Who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | Complete Guide 2026
Who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer? A Complete Guide 2026
When someone hears the term Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) for the first time, the immediate curiosity that arises in their mind is about who they are and what they do. Every student, parent, and aspirant wants complete, well-detailed, and in-depth clarity about the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Profession and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Course Details before choosing it as a career. This includes understanding their job role, duties and responsibilities, importance in the industry, demand and value in the aviation sector, the difference between an AME and an Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineer, where exactly they work, whether the job is stable and growth-oriented, whether it is an internationally demanded profession, their future scope, and much more.
This guide answers every real question and curiosity surrounding the role of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer? (Simple but Detailed Explanation)
What exactly does an AME do?
As the name suggests, “Maintenance Engineer,” many people assume that an AME personally carries screwdrivers, wrenches, and spanners to work on the aircraft, just like a car or motorbike mechanic. But the reality is completely different. At the ground level, most of such hands-on mechanical work is carried out by Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, not by Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
One of the key roles of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is to supervise all ongoing maintenance activities performed by technicians and ensure that they are performed as per approved maintenance and certification standards. After the work is completed, an authorised licensed AME is responsible for certifying whether the aircraft is in an airworthy condition or not. Airworthy simply means fit to fly. Yes, there are situations where an AME may personally get involved in troubleshooting or perform maintenance tasks—especially when a technician is unable to resolve a critical issue(s). But in general, the core responsibility of a licensed AME is to inspect, supervise, verify, and finally certify that the aircraft is safe for takeoff.
Such a certification is one of the biggest responsibilities in any profession. People often say that doctors hold the most important responsibility because a single mistake in the operating theatre can cost a patient’s life. That is absolutely true. However, in the case of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, the level of responsibility becomes even larger. When an AME signs the Certificate of Release to Service (CRS), it means they are declaring that the aircraft will not face any technical problem from takeoff until the next landing. This assurance is given after detailed inspections and checks of every aircraft system from the nose to the tail section, strictly following an approved maintenance program and other maintenance data.
Just imagine the gravity of their work:
A doctor’s mistake may risk one life,
But an AME’s mistake may risk hundreds of lives on board, along with the possibility of the aircraft crashing into a residential area, endangering many more lives. Apart from the loss of human life, a modern aircraft costs hundreds of crores of rupees, making the responsibility even more critical.
This is why the role of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is considered extremely vital, highly responsible, and more crucial than many other professions, including that of a doctor. Their signature ensures the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself. In short, they are the actual Superheroes of the Aviation Industry.
Power of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
With the above explained gravity of the duty to prevent accidents and incidents, the Government of India has clearly mandated, under Rule 60 of the Aircraft Rules 1937 and the Aircraft Act 1934, passed by the Indian Parliament and harmonised with ICAO standards sates that every civil registered aircraft must be maintained strictly as per the approved maintenance standards and certified procedures. This applies to scheduled airlines, government operators, private airlines, non-scheduled operators, charter aircraft, business jets, and corporate fleets.
According to these rules, no aircraft can be released to service or take off without the approval and certification of an authorised, licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. This authority is not casually given; it is formally delegated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, under rule 61 of Aircraft Rule 1937 and Aircraft Act 1934 passed by the Indian Parliament and harmonised with ICAO standards.
As per these laws, only a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is empowered to certify the airworthiness of an aircraft. Even if someone holds a BE, B.Tech, ME, M.Tech, or even a PhD in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, they cannot certify an aircraft unless they are a DGCA-licensed AME.
In simple words:
The licence of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is far more important than a degree, master’s, or PhD—because aircraft safety is a licence-governed and safety-critical profession.
A perfect comparison is the profession of a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Just as no financial statement is legally valid without the signature of a licensed CA—regardless of who else holds academic qualifications in commerce or economics—similarly, no aircraft is legally permitted to fly unless it is certified by a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Even if the aircraft belongs to a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, business tycoon, or private owner, it cannot take off without the mandatory certification of a licensed AME. That is the true power, authority, and responsibility of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
In short, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is an indispensable profession of the aviation system. They are not an optional role—they are a mandatory, legally authorised safety professional whose signature determines whether an aircraft is released to fly. This authority is recognised by DGCA, the Government of India, and ICAO global standards.
What Are the Actual Activities an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Performs? (Real Day-to-Day Work)
One of the biggest misconceptions among AME aspirants is that Aircraft Maintenance Engineers spend their day working with spanners, wrenches, and screwdrivers—just like technicians. But the real work of an AME is far more specialised, regulated, and responsibility-oriented, which includes the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft, including any one or combination of overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, embodiment of a major and minor modification or repair, supervision, troubleshooting, compliance verification, maintenance planning, safety checks, certification of airworthiness etc.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work in two major maintenance environments: Line Maintenance and Base Maintenance, and the activities they perform depend on the licence category they hold, just like doctors who specialise in cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, radiology, etc. In aviation, AMEs also specialise in categories such as Mechanical, Avionics for specific aircraft types. Their licence determines what kind of maintenance they are authorised to perform and certify.
A. Line Maintenance – The Daily, On-Ground Operational Maintenance
Line Maintenance refers to the essential maintenance tasks performed while the aircraft is still in its routine operational environment, typically at airports between flights. These are activities that ensure the aircraft remains safe, serviceable, and ready for immediate operations.
Line Maintenance activities involve tasks such as:
Troubleshooting technical issues
Rectifying defects reported by pilots or detected by systems
Replacing components (sometimes even major ones like engines or propellers)
Performing daily inspections and visual checks
Ensuring no “obvious defects” exist before the next flight
Checking fluid levels, lubrication, and servicing
Verifying safety systems, lights, sensors, and indicators
Performing minor repairs and adjustments
These tasks do not involve extensive dismantling of the aircraft. Line maintenance is about keeping the aircraft fit and ready to fly safely, even with tight turnaround times.
Examples of Line Maintenance Tasks
These tasks are considered "simple" only for licensed and trained aviation professionals. They may include:
Wheel and brake unit replacement
Replacement of batteries
Replacement of lights (internal & external)
Replacement of emergency equipment
Replacement of ovens, boilers, and beverage makers
Replacement of wiper blades
Replacement of cabin seats, seat belts, or harnesses
Replacement of toilet system components
Replacement of static wicks
Routine lubrication of all system fluids and gases
Inspection and removal of de-icing/anti-icing residues
Closing and securing access panels and cowls
Rectifying small cabin defects
Activating or deactivating systems allowed by the Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
For helicopters, additional tasks include:
Installing/removing HEMS medical equipment
Installing/removing quick-release external equipment (cameras, searchlights)
Installing/removing external doors with quick attachments
Installing/removing skid shoes or snow pads
Line maintenance is like the daily health monitoring of the aircraft.
B. Base Maintenance – The Deep, Detailed, In-Depth Maintenance
Base Maintenance is the heavy and extensive form of aircraft maintenance. This is performed only inside specialised hangars and maintenance facilities, not at airport gates.
Base Maintenance involves:
Detailed structural inspections
Repairing internal components
Deep system testing
Scheduled checks such as A-Checks, C-Checks, and structural inspections
Overhauls and major component replacements
Maintenance activities requiring extensive dismantling
Base maintenance is like a hospital surgery or a full-body check-up for the aircraft. It requires more time, more manpower, and specialised tools. This type of maintenance ensures the aircraft stays airworthy in the long term, beyond daily operations.
Who Performs What? (Licence Categories Matter)
Just like the medical field, aviation maintenance has specialised roles.
For example:
A heart surgeon cannot perform brain surgery.
A dermatologist cannot perform neurosurgery.
Similarly, in aviation:
Mechanical licence holders work on Aircraft structures, engines, hydraulic systems, landing gear, and other mechanical areas.
Avionics licence holders work on electronics, instruments, navigation, and communication systems.
Every AME is authorised to perform only those tasks that fall under their licence category and aircraft type rating. This is why AME training is not just theoretical—it includes:
Live aircraft training
Practical workshop exposure
On-job training
Simulation-based troubleshooting
Hands-on practice with real aircraft components
DGCA examinations
Licensing procedures
In Short, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s day-to-day work is not just “opening the engine and fixing the aircraft.” It is a combination of:
Supervision
Technical inspections
Troubleshooting
Compliance verification
Maintenance planning
Component replacement
Safety checks
Certification of airworthiness
Their responsibility varies according to their chosen AME category and the type of aircraft they are licensed to maintain. This is why AMEs are trusted as specialised aviation doctors—certifying whether an aircraft is healthy enough to fly.
Types of AME Licenses (DGCA CAR-66 Categories)
Under DGCA’s CAR-66 regulations, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering licences are divided into specific categories that define what type of aircraft, systems, and maintenance tasks an engineer is authorised to certify. Each licence category represents a specialisation, ensuring only qualified professionals maintain and certify different types of aircraft.
Below is the complete list of DGCA CAR-66 licence categories:
(a) Category A — Line Maintenance Licence
Authorises the holder to certify simple line maintenance tasks that they have personally performed.
Sub-Categories:
A1 – Aeroplanes Turbine
A2 – Aeroplanes Piston
A3 – Helicopters Turbine
A4 – Helicopters Piston
(b) Category B1 — Mechanical (Airframe, Engine & Systems)
Authorises certification of mechanical systems, power plants, structures, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc.
Sub-Categories:
B1.1 – Aeroplanes Turbine
B1.2 – Aeroplanes Piston
B1.3 – Helicopters Turbine
B1.4 – Helicopters Piston
(c) Category B2 — Avionics (All Aircraft)
Covers all electrical, instrument, navigation, communication, autoflight, and avionics systems.
Applicable to all aircraft types.
(d) Category B2L — Avionics Licence with System Ratings
This category applies to aircraft other than Group 1 and offers a modular system-based licensing structure.
System Ratings under B2L:
Communication/Navigation (Com/Nav)
Instruments
Autoflight
Surveillance
Airframe Systems
A B2L licence must include at least one system rating.
(e) Category B3 — Light Aircraft
Applies to piston-engine, non-pressurised aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg MTOM. Used mostly in flying clubs, training aircraft, and small private aircraft.
(f) Category L — Sailplanes, Light Aircraft, Balloons & Airships
This licence covers special-category aircraft, including gliders, powered sailplanes, balloons, and airships.
Sub-Categories:
L1C – Composite Sailplanes
L1 – Sailplanes
L2C – Composite Powered Sailplanes & Composite Light Aircraft 1 (LA1)
L2 – Powered Sailplanes & Light Aircraft 1 (LA1)
L3H – Hot-Air Balloons
L3G – Gas Balloons
L4H – Hot-Air Airships
L4G – Light Aircraft 2 (LA2) Gas Airships
L5 – Gas Airships (Other than LA2)
(g) Category C — Base Maintenance Licence
Authorises the holder to certify base maintenance (heavy checks such as C-checks) on: Aeroplanes & Helicopters. This is a senior-level certification used in major maintenance organisations.
✅ Quick Summary Table
How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer? (Training Path)
Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India is a structured journey that combines thorough technical knowledge, DGCA-approved training, and real aircraft maintenance experience. If you're a student or parent trying to understand “How do I become an AME?”, here is the complete step-by-step guide in a simple, clear format.
Eligibility to Become an AME
To start your AME career, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification:Pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or complete a Diploma in Engineering.
- Medical Fitness:
- You must be physically fit (verified by an MBBS doctor).
- There should be no physical disability that affects technical work.
- Colour blindness must be absent, certified by an Eye Specialist.
These requirements ensure safety and accuracy in aircraft maintenance jobs.
Step-by-Step Training Path to Become an AME
1. Enrol in a DGCA-Approved AME Institute
Your AME journey begins by joining a DGCA-approved CAR-147 (Basic) institute. Here, you learn the fundamentals of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, aviation rules, and safety procedures through classroom sessions and hands-on workshops.
2. Clear DGCA CAR-66 Module Exams
Every AME student must pass the DGCA Module Exams based on the chosen licence category (A, B1, B2, B2L, etc.). These exams test your theoretical understanding of aircraft systems, engines, avionics, regulations, and maintenance practices.
3. Gain Practical Maintenance Experience
After passing the required modules, students must complete practical aircraft maintenance experience in a DGCA-approved CAR-145 Maintenance Organisation.
This experience includes tasks like component replacement, system inspection, troubleshooting, and defect rectification—under the supervision of licensed engineers.
4. Complete Required Skill Tests and Additional Training
Next comes type training, practical assessments, and skill tests as per DGCA CAR-66 guidelines. These assessments prove that you can perform aircraft maintenance tasks safely and independently.
5. Apply for and Obtain the AME Licence
Once you have completed your modules, practical experience, and skill tests, you can apply for your DGCA AME Licence. This licence officially authorises you to certify aircraft as airworthy—a highly responsible and respected role in aviation.
Final Summary
Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is a step-by-step process that blends theory, workshop training, and real aircraft experience. By following the DGCA-approved pathway, students develop the technical skills, confidence, and professional competence needed to work in the global aviation industry.
Where Do AMEs Work? (Work Environment Explained)
When students and parents wonder where an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer actually works, the answer is simple—AMEs work right where real aircraft operate. Their work environment is hands-on, technical, and directly connected to the safety and airworthiness of every flight. Whether it’s a domestic airline, a private jet operator, or an international aviation company, AMEs are present everywhere aircraft exist. AMEs are employed across a wide range of aviation organisations, including both government and private sectors. Their work settings include:
Key Workplaces of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
- Line Maintenance Bays at Airports
- Base Maintenance Hangars
- National Government Airlines
- Private Domestic Airlines
- International Airlines (Private & Government)
- State Government Aircraft Hangars
- Central Government Aircraft Hangars
- Aircraft Engine Maintenance Workshops
- Aircraft Component & Instrument Workshops
- Aircraft Battery Workshops
- MROs – Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Organisations
- AMOs – Approved Maintenance Organisations
- CAMOs – Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations
- CAOs – Combined Airworthiness Organisations
- FTOs – Flying Training Organisations
- BMTOs – Basic Maintenance Training Organisations
- MTOs – Maintenance Training Organisations
- NSOP Operators – Non-Scheduled Operators
- Aircraft Design Organisations
- Aircraft Manufacturing & Production Companies
- Technical Publication Departments
- Fueling & Ground Handling Organisations
- General Aviation Companies
A Day in the Life of an AME
Inside these workplaces, AMEs use high-precision tools, follow strict maintenance procedures, and work closely with pilots, technicians, and operations staff. Everything they do—from inspections to troubleshooting—directly ensures that the aircraft is safe for flight.
Do AMEs Work in Shifts?
Yes. Since aviation runs 24×7, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers also work in rotational shifts—just like medical, emergency, and essential services. Aircraft arrive, depart, or undergo maintenance throughout the day and night, so AMEs are always required on duty.
Career Scope & Demand for AMEs
The career scope of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is expanding rapidly as the aviation sector enters its strongest growth phase. India is currently:
- Developing multiple new airports under the UDAN and global connectivity programmes
- Recognised as the world’s fastest-growing air passenger market
- Witnessing airlines add new aircraft to their fleets
- Establishing several new MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) hubs
Since every aircraft requires continuous maintenance and mandatory certification, the demand for licensed AMEs increases with each aircraft added to service. This is not just limited to India. Countries like the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Germany, Malta, Ireland, the UK and the USA are already facing a shortage of skilled AMEs.
Result: The global aviation industry is experiencing a strong, long-term demand for qualified and licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Career Growth Path of an AME
An AME’s career growth is structured, progressive, and performance-driven. A typical pathway includes:
- Trainee / Intern
- Technician / Assistant Technician
- Junior AME
- Licensed AME
- Senior Licensed AME
- Quality Engineer / Safety Engineer / CAMO Engineer
- Maintenance Manager / Engineering Manager / Quality Manager
Many experienced AMEs also move into senior leadership roles, aviation consultancy, regulator positions, training roles, and international opportunities.
Is AME a Good Career for the Future?
Yes, AME is a high-value, future-proof career due to the continuous expansion of the aviation industry. With:
- Increasing airline fleets
- Rising domestic and international passenger demand
- Airport development across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- Shortage of licensed engineers globally
- Growing MRO sector
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers will remain in demand for decades to come. AME is a profession built on skill, responsibility, respect, global mobility, and long-term career stability.
✅ Conclusion
Choosing a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) means entering one of the most respected and high-responsibility professions in the aviation industry. AMEs are the backbone of aircraft safety, ensuring that every flight takes off and lands flawlessly. Their work combines technical expertise, precision, and decision-making, making them integral to global aviation operations.
With India becoming one of the fastest-growing aviation markets and worldwide demand steadily increasing, the future for licensed AMEs is exceptionally bright. Whether you dream of working on advanced aircraft, joining global airlines, or building a long-term aviation career, AME offers stability, growth, global mobility, and a lifetime of opportunities.
If you are passionate about aircraft, engineering, and a career that truly makes a difference every single day, AME is one of the best choices you can make.
✅ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
An AME is a licensed aviation professional responsible for inspecting, repairing, and certifying aircraft as safe and airworthy before every flight.
2. Is AME a degree course or a license-based program?
AME is not a degree. It is a license-based engineering profession, regulated by DGCA (Government of India) under CAR-66.
3. How long is the AME training program?
Typically 2–4 years, including theoretical classes, practical training, OJT (On-Job Training), and DGCA examinations.
4. Is AME better than Aeronautical Engineering?
Both are valuable fields, but their roles are different:
AME works on real aircraft maintenance and certification.
- Aeronautical Engineering focuses on aircraft design and research.
5. Is AME Safe and Suitable for Girls?
Absolutely, yes. Aviation is one of the most gender-neutral and professionally structured industries globally. Modern airports, MRO facilities, and aviation workplaces follow strict safety, security, and HR standards, making AME a safe and respected career for female students.
6. Can girls become Aircraft Maintenance Engineers?
Yes. Aviation is a highly safe, gender-neutral sector. Many women work as licensed AMEs, quality engineers, and safety officers.
7. Is AME a risky job?
No. AMEs work in secure, regulated, and safety-driven environments following strict DGCA and international aviation standards.
8. What are the eligibility criteria for AME?
Students must have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Engineering and must clear a basic medical & colour vision test.
9. Where do AMEs work?
In airlines, MROs, aircraft manufacturing companies, helicopter operators, defence aviation, CAMO, quality & safety departments, etc.
10. Are AMEs in demand outside India?
Yes. Countries like the UAE, Singapore, Qatar, Germany, Ireland, and the UK face a serious shortage of licensed AMEs.
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