AME
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, often referred to as AMEs, play a vital role across the aviation industry, serving in various facilities dedicated to the maintenance of aircraft, including light, rotary, and large commercial planes. These skilled professionals hold licenses that enable them to perform scheduled maintenance activities and certify an aircraft’s airworthiness. They are responsible for tasks such as installing, repairing, troubleshooting issues, conducting inspections, and implementing upgrades across a spectrum of aircraft components, including engines, airframes, airframe systems, electrical systems, instrument and radio systems, as well as aircraft structures. Before every takeoff, an AME is responsible for endorsing the certificate of fitness, ensuring that no aircraft departs without the engineer’s certification.
In India, there are 64 DGCA approved training institutions for AMEs. The DGCA CAR 66 outlines the specific requirements and details for individuals seeking to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License. This license holds international recognition and is acknowledged by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), providing individuals with the opportunity to pursue their careers in aviation maintenance across the globe.
Specialization
AME (Mechanical)
Overhauls, inspection and repairs of airframe and engine components, landing gears, wheels and brakes, fuel, pressurization, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, flight control surfaces, propellers and rotor blades, transmissions, etc.
AME (Avionics)
Electronic instruments and radio systems, generator and power distribution systems, navigation, radar and integrated flight systems, indicating and recording systems, lighting systems, aircraft information systems, autopilot systems, fly by wire flight control systems, digital engine control systems, in-flight entertainment and cabin systems, and communication systems, etc.
Responsibilities
- Dismantle, inspect, repair and reassemble aircraft engines, airframe components and systems, electrical components and systems, avionic components and systems, and aircraft structures.
- Test aircraft communication equipment, instruments and electronic systems.
- Conduct routine pre-flight inspections.
Training Overview
TYPE – AME course is neither a degree nor a diploma course.It only comes with the License. Therefore, most institutes in India offer AME + BSc to fulfil Graduate degree.
DIVISION – There are 2 types of AME license A1 and B1.
- A1 is 2 years program (1 year academic + 1 year practical) – Also known as basic AME. Candidate can do basic scheduled maintenance.
- B1 is 4 years program (2 years academic + 2 years practical) – After attaining a type rating for a specific aircraft, candidate becomes complete AME and can carry our major maintenance.
EXAMS – With each year of the course, Candidate will be eligible to write basic AME license papers conducted by DGCA. Now you can work as a technician to gain further experience.
PRACTICAL TRAINING – Get job as a technician.Once you meet the required number of practical experiences mentioned by DGCA, clear the final License paper and Oral exams.
LICENSE – After completing the academic, practical and DGCA exams (initial and final plus oral), candidate will get AME License by DGCA. The license is valid in India as well as Overseas.
EMPLOYMENT – Candidates can work in Airlines, MRO, Aerospace companies, Flying clubs, Defense, Aviation training, Regulatory bodies like DGCA, etc.
Eligibility
Process
AME CET Exam
Apply for AME CET Test
Application form available between NOV – APR.
Exam consists of 90 MCQ.
Subjects – Physics, Chemistry Mathematics, English and General Awareness.
Language – both Hindi and English.
Medium – Online as well as Offline mode.
Marking – There is negative marking for incorrect answers. 4 marks are awarded for correct answers and 1 mark is deducted for incorrect answers.
Academics And Practical Training
Finish your Classroom course and pass basic DGCA exams. Get your practical experience. You will also be paid stipend during this period.
Admission And Course
On the basis of AME CET Test score, take admission in DGCA approved institute. Select course A1 or B1 and stream Avionics or Mechanical as per your preference. (B1 with Mechanical preferred)
Completion
After successful completion of the course, experience and DGCA exams, candidate will receive DGCA-AME License
Employment
Since it’s a universal license, candidate can choose between a wide range of AME employers in India and Abroad equally.
Pay
Entry level with less than 1 year of experience will get paid 50-100k per month.
Ground Training Modules
* Mathematics
* Electrical fundamentals
* Digital techniques electronic instrument system
* Maintenance practices
* Human factors
* Turbine airplane aerodynamics, structures and systems
* Piston airplane aerodynamics, structures and systems
* Helicopter airplane aerodynamics, structures and systems
* Aircraft aerodynamics, structures and systems
* Physics
* Electronic fundamentals
* Materials and hardware
* Basic Aerodynamics
* Aviation legislation
* Propulsion
* Gas turbine engine
* Piston engine
* Propeller
