AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) is responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is flight worthy i.e. working properly before each flight. The safety, proper maintenance and airworthiness (fit for flight) of the aircraft and its passengers rest on the shoulders of the AME. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) inspects, services, performs minor repairs, major repairs and overhauls of civil aircraft and certifies whether the aircraft is fit for flight. The AME is authorised to certify its fitness to fly by means of an AME licence issued by the Government of India for the maintenance and repair of aircraft. The Indian licence is valid internationally in all ICAO signatory countries. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are highly paid professionals around the world.

Eligibility for Admission in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

The minimum qualification for admission to AME course is qualifying in:

  • 10+2 Pre-Degree/Intermediate or equivalent with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry OR
  • Diploma in Engineering (Aeronautical Engineering, EE, ECE, MEEE).

AME’s Lifestyle, Job Opportunities and Salary

  • All airlines, aircraft operators, maintenance and repair workshops and a large number of government organisations employ Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. An AME is the backbone of the aviation industry. They are highly trained for the maintenance and repair of highly complex aircraft. It is a job of high responsibility and highly paid.
  • AMEs having B 1.1 or B licence on Airbus 320 AME get around 2.2-3.5 lakh per month. 70,000/- to 90,000/- per month on A 320/Boeing 737 with A Category “A” licence holder and among other perks depending on airline policy.
  • As part of the perks, airline and medical tickets for the self and family are usually free. You also get to wear airline uniforms and stripes. Distinctive look gives you a special aura.

How to become an AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer)

Training for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence consists of 2400 hours of DGCA approved training program at a DGCA approved training school. AME School conducts semester exams and issues course completion certificates. The licence exam is conducted by DGCA.

Get a job:

1. One can seek employment in any airline in India or abroad after two years of training in an AME school approved by DGCA. Chances of getting a job are directly linked to clearing the DGCA module. Passing more modules means more chances of getting a job and higher salary. You do not need to go through further airline training to obtain a job.

2. Works as technical support staff for one year. After one year, if one has passed the requisite DGCA module, he/she can be granted CAT ‘A’ licence and designated as Junior AME. After working as CAT ‘A’ licence holder he/she is eligible for type rating course and B1.1 or B2 licence and works as AME.

NB Please note that getting a job is different from getting a license.

Duration of Training:

The duration of training in the institute is 2400 hours which is to be completed in 2 years. Out of this the training was conducted at 2400 hrs. at 2050 hrs. The training will take place in the classroom and lab in AME school and in 350 Hrs. The training will take place in an actual maintenance environment on the aircraft operating in the airline or at the MRO.

Star Aviation has tied up with Air India Engineering Services Limited and Go Air for 350 hours. Training.

Experience Requirements:

The total aviation experience requirement for obtaining a B1.1 or B2 licence as per Aircraft Rules 61 and CAR 66 is four years.

  • Two years of training at AME School is attributed to the Aircraft Maintenance Experience.
  • Two years experience can be gained by working as a paid employee or a paid apprentice in an airline.
  • The airline does not provide this two years experience with a fee.
  • There is no need for further training by paying an airline for this two years experience.

DGCA Module Requirements:

To obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence in:

  1.  B 1.1 category students need to pass the 11 module exam.
  2.  B2 category students need to pass a 10 module exam.

Category “A” Licence:

One can apply to DGCA for Category “A” licence after completing two years training and requisite modules and one year additional aircraft maintenance experience for B 1.1 category licence. This licence can be given to its holder by the Limited Certification Authority and it normally entitles its holder to a salary of 70-90 thousand per month.

B1.1 and B2 Licences:

Can be deputed by an airline to undergo B1.1 or B2 full course after working as a Category “A” licence holder for one year or after passing required modules and having a total four years of aircraft maintenance experience Is. A B1.1 or B2 licence is obtained after successful completion of a B1.1 or B2 course and a skill test.

A B1.1 or B2 licence authorises its holder to have a full scope certification authority on the aircraft listed therein.

Current Industry Norms on Salary:

Under Airbus 320/Boeing 737 licence generally you get a salary of 2.2 to 3.5 lakhs per month.

Star Aviation offers AME courses in two streams:

Star Aviation Academy is authorised by DGCA under CAR 147 (Basic) to provide AME training as per CAR 66 syllabus, for obtaining Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Licence in various categories prescribed by DGCA. AME licence is issued by DGCA when the student has passed the module examination conducted by DGCA and has gained relevant practical experience.

AME Category B1.1 (Turbine Powered Aircraft):

To maintain and repair all mechanical systems, aircraft structures, airframes, engines, engine control systems, fuel systems, landing gear systems, hydraulic systems, aircraft control surfaces and their associated actuating systems on aircraft rated in the B1.1 category Is responsible. Cabin, air conditioning and pressurisation. He is in charge of the aircraft while the aircraft is on the ground and all work on the aircraft is done under his supervision, most of the systems in modern aircraft are controlled by computers. They may also be given a limited range of authority over avionic systems.

B2 (Avionics):

An AME rated in the B2 category is responsible for maintaining all avionic systems on an aircraft in a state of airworthiness. These systems include power systems, power generation, distribution and control, instrumentation systems, navigation, attitude indication, airspeed and altitude indication systems, radio navigation, radio communication systems, radar systems, emergency warning systems, advanced digital communication systems. These systems are computerised in modern aircraft. He may also be given authorization of limited scope on mechanical systems.

Star Aviation’s best results in module exams:

We have consistently had the best results in the module examinations conducted by DGCA.

Why Star Aviation Academy:

  • Star Aviation Academy is the best institute for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical B1.1 and B2 Avionics Stream) in India.
  • We have consistently best results in AME licence exams conducted by DGCA
  • Excellent apprenticeship placements and regular placements.
  • About 80% of our batches that passed in 2020 have already been placed in airlines. The other 20% have been interviewed by an aviation industry leader and are expected to be placed soon.
  • Practical training on Air India and GoAir Airbus 320 aircraft at Delhi airport.
  • Being trained in most modern Airbus 320 aircraft and passing the DGCA module exam ensures employment after training/study.
  • Our results in the AME Licence Module examinations conducted by DGCA are almost twice the all India average. In February 2020 exam also, our results are all India best.
  • The training progress of each individual student is monitored by the Chief Instructor and Director.
  • Individual care is given to the students in case of health related problems. They are provided 24×7 medical care.

Job Scope of AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer)

There are excellent career scopes for AMEs to brighten their career in the aviation industry. After completing the course, students can apply for jobs in 300+ companies. To mention a few of them, these are scheduled airlines, non-scheduled operators, maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations, technical publishing companies, DGCA, civil aviation department, AAI, BSF, state governments, aircraft manufacturers, aircraft parts manufacturers, aircraft components. Repair Workshops, Training Schools, Flying Training Schools etc.

Responsibilities of AME

  • AME is an act of high responsibility and dignity as it is concerned with the well being and safety of life of hundreds of passengers and very expensive aircraft. Before taking off, it is the responsibility of the licensed AME to certify them for their airworthiness and if the aircraft is defective, he is responsible for troubleshooting and rectifying the problem and then certifying it for flight fitness.
  • Safety is a very important factor when it comes to aircraft. An aircraft is a high-tech machine made up of thousands of instruments, parts, engines, avionics systems and uses the latest technologies. Over time and use, parts wear out and break down, thus regular inspection and maintenance of the aircraft is essential. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer specially trained to inspect an aircraft, diagnose problems, make repairs, component replacements, report found problems, rectify problems and certify the aircraft to be fit for flight is done.

Degree Required:

  • AMEs are in great demand. A license is a government authority vested in a person to certify aircraft. One does not have to have a formal bachelor’s degree to get a job in aircraft maintenance engineering.
  • AME is a full time course and requires 100% dedication. Generally the rules do not allow two full-time courses, such as AME and BSc, simultaneously.

Medical Standards for Admission to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering must be a student

  1. Medically fit
  2. no colour or night blindness
  3. no fit/epilepsy
  4. Certificate from a doctor having MBBS qualification is required.

International Validity of Indian Licence:

Indian AME licence is valid in ICAO signatory countries (192 countries). The Indian AME licence entitles its holder to all privileges for an EASA licence of the same nomenclature. India is a signatory to the 1944 Chicago Convention and hence all Indian licences are recognized in all ICAO signatory (193) countries. A person is eligible to work in foreign airlines/maintenance repair organisations on the strength of Indian AME licence.