Aircraft maintenance engineers – Exhibiting constant pace of growth

Internationally, the industry of aircraft maintenance is huge, and is all ready to expand in India as well. Arguably, India is among the fastest developing nations of the globe. Owing to the liberalization policies of Government, there is massive expansion in civil aviation here. Various private airlines such as Air India, Jet Airways, Air Deccan, and Indian Airlines are operating with extremely good operating revenues. 

In order to cater to the growing requirements of passenger airlines, private airbus operators, cargo aircrafts, and corporate jets, there is an urgent requirement of aircraft maintenance engineers in these airlines. Here is a detailed info on this topic.

Requirement of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

The aviation industry in India is expanding at a faster pace than ever with new and innovative aircrafts coming up with more and more air routes. Feeder lines are turning out to be viable and new operators are launching their airlines frequently. Besides huge network of domestic airlines, numerous international airlines are also operating via India at present. At the time of training session, these airlines provide apt service and maintenance lessons to the candidates to ensure flight safety. 

To be a part of this massively increasing industry as an aircraft maintenance engineer. All you need is to pursue a three-year AME training course from any of the various DGCA (General of Civil Aviation) accredited institutes. This will help you effectively in making a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, if you come out as a good student throughout.

The candidates after their Plus Two Exams and 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can apply for this course. They are eligible for admission in almost any AME Training Institute in India, and there is no sex discrimination during admission either. Since this training course is quite rigorous, only some institutes provide training about heavy aircraft and jet engines. Furthermore, to be an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, you have to acquire a license from DGCA. Thus, the AME certification is actually not a degree, rather a specific licensing program for maintenance of aircraft.

Responsibilities of Aircraft Engineers

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are accountable for maintenance, control, and repairing of particular aircraft instrumentation as well as its associated parts. Besides, they also get training as how to set up engine controls and investigate for the accurate functioning. The maintenance of contemporary aircrafts needs extremely high degree of mechanical knowledge, proficiency, capability, and veracity on part of fretful personnel. Usually, aircraft engineers are responsible to design, research, maintain, and manufacture aircrafts. They also work on every minute mechanical detailing aspect of aircraft, incorporating airframes, pneumatics, fuel and engine systems, and communication systems.

Remuneration of Aircraft Engineers

Carving out a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is quite impressive in terms of monetary prospects. In most of the airlines, the aircraft engineers get a gross salary of approximately 25,000 to 40,000 per month, which may go up to 1.20 lakhs or more, with experience.

Transform your life with Aeronautical Engineering Admission

Students wish to join aviation sector because flying plane and its technology fascinates them. Cockpit and engine designs are extremely complex and difficult to maintain. If you are interested in aircraft maintenance, you should apply for Aeronautical Engineering Admission in the top college of the country. However, make sure that you are totally fit and intuitive enough as the entry process to this course is tough. 

Eligibility criteria

Aeronautical Engineering requires the candidate has to meet certain eligibility criteria. Aspiring candidates should complete 10+2 with mathematics and science as main subjects. They need to score a minimum of 65% marks in PCM to become eligible for admission. The aspiring aircraft technician should understand the details of the aircraft. Air traffic has increased in recent time due to growth in business. After completing the course, aviation authorities grant the licensee to the students according to the rule 60 of the aircraft rules 1937.

The primary task of the AME is to repair the aircraft, replace the defective components, and carry out all modifications as well as inspections of the machine. Incompetent technicians cannot diagnose the faults and cause accidents mid air. Aircraft maintenance engineering colleges conduct courses under the guidance of extremely experienced and talented faculties. They have rich experience and knowledge of the working of aircraft. Instructors provide hands on training to the students and prepare them to clear the license examination successfully. 

Semesters and subjects

You may opt for Aeronautical Engineering Admission in mechanical or avionics stream depending on preferences. People interested in electronics subject may like to select the latter stream.

A technician certifies the aircraft to fly from source to destination. If experts find any defect in the engine or cockpit, they may not issue clearance. Therefore, the budding technician should have the necessary skill sets to solve the problem and conduct the regular upkeep of the aircraft. Engineers not only learn the basics but also study specialized subjects. They can complete the course in 6 semesters lasting for 3 years. In first semester, the students learn the electrical fundamentals and basics of aerodynamics. Instructors closely work with students to impart knowledge and key aviation concepts. They are building blocks to develop advanced knowledge and the skill sets. Future aircraft technicians also learn the different facets of aviation legislation. They should know the rules and regulations of the work place to avoid legal problems in the near future. 

The second semester incorporates subjects such as electrical fundamentals to understand the internal working of the aircraft. Students should also learn the fundamentals of the material hardware and role of the human factor to maintain the aircraft. 

Roles of an Aeronautical engineer

A top quality aviation engineer is perfectly capable to identify and solve the engine related problems. Institute conducts special courses on gas turbine and piston engines for the students. Trained experts explain in detail the functionalities of the aircraft and how different components work together to fly the machine. They also conduct sessions on the importance of propellers for the airplane and their effects on speed, take off and landing.

Top Jobs in Aviation in India

The aviation industry in India is expanding at a faster than ever before with traffic rising by more than 17% last year. The sector has the ability to yield a wide array of design, production, maintenance and management jobs. Owing to its great job generating potential, many people are showing interest in building career in aviation. Among the various top aviation jobs in India, a career in aircraft maintenance engineering can be highly lucrative.

In order to lend a boost to this career option, several colleges are offering aircraft maintenance engineering courses. Apart from AME courses, there are other courses that can also help you get into the aviation sector. If you wish to extract the benefits of working in the aviation sector, you can consider pursuing these courses. 

Aircraft Maintenance Jobs: A Few Facts to Know

The Indian aviation industry is expected to see an exponential growth in the next 10 years with multinational companies and several Indian agencies establishing Greenfield operations and enhancing their existing potentials. Huge investments are being made in the domains of aircraft manufacturing and engineering services creating ample job opportunities for the   Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.  The field has got excellent job scope though, to some extent, it depends on from which institute you have pursued the course. 

It is important to pursue the course from a well-acclaimed college as the reputed institutions have collaboration with top-notch aviation companies and thus, are able to offer good placements to their students.

Job Responsibilities of an Airplane Maintenance Professional in Detail

Wondering about what the job of an aircraft maintenance technician involves? The prime responsibility of the technician is to inspect and repair the airframe and aircraft engines. He is supposed to have the training and expertise needed for servicing electrical and hydraulic parts including fuel pumps, starters and generators. In order to acquire the skill, he should have pursued a course from an aircraft maintenance engineering college.

Aircraft maintenance professionals need to adjust pneumatic units and aircraft engines and diagnose the issues with them. They also need to install and uninstall aircraft components as and when needed. Other responsibilities of these engineers include repairing pilot static units and conducting regular preventive examinations before an airplane takes off. Unless the aircraft maintenance technicians approve and ensure a safe flight, an aircraft cannot take off. They inspect aircraft fuselage as well as landing gear for leakage. After inspection, they suggest the replacement of defective airplane parts so that it fulfils quality standards. 

Those who have chosen career in aircraft maintenance engineering usually need to work in airfields, aircraft repair stations and hangers.  They may be required to put on protective clothing to endure extreme temperatures and save themselves from harmful chemicals, huge power tools and loud noises.

Other Aviation Jobs

Other aviation jobs include aeronautical engineers, pilots and cabin crews. You need to pursue appropriate courses from well-known institutes to get into these jobs. Whether you choose a career in AME or dream to become a successful aeronautical engineer, you can be assured of a handsome salary. The salary usually increases with experience.

Pursuing a Career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

The civil aviation industry in India has witnessed a remarkable growth in recent times. With hundreds of cargo and passenger airplanes operating country-wide, aircraft maintenance business is enormous and still expanding, thus, enhancing the scope of professional growth for the aircraft aviation engineers. To train up the prospective engineers, several aircraft maintenance engineering colleges have been opened. Those who want to build up a career in the aviation industry can consider pursuing a course in aircraft maintenance engineering.

 What are the Job Responsibilities of an   Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

The prime responsibility of an aircraft maintenance engineer is to ensure that an aircraft is in working condition. From conducting inspections, making repairs, supervising scheduled maintenance, upgrading aircrafts to troubleshooting problems, an aircraft maintenance engineer needs to take care of everything. The professional needs to be ready to work for long hours if situation demands so. 

An airplane maintenance engineer needs to work with specialized aviation equipment, diagnostic tools, x-ray devices, power tools and computers. They may need to work on ladders or scaffolds. 

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering should not be Mistaken as Aerospace Engineering

Many people tend to mistake aircraft maintenance engineering with aerospace or aeronautical engineering, but they are not the same. While the aircraft maintenance engineering is all about maintaining and keeping an airplane in perfect working order, aerospace engineering involves designing and manufacturing airplanes. Prior to taking off, an aircraft needs approval from a certified airline maintenance engineer. The professional needs to inspect the airline and ensure that it is fit to take its flight safely. 

AME: A 3-Year Program

AME is a 3-year training course with 2 streams. They are: Avionics and Mechanical. While the former encompasses radio navigation, instrument and electrical systems, the latter deals with piston, jet engines, heavy and light aircrafts. Those who want to specialize in aircraft maintenance engineering should pursue the course from a reputed college. They need to search the internet to find out the list of best AME colleges and then know about the eligibility criteria set by each of these colleges. As AME is a licence-based program, one needs to sit for the Aircraft Maintenance Licensing Examination that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducts on completion of the 3-year course.

Job Opportunities

With so many airline companies running their flights in India, the career opportunities for airline maintenance engineers are ample. Again, with the introduction of new flights, the demand for AME professionals is increasing day by day. Looking from this perspective, one should not be worried about jobs on completion of AME. The students can consider joining the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance companies after completing the course.

Handsome Remuneration

AME jobs offer high remuneration to the employees. The salary increases with the increase in experience and can even reach up to lakhs. 

Colleges Offering AME Programs

As already mentioned, many colleges in India are now offering AME courses. One should do in-depth research on the internet to find out the list of best AME collegesand extract detailed information on them.Though the pre-requisite qualification needed to pursue the course is same in all the aircraft maintenance colleges, the admission criteria vary with colleges. The students need to make sure that the institute they have chosen for pursuing the course is a DGCA approved college.

One of the benefits of pursuing Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course from a reputed college is that the students get more job opportunities as most of these renowned institutions have collaboration with the top aviation companies. The total fee of the program varies according to the fame of the college and the services rendered during the course. 

Career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering: Is it Worth the Buck Spent?

Since the number of planes is increasing exponentially, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering consultants are also in demand to carry out the upkeep of the machines. They are skilled and understand the avionics as well as mechanical functioning of the aircraft to rectify the possible problems arising out of continuous flying. Due to the open sky policy of the government, many routes have become viable for the airlines. People are hopping on to the plane because the air travel has become cheap and the facilities during the journey are world class.

Who can apply?

In a true sense, the course spans across 3 years and does not in anyway resemble to the conventional engineering syllabus imparted by the college across the country. It is a licensed training course offered by the DGCA to the students. They need to appear for the exam to be certified by the organization. People who have completed 10+2 with science stream are eligible to apply for a Career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.  Even students with diploma can also join the course to provide valuable contribution in the aviation sector.

As far as the training sessions are concerned, they are quite rigorous with opportunities to work with different types of aircraft engines. Practical experience is extremely necessary to become a top-notch aircraft engineer. With the help of the taught concepts, you can resolve the real time problem related to the mechanical or avionics section of the aircraft.

The multifarious opportunities

People get many opportunities to do Aircraft Maintenance Engineering because of the presence of large number of domestic and international airlines in India. You can get valuable experience initially and then move on other companies located across different countries. As a trainee, students will get amazing options to work on top of the line aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

Generally, entry-level engineers do not need any certification however for advanced leadership positions you need to get license from the directorate of civil aviation. Total cost of the course is approximately 2 Lac Rupees. However, the benefits are manifold for the students because they can work in top corporations of the world at lucrative pay packages. 

Be very careful while selecting the institute for advanced course because there are many educational colleges that claim to provide the best training however some of them are not even recognized by DCA. You might end up paying money for the course, which is not valid and certified; therefore check the credentials of the institute before proceeding ahead with the selection.

In short, the aviation sector is growing at a very fast rate with each airline buying scores of aircrafts to expand operations on national and international routes. Considering this boom, rigorous training, with hands one experience in some of the top aviation machines of the world will provide you excellent exposure. It will go a long way in building successful career with tremendous job satisfaction. Analytical and problem solving skills further ensure that you can manage even the complex technical issues related to aircraft.

How to Pursue Your Career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?

If aircraft maintenance engineering has always fascinated you and you want to make your career in aircraft maintenance engineering, here is the deep insight which might be useful for you.

What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is often confused with aeronautical or aerospace engineering. These may belong to the same class of engineering but have a completely different course of work. While the aeronautical/aerospace engineers holding a B.Tech./B.E.degree are engaged in the task of designing and manufacturing aircrafts, the aircraft maintenance engineers deal with the repair and maintenance of the aircraft along with ensuring that it is in an ideal flying condition. Not a single aircraft can take a flight without the approval of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is so well trained in his profession that he or she can with the very sound of the aircraft name the aircraft with precision. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a three year long course and one must enrol only in those colleges that are approved by DGCA. On completion of this the candidate is issued a license by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This is the power of the career in aircraft maintenance engineering.

The two major streams of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering are the mechanical stream which comprises of jet and piston engines along with light and heavy aircrafts and the avionic stream which includes radio navigation, electrical and other instrumental systems.

Eligibility for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering 

If you are interested in building a career in aircraft maintenance engineering, you should pursue the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course which provides you the required training to become an AME and once the training program is complete, the candidates are required to appear for the aircraft maintenance license examination. Only after a license is issued to you by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are you declared a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. 

It is further noteworthy that the licences are issued for particular type of aircrafts and once issued it becomes mandatory for you to inspect only those aircrafts, the license for which you hold. For example, if you have been issued a license for the maintenance of Boeing planes, you are authorised to inspect only Boeing aircrafts.

Career prospects after Aircraft Maintenance Engineering 

Due to the specification of the work and the equal specification of the course, the Aircraft maintenance engineers often find jobs and make a good career in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Maintenance firms or at the airports. The Aircraft maintenance engineering students can also appear for and qualify for the Associate Membership of Aeronautical Society of India (AMAeSI) which is considered as an equivalent of any B.Tech or B.E. program by the Government of India. Also, those who qualify AMAeSI, become eligible for admission in M.Tech. From IIT’s which are the best option for any student aiming to become an engineer or the several other reputed universities through GATE. These highly qualified engineers can also find a respectable job in one of the various Private owned or Public Companies. They can also find job as engineers at BHEL, Private and Government airlines, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Coast Guard, among other renowned places.

Life as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

AME is both challenging and adventurous at the same time. If you are also attracted to the field, here is some insight on the life you probably would be having as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Working in the aerospace industry at any stage and at any point of time, understand that you form a part of one of the very important projects ever undertaken. Every single task that is performed in aircraft maintenanceengineering affects the lives of thousands of people who are going to board the plane.

Working hours:

While working as an aircraft maintenance engineer, one has to have the patience to survive long hours of work. There has to be an element of dedication, hard work and willingness to work. The scope in this industry is as good as any other. It is highly competitive and if you wish to remain in the rat race, you will have to work hard and there is also possibility that you during your career have to acquire further education and work on yourself.

The responsibility you are carrying on your shoulders:

 The responsibility on your shoulders is huge. You are expected to be available at any point of time during the day and night if there is an emergency. No season is an off season, you are expected to work at all times. Most of all, if any problem arises at all, you are required to fix it in as short a time as possible. You might have to multitask and finish a number of things in limited time too. Remember, the work is technical and serious to the level that the lives of a huge number of people are involved. So if anything goes wrong, you will be on the hook.

The pay scale is said to be enough to sustain you. This is an area where maximum effort is put into effectiveness and efficiency in terms of cost, so it is tried that they are kept as low as possible. Due to this reason the salaries in this area are not very high. But if you are a person who is utterly passionate about engineering and about aircrafts, you couldn’t have found for yourself a better field to work in.

The pros:

The good side of the coin is that you get to travel around the world several times and that too free of cost. Most people would kill to get a life like that. It is a profession where you are going to have to sweat but in the end be satisfied that the plane that those several people with their little children are going to board is safe and will have them landed safely to their loved ones.

Since the demand of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is only rising, the situation is only set to improve. Companies out there and the governments all around the world are trying to bring the rates down indefinitely but the contentment of working as an AME could not be affected by any actions of any person.

It goes unsaid that the job is hectic and will squeeze the light out of you but it’s an everyday challenge. Aircraft maintenance engineering is a challenge to keep all kinds of equipment in the plane air worthy and safe.