aircraft components.
DGCA approves only 51 institutes in India to offer specialized courses/programs in Aircraft Maintenance. Other unapproved institutes also offer the same courses; a few offer certificate and undergraduate courses.
Click here to know the list of DGCA-approved Institutes offering DGCA-approved Aircraft Maintenance courses. This list also includes the aircraft maintenance engineering colleges in India approved by DGCA.
Aircraft maintenance engineering Course fees
Several aircraft maintenance engineering colleges in India offer this course. The fee is generally around Rs. 4 lakhs for the entire duration. However, the fees charged by different colleges may vary.
The cost of aircraft maintenance engineering in India can vary depending on the type of school you attend and the length of your program.
Aircraft maintenance engineering fees for the two years course cost INR 3 to 7 lakhs in India in.
Furthermore, the average cost of aircraft maintenance engineering fees in the United States is expected to be around $22,000.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Career FAQs
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), also named a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, is a licensed person who carries out and certifies aircraft maintenance. The International Civil Aviation Organization recognizes the license’s widespread internationally. Read more to learn about the aircraft maintenance engineer career and job opportunities.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a lucrative career option. This is the golden era for those who desire to build their career as an AME. After getting AME License, successful candidates had wider opportunities for placement in various Govt. / Private.
An individual must obtain a Licence from the National Aviation Authority to become an Aircraft engineer. But the procedure to become an Aircraft engineer might differ from country to country depending on the national Aviation Authority policy.
It is a licensing course within which, after its successful completion, DGCA issues a Licence as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Average Base Salary for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India INR 728,188
Average Base Salary for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in the USA $70,539
