AME – The thriving engineers of aviation

Aviation is a rapidly growing industry in India, which has mushroomed heavily as compared to other industries in the recent times. Of the many important sections it comprises, Aircraft maintenance is an inseparable component of this thriving field. All its operations comprise separated categories for the apt maintenance of its complex work.

Aircraft maintenance engineering (AME) involves implementation of operations and inspections. It involves educating the engineers about the examination, analysis and maintenance of aircraft bodies, all of which are intensive processes.

Roles & responsibilities

While pilots ensure safe flying of the aircrafts, maintenance engineers ensure quality examining and servicing of air machines as per the standard Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules. Abiding by the regulations the engineers ensure due safety of the passengers and crew. Among the noteworthy tasks for which the AMEs get apt training include:

• Timely inspection of all the aircraft parts.

• Checking the aircraft for the probable faults and changes before taking off.

• Repairs and overhauls of the aircraft in scheduled hours or cycles.

• Regular servicing and maintenance of the aircrafts on monthly basis or flight cycles.

• Readily available for any urgent need on specific mechanics may happen anytime.

• Regular checking, lubricating and replacing the necessary components of the machines.

• Using specialized tools like power tools, diagnosing machines and other specialized instruments to execute their tasks

• Working on long hours and comprehensive processes, as per the demand of the job

• Strictly abide by the DGCA rules during emergency hours and repairs.

Requirements for the aircraft maintenance engineer

Often termed as aircraft technicians, Maintenance engineers ensure safety of the crew and aircraft. For this, they need to qualify the requirements to pass in this field. A person can choose to enrol in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) after passing a certain level of education. After qualifying the valid education and testing, the engineers get the due license. They need to probe into aircraft parts based on their certification and level of ratings by the DGCA.

Eligibility criteria

• More than 18 years
• Proficient in English
• Education-Plus two with Physics and Maths as background
• Any degree in engineering

Professional requirements

• Completed training as Aircraft maintenance engineer

• DGCA approved certificate

• Practical experience in power plants, aviation sector, etc.

• Valid license from DGCA

Recruitment for the post of engineers takes place in two streams. Based on the complexity of the aircraft, mechanical stream and avionics stream are categorised.

 After getting a successful license from DGCA, one can expect a higher salary package in the aviation stream. The salary starts somewhere from Rs.2 lakhs in India, after successful training of the engineers and keeps on increasing with the experience.