India is one of the fastest developing countries in the world. Due to the liberalization policies of the government, there is tremendous growth in civil aviation. Many private airlines and corporations viz., Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Air Deccan are operating today with very good operating revenues. To meet the growing need of the passenger airlines, cargo aircrafts, private air taxi operators, business and corporate jets, there exists an urgent need for aircraft maintenance engineers. Aircraft maintenance engineering could be a very exciting career if you are looking for something other than medicine and regular engineering courses. The aviation industry has two main branches: flying branch and maintenance branch. While pilots fly the aircraft, aircraft maintenance engineers are concerned with the maintenance of the aircraft. An aircraft maintenance engineer has to obtain a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

About AME

During the training, lessons are imparted for service and maintenance of aircraft so as to ensure flight safety. A three-year aircraft maintenance engineering license training course is being offered by several institutes approved by the DGCA. Those who have passed the Plus Two examinations with 50 per cent marks in aggregate in physics, chemistry and mathematics or a three-year diploma course in any branch of engineering or B.Sc. degree holders after Plus Two with math’s, physics and chemistry are eligible for admission to AME training courses. There is no gender discrimination in admission. Boys and girls can seek admission. This training course in rigorous and only a few institutes offer training on heavy aircraft and jet engines. Total training cost will be around Rs.1.5 lakh. The first year of AME training provides basic information about aircraft rules and regulations. In the second year, students learn general engineering and maintenance. The subjects taught include aerodynamics or theory of flight, metallurgy, electronics, handling sophisticated equipments and practical work in machine rooms and on aircraft engines. In the third year, the study focuses on specific areas like light aircraft, heavy aircraft, piston engines, jet engines or helicopters. Apart from this, trainees are required to undergo structural aircraft type courses in mechanical or avionics stream. After successful completion of the training program, the trainees will get a basic aircraft maintenance training certificate. This is followed by an examination conducted by the DGCA. Those who qualify the examination will be awarded a license. The three-year training is sufficient for a candidate to appear for the aircraft maintenance licensing examinations. After getting the DGCA- AME license, one is required to obtain regulatory license or approval on a type of aircraft. If it is an Airbus or Boeing, one has to obtain an individual license to service that particular type of aircraft. Aircraft maintenance engineers are authorized to inspect the aircraft and certify its fitness.

Jobopportunities

Those who successfully complete the training and obtain DGCA s license are eligible to get jobs in airports and aircraft manufacturing or maintenance firms with an attractive salary. As more and more airlines start operations in the private sector, there will be an increase in demand for aircraft maintenance engineers and mechanics.