Why Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a Great Career Choice

For those eager to break into the aviation sector, a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is both rewarding and in high demand. While it doesn't involve aircraft design, piloting, or aerospace engineering, it offers many advantages, including job stability, career growth, and the satisfaction of ensuring aviation safety.

The Role of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for maintaining and improving aircraft to ensure their safety and functionality. They manage the upkeep, repair, and control of aviation instruments and related parts, ensuring the aircraft's continued airworthiness. This includes setting up engine controls and performing exhaustive testing to guarantee peak performance. Given the complexity and precision required, this role demands technical expertise, manual dexterity, and integrity.

Aerospace technology has evolved, and aircraft are becoming more sophisticated, with systems that require careful attention to detail. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers specialize in various areas such as engines, airframes, mechanical components, hydraulics, and more. Their work is crucial for the safe operation of jets, helicopters, and other aircraft. Their duties require keen problem-solving skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of safety and performance.

Key Responsibilities and Skills Required

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's primary responsibilities include fixing problems, conducting thorough inspections, and performing upgrades and repairs on aircraft. They also have the critical task of certifying that an aircraft is safe for flight before take-off, ensuring all systems are fully operational. To stay current with advancements in aviation technology, AMEs must continually update their knowledge on the latest maintenance techniques and innovations.

Precision and commitment to safety are essential. Engineers utilize specialized tools to diagnose faulty parts and ensure all components meet safety standards. The role also requires a deep understanding of aircraft systems and mechanics, including hydraulics, engine mechanics, and avionics.

Steps to Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

To become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, candidates need to have strong foundational knowledge in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, typically through a 10+2 program from an accredited school, or a 3-year engineering diploma in electrical, electronics, mechanical, and aeronautical. After that, aspiring engineers must pursue an AME course from a DGCA-approved institution, which provides the essential theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed for the role.

India’s aviation sector is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and any institution offering AME training must adhere to DGCA guidelines. After completing the necessary course and practical training, candidates must pass the DGCA certification exams to become licensed AMEs.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps an aspiring student follows to become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India through Sha-Shib Group of Institutions:

• Educational Qualifications: Complete higher secondary education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or earn a 3-year engineering diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Aeronautical Engineering.
• Admission to a DGCA-Approved Institution: Enroll in a Sha-Shib Group CAR 147 institution approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Sha-Shib Group has nine DGCA-approved AME Institutes across India.
• Completion of DGCA Modules: While at the Sha-Shib Group's CAR 147 institution, students must successfully pass all DGCA module exams outlined in CAR 66.
• Gaining Practical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience by working at a DGCA-approved CAR 145 Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organization. Sha-Shib Group operates 13 MRO bases and subbases in India, along with collaborations with other organizations.
• Further Training and Examinations: As students accumulate maintenance experience, they continue with additional exams, on-the-job training, and vivas related to the aircraft category they specialize in.
• Eligibility for AME Licence: After completing the required modules, acquiring sufficient maintenance experience, and passing all necessary exams and vivas, students are eligible to apply for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license from the DGCA.
• Issuance of Licence: Once all requirements are met, students will receive their AME licence.

Training and Certification

The AME training program focuses on equipping students with hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, preparing them for a career in the aviation industry. By passing the required modules and meeting the DGCA’s certification criteria, graduates gain the qualifications needed to pursue employment opportunities in airlines, MRO facilities, or government-run aviation programs. Once enrolled in a DGCA-approved CAR 147 institution, students must pass all DGCA module exams under CAR 66 and gain hands-on maintenance experience at a DGCA-approved CAR 145 (MRO) organization. After completing the required modules and maintenance experience, students will undergo necessary exams, on-the-job training, and viva based on the aircraft category, leading to the issuance of their AME license.

During their training, students can take on roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Manager, Workshop Maintenance Manager, Quality Manager, Continuing Airworthiness Manager, Planning Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Technical Officer, and Store Inspector, as per regulations.

After three years of training, AME students evolve from beginners to skilled professionals. With cognitive growth, practical expertise, and technical proficiency gained during their training, they are well-prepared for success in DGCA AME exams. These achievements make them highly sought-after candidates in the aviation industry.

Career Opportunities and Growth

Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India opens up numerous career opportunities in the expanding aviation sector. With airlines planning to expand their fleets and the government’s push for more airports, the demand for qualified AMEs is set to grow. AMEs can explore multiple career paths, from routine maintenance tasks to more specialized roles in system design or troubleshooting.

This career not only offers an exciting and diverse range of tasks but also provides room for growth and promotion. With hands-on experience, AMEs can progress to managerial or supervisory roles, ensuring the ongoing safety and operational efficiency of the aviation industry.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, thereby presenting abundant career opportunities amidst the industry's dynamic evolution. Here are some of the vacancies available for AMEs.

• Personnel for Certifications of Aircraft Maintenance. 
• Personnel for Supporting the Aircraft Maintenance    Activities. 
• Personnel for Component Maintenance and Overhaul. 
• Personnel for Aircraft System Specialisation. 
• Personnel for Airworthiness Management. 
• Personnel for Ensuring Quality Control Standards of   Aircraft Maintenance. 
• Personnel for Maintenance Planning and Their Progress Chasing. 
• Personnel for Management of Aircraft Components, Tools, Spare Parts, Testing Equipment and Consumables in the Aircraft Store. 
• Personnel for Associating with Design, Production, and Manufacturing Activities of Aircraft and Its Components. 
• Personnel for Associating with Aircraft Cabin Maintenance and Ground Equipment Maintenance Activities. 
• Personnel for Managing Aircraft Induction and Lease Return Activities. 
• AME Personnel During Future Initiative Can Choose Their Career as Government Officers, Upon Fulfilling Other Requirements of Recruitment. 
• Capacity building for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Airworthiness Management Staff

Employment Opportunities

In the ever-evolving aviation industry, licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are essential for maintaining aircraft safety and reliability.

• All Domestic Airlines
• Private Limited Companies
• Government Agencies
• Non-Scheduled Operation Permits (Charter Airlines)
• Public Sector Undertakings
• All State Government Aircraft
• Helicopter Companies
• Technical Publications
• MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Organisations)
• Drone Companies
• Other Aviation Industries

Such as Air India, Akasa Air, Indigo, Vistara, Air Asia, GMR, Indamer, Indocopters, Fly Big, Airworks, Trans Maldivian Airlines, Bharat Aviation, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Cathay Pacific, BSF Air Wing, Malaysia Airlines, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa etc.

 Job Profiles:

• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
• Certifying Staff
• Post Holders:
• Accountable Managers
• Aircraft Maintenance Managers
• Workshop Maintenance Managers
• Quality Managers
• Continuing Airworthiness Managers
• Training Managers
• Examination Managers

Support Staff:

• Senior Aircraft Technicians
• Aircraft Technicians
• Junior Technicians
• Senior Technical Officers
• Technical Officers
• Junior Technical Officers

A career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is both challenging and fulfilling, offering the chance to work on some of the most advanced technology in the world while contributing to the safety and efficiency of air travel. For anyone passionate about aviation and engineering, the AME profession promises excellent job prospects, continuous learning, and an opportunity to be part of the booming aviation industry in India. With the right training, certification, and skills, you can start a rewarding career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and be an integral part of the future of aviation.