AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) is responsible to ensure that the aircraft is airworthy i.e. operating properly or not before each flight. The safety, proper maintenance and airworthiness (Fit to fly) of aircraft and thus safety of its passengers is responsibility of AME. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) inspects, services, carries out minor repairs, major repairs and overhauls civil aircraft and certifies whether the aircraft is fit to fly or not. AME Licence is issued by Government of India. An AME is authorised to carry out maintenance repair and certification of aircraft listed in his licence. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are highly paid professionals worldwide.
Indian AME license is valid internationally in all (193) ICAO signatory countries
Star Aviation Academy is authorised by DGCA under CAR 147(Basic) to provide AME training as per CAR 66 syllabus. This syllabus is laid down by DGCA to obtain Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence in various categories. AME licence is issued by DGCA after the student has passed module examination conducted by DGCA, obtained requisite practical experience and passed skill test. He should also be medically fit.
AME rated in B1.1category on the aircraft is responsible for maintaining and repairing all mechanical systems i.e. structure of aircraft, airframe, engines, engine control systems, fuel system, landing gear systems, hydraulic system, Aircraft control surfaces and their related actuating systems, cabin, air-conditioning and pressurization. He is in-charge of aircraft while the aircraft is on ground and all work on aircraft is carried out under his supervision. Most systems in modern aircraft are controlled by computers. He is required to have knowledge of such computer systems also. He may also be given limited scope authorisation on Avionic systems also.
An AME rated in B2 Category is responsible for maintaining all avionic systems on an aircraft in airworthiness condition. These systems include Electrical systems, generation, distribution and control of electricity, Instrument systems, Navigation, attitude indication, airspeed and altitude indication systems, Auto pilot system, radio navigation, radio communication systems, RADAR systems, emergency warning systems, Advanced digital communication systems, Collision avoidance system, Ground proximity warning system, precision approach, auto landing system etc . These systems are computerised in modern aircraft. He may also be given limited scope authorisation on Mechanical systems (B1.1) also.
Safety of aircraft and passengers is the most important factor in aviation. An aircraft is a high technology machine made of thousands of components, parts, engines, avionics systems and uses latest technologies. With time and use, parts tend to wear and tear down. Hence, regular inspection and maintenance of aircraft are necessary. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is specially trained to inspect an aircraft, diagnose problems, carry out repairs, component replacements, report the problems found, rectify the problems and keep it fully serviceable and certify the aircraft for being fit-to-fly.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a job of high responsibility and dignity as it deals with well being and protection of life of hundreds of passengers and very costly aircraft. Before a flight take off, it is the responsibility of licensed AME to inspect and certify the aircraft for its airworthiness. If the aircraft has some defect, he is responsible for troubleshooting and rectifying the problem and then certify its fitness-to fly.
All airlines, all civil aircraft operators, maintenance and repair workshops and large number of Government organisations employ Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. AME’s are backbone of aviation industry. They are highly trained and motivated to maintain, repair and certify highly complex aircraft. This is a job of high responsibility. Therefore, this job is also highly paid.
An AME having B1.1 or B2 licence on Airbus 320 gets about Rs. 2.2-3.5 Lakh per month. A Category “A” Licence holder on A 320 gets between Rs. 70,000/- to 90,000/-per month. AME is also entitled to perks as per airline policy.
Perks normally involve free air tickets for self and family, free medical and stay in top hotels while on duty. You also get to wear Airline uniform and stripes on your shoulder. Distinctive look gives you a special aura.
There is excellent career scope for AME in aviation industry. After completion of course students can apply in 300+ companies for the jobs. To mention a few of them, these are Scheduled Airlines, Non Schedule operators, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Organisations, Technical Publication Companies, DGCA, Civil Aviation Department, AAI, BSF, State Governments, Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Parts Manufacturers, Aircraft Component Repair workshops, Training Schools, Flying Training Schools etc.
DGCA has prescribed 2400 Hours training for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering licence in DGCA approved AME School. AME School conducts semester/Phase examinations and issues Certificate of Recognition as authorised by DGCA. The license Examination (Module Examinations) are conducted by the DGCA.
The duration of training at the institute is 2400 hrs. to be completed in 2 years. Out of this 2400 hrs. organised training 2050 Hrs. training will be in class rooms and labs in AME School. 350 Hrs. training will be in actual maintenance environment on operational aircraft in an airline or at MRO.
Star Aviation has tied up with Air India Engineering Services Limited and GMR Aero for 350 Hrs. training.
a) Total Aviation Experience requirement to obtain B 1.1 or B2 license is four years as per Aircraft Rule 61 and CAR 66 for students who have passed two years AME training in DGCA approved AME school. Two year training period is credited towards Aircraft Maintenance Experience.
b) Thereafter one has to gain two years’ practical aircraft maintenance experience. This two years’ experience can be obtained by working in an Airline as paid employee or as apprentice or working on operational aircraft with any operator or MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility.
N.B. There is no requirement of two year training after the training at AME School.
For obtaining Aircraft Maintenance Engineering License in:
B1.1 category students will have to clear 11 modules of DGCA Module examinations.
B2 category students will have to clear 10 modules of DGCA examinations.
After completing two year training and requisite modules for B1.1 category of licence and one year additional Aircraft Maintenance Experience one can apply to DGCA for Category ”A” Licence. With this licence one may be given limited certification Authority to its holder and normally entitles its holder to a salary of Rs. 70-90 thousands per month.
After having worked as Category “A” licence holder for one year for B1.1 or having passed requisite modules and having total four years’ Aircraft Maintenance Experience for B2, one may be deputed by the airline to undergo B1.1 or B2 Type Rating full course. Successful completion of B 1.1 or B2 Course is followed by Skill Test. After passing skill test one gets B1.1 or B2 Licence.
B1.1 or B2 licence authorizes its holder Full Scope certification authority on the aircraft listed therein.
Present Industry norm on Salary:
An Airbus 320 licence holder AME is normally paid Rs. 2-2.25 Lakh per month.
Eligibility for Admission into Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
The minimum qualification for admission to the course is a pass in
The student will have to produce a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner with minimum MBBS qualification to certify that he / she has no physical disability, normal color vision, no night vision defect, no hearing defect and does not suffer from Fits.
Indian AME Licence is valid in ICAO signatory countries (193 countries). Indian AME Licence entitles its holder to all privileges as for EASA licence of the same nomenclature. India is signatory to Chicago Conference of 1944 and hence all Indian licences are recognised in all ICAO signatory (193) countries. On strength of Indian AME licence a person is eligible to work in foreign Airlines/Maintenance Repair Organisations.
Indian Licence versus EASA licence from outside European Union
An EASA licence if done outside EU is not valid in EU. Validity of Indian AME licence and such EASA licence is same. However, Indian AME licence can be done at a fraction of cost of EASA licence. One may refer to EASA charter and relevant rules on International Co-operation on https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/regulations/mutual-recognition
Following factors may be considered:
1. DGCA approval.
2. You should select an AME School based on its performance in DGCA module examinations in past. Good results in Module examinations lead to better employment for students. Schools may publish their Module results on their website. Please check the result on school website.
3. Quality and adequacy of Class Rooms and Workshops.
4. Access and transportation if you are day scholar.
5. Hostel facility.
The few steps from aircraft to car after successfully repairing an aircraft are the ones I have enjoyed most in my life. It gives one distinct satisfaction when an aircraft, which he has repaired, takes to the sky. The relief and gratitude you see in the eyes of passengers of a flight delayed due technical reasons is to be seen to be believed. They see a savior in the AME who has successfully repaired the aircraft. On many occasions passengers have actually come and thanked me even though I was just doing my duty.
This profession gives you work satisfaction every time. Work is properly quantified and allows objective self-assessment of oneself.
AME course is neither B.Sc not B.Tech course. It is a course which leads to Licence of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer from Govt. of India. BSc is a three year course and B.Tech is four year course. AME course is of two year duration. Most of students get jobs in AME line after passing two year course. Probability of getting job is directly related to passing AME Module exams held by DGCA. For an AME licence holder BSc or B.Tech degree is not necessary for progression in his career as AME.