How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India
How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India
To become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India, a candidate must meet specific regulatory requirements defined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These include passing the DGCA modular examinations as per the aircraft maintenance engineering syllabus, acquiring the required practical maintenance experience, completing approved aircraft type training, and demonstrating the necessary technical skills and competency for the chosen licence category.
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Step-by-step roadmap to become a DGCA licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India
All these requirements are specified under CAR-66 regulations, which are harmonised with EASA Part-66 and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). CAR-66 is issued by the DGCA under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, in accordance with the Aircraft Act, 1934. Only candidates who fully comply with these regulations are eligible to obtain an AME licence and legally certify aircraft for flight.
This guide explains, step by step, how to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India, covering eligibility requirements, training pathways, licensing processes, and career progression, so you can clearly understand the journey from student to licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.
What is the eligibility criteria to become an AME?
A candidate who fulfils the prescribed eligibility criteria, including educational qualification, age requirement, medical fitness, and compliance with regulatory standards of the state of registry (state of registry means the country where the aircraft is registered), can become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). All these requirements are defined by the aviation regulatory authority of the respective country. They are designed to ensure that only technically competent, qualified, and medically fit individuals are authorised to enter this safety-critical aviation profession.
Globally, AME eligibility and licensing are regulated by civil aviation authorities such as the DGCA for Indian-registered aircraft, EASA for European-registered aircraft, and the FAA for U.S.-registered aircraft. Although the regulatory frameworks are issued by different authorities, they are all harmonised with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The core objective remains the same worldwide to maintain aircraft airworthiness and uphold the highest level of aviation safety.
Educational Qualifications for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
To be eligible for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) training and licensing in India, candidates must meet the minimum educational qualifications prescribed under CAR-66.A.15 (Eligibility) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Rule 61 of Aircraft Rule 1937, Aircraft Act 1934, as mentioned below:
A candidate must have completed 10+2 (or its equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board or university.
Alternatively, a diploma in engineering recognised by the State Technical Education Board, in which Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics were studied as subjects, is considered an equivalent qualification. In such cases, the applicant is required to submit an equivalence certificate issued by the concerned board or university to establish parity with the 10+2 PCM requirement.
These subjects form the technical foundation necessary for understanding aircraft systems, maintenance practices, airworthiness standards, and aviation regulations, which are critical to performing maintenance tasks safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Age requirement to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
As per CAR-66.A.15 (Eligibility) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the minimum age requirement for the issuance of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence is 18 years.
It is important to clearly understand that this age requirement applies to AME licensing, not to admission into the AME training course. Candidates are permitted to take admission into an approved AME training programme before attaining 18 years of age, provided they meet the prescribed educational qualifications.
In general, most candidates join the AME course immediately after completing 10+2 (PCM) or a relevant engineering diploma, either before or after reaching 18 years of age. However, an AME licence can only be applied for and issued once the candidate has attained the minimum age of 18 years, along with the fulfilment of all other regulatory requirements, such as examinations, practical experience, and skill assessment.
This distinction ensures that candidates can begin technical training early, while licensing is granted only when regulatory maturity and legal eligibility are met.
Medical Fitness Requirement for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Medical fitness is a mandatory requirement to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), as AMEs perform safety-critical tasks that demand high levels of alertness, accuracy, and physical capability in operational aircraft maintenance environments.
As per DGCA CAR-66 regulations, applicants must be medically fit to carry out the normal functions of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Medical fitness primarily covers:
Vision standards, including acceptable distance vision and normal colour perception
Hearing ability, sufficient for maintenance environments
General physical and mental fitness, ensuring no medical condition that could interfere with safe aircraft maintenance duties
In India, the medical fitness requirement for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is recognised through CA Form 19-06, as mandated under CAR-66 issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The form is published on the official DGCA portal under the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer category and serves as the standard medical certification to confirm a candidate’s fitness to safely perform aircraft maintenance and certification responsibilities.
Key points regarding CA Form 19-06:
The medical examination must be conducted by a registered medical practitioner holding at least an MBBS degree
The doctor certifies whether the applicant has any physical disability or disorder that could hinder AME duties
The applicant is declared medically fit or unfit to function as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
A separate colour vision assessment is mandatory, confirming whether colour vision is:
Normal
Defective (safe)
Defective (unsafe)
Colour vision testing may be conducted using:
Pseudo-isochromatic plates
Approved lantern tests
Any other DGCA-accepted testing method
Medical fitness certification ensures that only individuals capable of safely performing maintenance, inspection, and certification tasks are authorised to enter this highly responsible aviation profession.
Module and Knowledge Requirements to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
To become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India, candidates must demonstrate the required basic technical knowledge by passing DGCA-approved examinations, as mandated under CAR-66.A.25.
The level and scope of knowledge required depend on the licence category or sub-category applied for and are directly aligned with the complexity of maintenance certification responsibilities associated with that licence.
The depth of knowledge varies by licence category:
Category A requires a limited but adequate level of technical knowledge suitable for task-based maintenance certification.
Categories B1, B2, B2L, and B3 require a comprehensive and in-depth level of knowledge across applicable subject modules due to their higher certification authority and responsibility.
Certain licence holders are also deemed to meet the basic knowledge requirements for specific Category L sub-categories, as defined under CAR-66.
All basic knowledge examinations are conducted exclusively by the Central Examination Organisation (CEO) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
For a complete understanding of the applicable subject modules as per each licence category, you may refer to our detailed guide on the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Syllabus.
These basic knowledge requirements ensure that every licensed AME possesses the technical competence, regulatory understanding, and safety awareness necessary to maintain and certify aircraft in compliance with national and international aviation safety standards.
Practical Maintenance Experience Requirement to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
In addition to basic knowledge, a candidate must acquire the mandatory practical aircraft maintenance experience to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India. These experience requirements are defined under CAR-66.A.30 and vary depending on the licence category or sub-category applied for.
The objective of this requirement is to ensure that an AME has real-world hands-on exposure to aircraft maintenance tasks in an operational environment before being authorised to certify aircraft.
The minimum practical maintenance experience required is as follows:
For Category A, B1.2, B1.4, and B3:
3 years of practical aircraft maintenance experience on operating aircraft OR
2 years of experience plus a Degree in Aircraft Maintenance or Engineering OR
1 year of experience plus completion of DGCA-approved basic maintenance training
For Category B2 and Sub-Categories B1.1 & B1.3
5 years of practical aircraft maintenance experience on operating aircraft OR
3 years of experience plus a recognised engineering degree OR
2 years of experience plus DGCA-approved basic maintenance training
For Category B2L (Limited Avionics)
3 years of experience without prior technical training OR
2 years of experience plus an engineering degree OR
1 year of experience plus DGCA-approved basic training
For each additional system rating added to a B2L licence, 3 months of relevant experience per system is required.
Category L (Light Aircraft)
2 years of practical experience covering a representative range of maintenance tasks OR
1 year of experience plus an engineering degree or DGCA-approved training
For adding another L sub-category, the required experience is 12 months or 6 months, depending on the qualification.
Category C (Certifying Base Maintenance)
Large Aircraft:
3 years as B1.1, B1.3, or B2 certifying staff or base maintenance support
OR 5 years as B1.2 or B1.4 certifying staff
Aircraft Other Than Large Aircraft:
3 years as B1 or B2 certifying staff or base maintenance support staff
General Experience Conditions
Experience must be practical, hands-on, and involve a representative cross-section of maintenance tasks.
Experience must be gained on operating aircraft, not only in training environments
At least one year of experience must be recent, relevant to the licence category applied for.
For licence additions, a minimum of 3 months of recent experience is required.
Experience must be gained within the last 10 years.
Defence aircraft maintenance experience from the last 15 years is acceptable if supplemented with civil experience.
Maintenance experience may be gained through:
DGCA CAR-145 approved organisations
Approved maintenance organisations (M.A. Subpart F)
Supervised maintenance under licensed certifying staff
Approved training combined with on-the-job experience (apprenticeship model)
These experience requirements ensure that every AME is professionally competent, operationally experienced, and safety-oriented before being granted the authority to certify aircraft for flight.
Type Training & Aircraft Rating Requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
To exercise certification privileges, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer must hold the appropriate aircraft rating on their licence. As per CAR-66, aircraft are grouped based on complexity, performance, and design, and different type training or rating pathways apply depending on the AME licence categories.
Aircraft Group 1 – Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft
Group 1 includes:
Complex motor-powered aircraft
Multi-engine helicopters
Aeroplanes certified above FL290
Aircraft equipped with fly-by-wire systems
Any other aircraft classified by DGCA as Group 1
Type Training Requirement (Group 1)
For B1 / B3 / L licences (Mechanical):
Individual Type Rating
Type training (theory + examination)
Practical training + assessment
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
For B2 / B2L licences (Avionics):
Individual Type Rating
Type training (theory + examination)
Practical training + assessment
OJT
For C licence (Base Maintenance):
Individual Type Rating
Type training (theory + examination)
Practical training and OJT are not mandatory
Group 1 Airships (Applicable to L5 and B2)
L5 licence:
Individual Type Rating
Type training (theory + exam)
Practical training + assessment
OJT
B2 licence:
Individual Type Rating
Type training (theory + exam)
Practical training + assessment
OJT
C licence:
Not applicable
Aircraft Group 2 – Medium Complexity Aircraft
Applicable to B1.1, B1.3, B1.4, B2, and B2L licences
(Except aircraft classified under Group 1)
Group 2 Subgroups:
2a: Single turboprop aeroplanes
2b: Single turbine engine helicopters
2c: Single-piston engine helicopters
Rating Options (Group 2)
For B1 licences:
Individual Type Rating
ORSubgroup Rating, achieved by:
Type training + OJT
ORType examination + practical experience + skill test
Subgroup rating requires experience on at least 3 representative aircraft
For B2 / B2L licences:
Individual Type Rating OR
Full Subgroup Rating based on demonstrated practical experience
Manufacturer Subgroup Rating:
Requires experience on at least 2 aircraft from the same manufacturer group
Available for B1, B2, and B2L licences
For C licence:
Individual type training or type examination only
Aircraft Group 3 – Piston Engine Aeroplanes
(Except those classified under Group 1)
For B1.2 Licence:
Individual Type Rating OR
Full Group 3 Rating, based on:
Practical experience
Endorsement of at least 3 aircraft types from different manufacturers
Limitations may apply, such as:
Pressurised aeroplanes
Metal/ composite / wooden structures
Fabric-covered aircraft
For B2 / B2L Licence:
Full Group 3 Rating based on practical experience
For C Licence:
Individual type training or type examination only
Special Rating – B3 Licence (Light Piston Aeroplanes)
Applicable to:
Piston-engine, non-pressurised aeroplanes
MTOM 2,000 kg and below
Requirements:
Demonstration of practical experience
Passed type examination and skill test
Completed type training on at least one representative aircraft
Limitations apply (metal, composite, wooden, and fabric structures).
This rating:
Cannot be endorsed on B2/B2L licences
Cannot be endorsed on C licences
These aircraft are already covered under Group 3 ratings
Aircraft Group 4 – Light Aircraft & Balloons
Applicable to:
Sailplanes, powered sailplanes
Balloons and airships (excluding Group 1)
L-Category Sub-ratings:
L1 / L1C – Sailplanes / Composite sailplanes
L2 / L2C – Powered sailplanes / LA1 aeroplanes
L3H / L3G – Hot-air / Gas balloons
L4H / L4G – Hot-air / Gas airships
Requirements:
Demonstration of practical experience
Skill test as applicable
For B2 / B2L licences:
Full Group 4 Rating based on practical experience
For C licence:
Not applicable
Key Notes on Type Training & Ratings
OJT is mandatory wherever specified under CAR-66
Experience must be recent, relevant, and documented
All limitations are governed by 66.A.45(h)
Ratings define what aircraft you are legally authorised to certify
Demonstration of Skill or Skill Test of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
As per CAR-66.A.35, every applicant applying for the grant or extension of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence must demonstrate practical maintenance skills relevant to the licence category, sub-category, aircraft type, or system for which the application is made.
This skill demonstration confirms that the applicant is competent to perform aircraft maintenance tasks safely, correctly, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
What Skill Demonstration Involves
The demonstration of skill must be carried out in accordance with CAR-66.A.45 and typically includes:
Performing practical aircraft maintenance tasks
Using approved tools, manuals, and maintenance data
Correct application of safety precautions and human factors
Compliance with airworthiness and quality procedures
Accurate completion of maintenance records and documentation
Applicability of Skill Demonstration
Skill demonstration is required for:
Grant of a new AME licence
Addition of a category or sub-category
Endorsement of a specific aircraft type or system rating
Extension of existing licence privileges
The scope of tasks assessed depends on:
The licence category (A, B1, B2, B2L, B3, C, or L)
The complexity of the aircraft or system
The certification privileges associated with the licence
Purpose of Demonstration of Skill
The demonstration of skill ensures that an AME:
Can apply theoretical knowledge in real maintenance situations
Maintains aircraft in accordance with approved maintenance procedures
Understands regulatory responsibilities and limitations
Contributes effectively to aviation safety and airworthiness compliance
AME Licence Categories Explanations
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence in India is issued by DGCA under CAR-66 and is divided into multiple categories and sub-categories, based on the type of aircraft, systems maintained, and level of certification authority granted to the licence holder.
Main AME Licence Categories at a Glance
Category A – Line maintenance certifying authority for specific, task-based maintenance on aircraft after approved training and experience.
Sub-categories include:
A1.1 (Turbine aeroplanes)
A1.2 (Piston aeroplanes)
A1.3 (Turbine helicopters)
A1.4 (Piston helicopters)
Category B1 – Line maintenance certifying authority not task-based but covering complete maintenance of airframe, engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Sub-categories include:
B1.1 (Turbine aeroplanes)
B1.2 (Piston aeroplanes)
B1.3 (Turbine helicopters)
B1.4 (Piston helicopters)
Category B2 – Avionics licence covering electrical, electronic, navigation, communication, and instrument systems.
Category B2L – Limited avionics licence for light aircraft, with system-based ratings.
Category B3 – Licence for piston-engine, non-pressurised aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg MTOM.
Category C – Base maintenance certifying authority for large aircraft, typically held by experienced B1 or B2 engineers.
Category L – Licence for special aircraft types, including sailplanes, balloons, airships, and light aircraft, with multiple sub-categories (L1–L5).
Each category has specific eligibility, experience, type-rating, and certification privileges defined under CAR-66.
Read the detailed explanation of all AME licence categories, sub-categories, privileges, and eligibility here:
[Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence Categories – Complete Guide]
How Long Does It Take to Become an AME in India?
The time required to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India depends on three key factors: educational background, licence category, and practical maintenance experience as defined under DGCA CAR-66. On average, the journey takes 3 to 7 years from entry to holding an endorsed AME licence with certification privileges.
Typical Timeframe Breakdown
1. Educational Phase (2–4 years)
Candidates may enter through:
CAR-147 approved AME training (typically 2–4 years, depending on category), or
An Engineering / Aircraft Maintenance degree
Note: Both routes can reduce the required experience duration later, but CAR-147-approved AME training can reduce more than a degree.
2. Practical Maintenance Experience (1–5 years)
After or alongside training, candidates must gain hands-on maintenance experience on operating aircraft, as prescribed in CAR-66.A.30.
The duration varies by licence category:
Category A / B1.2 / B1.4 / B3 / L: 1–3 years
Category B1.1 / B1.3 / B2 / B2L: 2–5 years
Category C: Additional experience after holding B1 or B2 privileges
3. Examinations, Skill Assessment & Licence Issue (6–12 months)
This includes:
Passing specific aircraft or type examinations conducted by DGCA
Completing skill demonstration under CAR-66.A.35
Medical fitness (CA Form 19-06)
Licence application and DGCA processing
Fastest vs Longest Path to Become an AME in India
The time required to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India varies widely based on the training route, licence category, and experience progression chosen by the candidate.
Fastest Possible Route to become AME
The fastest pathway typically takes around 4 years and is achievable when a candidate:
Completes basic AME training from a DGCA-approved CAR-147 institute
Passes DGCA modular examinations without major delays
Gains focused and relevant practical maintenance experience
This route is most commonly associated with Category A licences, as they have comparatively lower experience requirements. The exact duration may still depend on how quickly the approved institute schedules training phases and examinations.
Common and Realistic Timeline to become AME
For higher-responsibility line and base maintenance licences, the timeline increases:
Category B1 or B2 (Line Maintenance): approximately 5 to 6 years
Category C (Base Maintenance): typically 7 to 10 years
These timelines reflect the need for:
Completion of all required basic knowledge modules
Extensive practical experience in operating aircraft
Aircraft type training, skill assessment, and on-the-job training (OJT)
Extended Pathway to become AME
An extended timeline of 10 to 12 years may apply when:
The candidate has not completed the CAR-147-approved basic training, or
Progresses gradually through multiple licence category upgrades to reach full-scope certification
This path usually involves longer experience accumulation and self-prepared DGCA examinations.
Why the Timeline Varies to become AME
The duration to become an AME is not fixed because DGCA places strong emphasis on:
Real-world aircraft maintenance exposure
Safety-critical skill competence
Recent and relevant maintenance experience
Becoming an AME is not time-bound by education alone. It is a competency-driven licensing process, ensuring that only technically capable and safety-oriented professionals are authorised to certify aircraft.
Cost of AME Course in India
The cost of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) course in India typically ranges between ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year, depending on the training institute, licence category, and aircraft stream selected. On average, the total cost for the complete AME training program comes to ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
Factors Affecting AME Course Fees
1. Licence Category
Different AME licence categories involve varying levels of technical complexity:
Category A / B3 / L: Lower fee range
Category B1 / B2 / B2L: Higher fee due to advanced systems and avionics training
2. AME Training Duration
AME training programs usually span 2 to 4 years. Longer programs naturally increase the overall cost.
3. Type of Aircraft Stream
Training on turbine aircraft, avionics systems, or complex aircraft generally costs more than piston or light aircraft streams due to infrastructure and equipment requirements.
4. Institute Infrastructure & Approvals
DGCA-approved CAR-147 training organisations with:
Live aircraft exposure
Advanced workshops and simulators
Experienced licensed instructors usually charge higher fees.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Apart from tuition fees, candidates should budget for:
DGCA examination fees
Medical fitness certification (CA Form 19-06)
Books, tools, uniforms, and study material
Type rating or OJT costs (where applicable)
These additional expenses may add ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh over the course duration.
Is the AME Course Worth the Cost?
Although the initial investment is significant, an AME licence leads to a high-responsibility aviation career with:
Strong demand in airlines, MROs, and business aviation
Competitive salary growth with licence endorsements
International career mobility under ICAO-aligned regulations
For students serious about aviation maintenance, the AME course remains a long-term professional investment, not just an educational expense.
Career Scope After Becoming an AME
The career scope after becoming a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is broad, stable, and globally relevant. AMEs play a critical safety role in aviation and are in demand across airlines, maintenance organisations, manufacturing units, and regulatory bodies.
Airline Maintenance Engineer
Licensed AMEs are employed by:
Scheduled or Non-Scheduled airlines
Regional or International carriers
Charter and business or private aviation operators
Responsibilities include:
Line maintenance and base maintenance
Aircraft defect rectification
Certification of aircraft for release to service (CRS)
This is the most common and stable career path for DGCA-licensed AMEs.
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Organisations
AMEs are in high demand at:
Independent MROs
Airline-owned MRO facilities
Third-party international MROs operating under DGCA / EASA / FAA approvals
Roles include:
Certifying Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Manager/ Supervisor
Technical Inspector
Quality and Compliance Manager/ Engineer
MRO experience also opens overseas employment opportunities.
Business Aviation & Helicopter Operations
AMEs can work with:
Corporate jets
Air ambulance services
Offshore helicopter operators
VIP and charter aircraft operators
These roles often offer:
Smaller teams
Faster responsibility growth
Specialised aircraft exposure
Defence, Government & Public Sector Units
Licensed AMEs may work with:
Government aviation departments
Defence aviation organisations
Public sector aviation units
Research and testing establishments
These roles emphasise airworthiness, compliance, and safety oversight.
Aircraft Manufacturing & Design Support
AMEs are employed by:
Aircraft and engine manufacturers
Component manufacturers
Aircraft completion and modification centres
Typical roles:
Production quality engineer
Maintenance planning and technical support
Modification and compliance engineer
Regulatory, Quality & Safety Roles
With experience, AMEs can transition into:
Quality Assurance (QA)
Safety Management System (SMS)
Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO)
Auditing and compliance roles
These positions focus on regulatory compliance rather than hands-on maintenance.
Teaching, Training & Technical Instruction
Experienced AMEs may become:
DGCA-approved instructors
Type training instructors
Technical examiners
Aviation trainers in CAR-147 organisations
This path is suitable for AMEs interested in knowledge transfer and mentoring.
International Career Opportunities
DGCA AME licences are ICAO-compliant, allowing experienced AMEs to:
Convert licences to EASA / other authorities
Work with foreign airlines and MROs
Participate in global aviation projects
International mobility improves with:
Type ratings
Wide-body aircraft experience
Strong regulatory knowledge
Long-Term Career Growth
With experience and endorsements, AMEs can progress to:
Lead Engineer
Maintenance Manager
Continuing Airworthiness Manager
Safety Manager
Technical Director
The AME profession offers long-term job security, continuous skill development, and direct involvement in aviation safety.
Is AME a Good Career in Aviation?
Yes, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is one of the most stable, respected, and safety-critical careers in aviation. Unlike many aviation roles that depend on flight hours or market cycles, AMEs are essential for aircraft airworthiness, making the profession consistently relevant across economic conditions.
High Responsibility and Professional Recognition
AMEs are legally authorised to:
Certify aircraft for release to service (CRS)
Ensure compliance with airworthiness regulations
Directly safeguard passenger and flight safety
This legal accountability gives the AME profession high professional status within the aviation industry.
Strong Demand and Job Stability
Every operating aircraft requires:
Routine maintenance
Defect rectification
Scheduled inspections
Regulatory compliance
As global air traffic grows, the demand for licensed and type-rated AMEs continues to rise, making this career less vulnerable to automation or outsourcing.
Global Career Mobility
DGCA AME licences are ICAO-compliant, allowing:
Licence conversion to EASA and other authorities
Employment with international airlines and MROs
Opportunities in foreign aviation markets
This makes AME a globally portable aviation profession.
Clear Career Progression
An AME career offers structured growth:
Trainee → Licensed AME → Type-rated Engineer
Lead Engineer → Maintenance Manager → Technical Director
Transition into Quality, Safety, or Regulatory roles
Career advancement is based on experience, competence, and certifications, not seniority alone.
Competitive and Progressive Earnings
AME salaries increase with:
Licence category (A, B1, B2, B3, C)
Aircraft type ratings (especially jet and wide-body aircraft)
Experience and operational exposure
International postings and specialised aircraft significantly enhance earning potential.
Hands-On, Technology-Driven Work
AMEs work directly with:
Modern aircraft systems
Advanced avionics and diagnostics
High-technology maintenance environments
This makes the role ideal for individuals who enjoy practical engineering combined with responsibility.
Ideal for Safety-Focused, Technically Minded Candidates
AME is a strong career choice if you:
Prefer engineering over flying
Value long-term job security
Are detail-oriented and safety-conscious
Want a core operational role in aviation
Common Myths About the AME Career
Despite being a highly regulated and respected profession, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is often surrounded by misconceptions. Below are the most common myths — clarified with regulatory and industry facts.
Myth 1: AME Is Just a Technician or Mechanic Job
Reality:
AMEs are licensed aviation professionals authorised by the civil aviation authority to certify aircraft airworthiness. Unlike mechanics, licensed AMEs carry legal responsibility for releasing an aircraft to service under CAR-66 regulations.
Myth 2: AME Has Limited Career Growth
Reality:
AME offers structured and long-term career progression, including:
Licensed AME → Type-rated Engineer
Lead / Shift Engineer
Maintenance Manager or CAMO Manager
Quality, Safety, or Regulatory roles
Technical leadership positions in airlines and MROs
Growth depends on competency, experience, and certifications, not stagnation.
Myth 3: AME Is Only Valid in India
Reality:
DGCA AME licences are ICAO-compliant, making them globally recognisable. With licence conversion and additional requirements, AMEs can work under:
EASA (Europe)
FAA (USA)
Other ICAO contracting states
AME is a globally portable aviation profession.
Myth 4: AME Has a Poor Salary Compared to Pilots
Reality:
While pilots earn per flight hour, AME salaries are stable and progressively increasing depending on various factors. With:
Higher licence categories (B1, B2, C)
Jet aircraft type ratings
International exposure
AMEs often achieve comparable or higher lifetime earnings, especially due to job continuity and career longevity.
Myth 5: AME Is Not a Safety-Critical Role
Reality:
AME is one of the most safety-critical roles in aviation. No aircraft can legally fly without maintenance certification by authorised personnel. AMEs are directly responsible for:
Aircraft airworthiness
Regulatory compliance
Passenger and flight safety
Myth 6: Anyone Can Become an AME Easily
Reality:
AME licensing requires:
Rigorous DGCA examinations
Verified maintenance experience
Type training and skill demonstration
Medical fitness certification
It is a profession based on competence, discipline, and accountability, not shortcuts.
Myth 7: AME Work Is Only Physical and Dirty
Reality:
Modern AME work involves:
Advanced avionics and diagnostics
Digital maintenance systems
Precision inspections and troubleshooting
Compliance with strict technical documentation
It is a high-skill engineering role, not manual labour.
Bottom Line
Most myths about AME arise from a lack of awareness. In reality, AME is a licensed, globally relevant, technically advanced, and safety-critical aviation career with strong long-term prospects.
Summary – Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India
Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India follows a clearly defined, step-by-step licensing pathway regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under CAR-66. Each stage builds technical competence, regulatory understanding, and practical skill required for this safety-critical profession.
Stage 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
The journey begins by fulfilling the educational qualification, minimum age, and medical fitness requirements prescribed by DGCA. Candidates must have the required academic background and be medically fit to work in operational aviation environments.
Stage 2: Acquire Basic Technical Knowledge
Candidates must pass DGCA-approved basic knowledge (modular) examinations relevant to their chosen AME licence category. These examinations assess understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, human factors, and aviation regulations.
Stage 3: Gain Practical Maintenance Experience
After or alongside examinations, candidates must accumulate approved aircraft maintenance experience on live aircraft or components. This stage ensures hands-on exposure to real maintenance tasks under controlled and supervised conditions.
Stage 4: Complete Aircraft Type Training (If Applicable)
For aircraft certification privileges, candidates must undergo aircraft type training, consisting of theoretical instruction, practical training, and on-the-job training (OJT) as specified in CAR-66. Type training aligns the engineer with specific aircraft models or groups.
Stage 5: Demonstrate Maintenance Skill Competency
Before a licence issue or extension, candidates must demonstrate their maintenance skills as required under CAR-66.A.35. This confirms the ability to perform and certify maintenance tasks safely and correctly.
Stage 6: Grant of AME Licence by DGCA
Once all regulatory requirements are satisfied, DGCA issues the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence, granting legal authority to certify maintenance within the approved licence category and aircraft ratings.
In summary, becoming an AME in India is not a single course but a progressive professional pathway combining education, examinations, experience, training, and skill demonstration. For individuals committed to aviation safety, engineering discipline, and lifelong learning, the AME profession offers a globally respected and regulation-driven career in civil aviation.
Final Thoughts: Is AME the Right Career for You?
Choosing a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is not about shortcuts, quick fame, or instant rewards. It is a profession suited for individuals who value responsibility, precision, technical depth, and long-term career stability. If you have a strong interest in aircraft systems, engineering principles, safety regulations, and hands-on problem-solving, AME can be a deeply rewarding aviation career.
AME is ideal for candidates who are willing to undergo rigorous examinations, gain structured maintenance experience, and continuously update their knowledge in line with evolving aircraft technology and regulatory standards. The role demands discipline, accountability, and a high level of integrity, as every certification directly impacts flight safety.
From a career perspective, AME offers global relevance, steady demand, and multiple growth pathways—from line and base maintenance to technical management, quality, safety, and regulatory roles. Unlike many aviation careers, AME provides career longevity, where experience increases professional value rather than limiting opportunities.
Ultimately, AME is the right career choice if you seek a licensed engineering profession, are comfortable with responsibility in a safety-critical environment, and are committed to continuous learning. If these values align with your interests and aptitude, becoming an AME can place you at the very foundation of aviation safety and operational excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum qualification required to become an AME in India?
To become an AME in India, a candidate must meet DGCA eligibility criteria, which generally include 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or an equivalent engineering/technical qualification, along with meeting the required age and medical fitness standards.
2. Is an AME course mandatory to obtain a DGCA AME licence?
No. Completing an AME course from a DGCA-approved CAR-147 organisation is not mandatory, but it significantly reduces the required practical experience duration and provides structured training for DGCA modular examinations.
3. How long does it take to become a licensed AME in India?
The total duration typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the licence category, educational background, training route chosen, and the time taken to pass DGCA examinations and complete the required experience.
4. What is the difference between AME Category A, B1, B2, and C?
Category A: Line maintenance task-based certification
Category B1: Line maintenance complete certification -Mechanical systems (airframe, engine, electrical)
Category B2: Line maintenance complete certification -Avionics and electrical systems
Category C: Base maintenance certification
5. Are DGCA AME licences valid outside India?
DGCA AME licences are India-specific, but they are ICAO-compliant. With additional requirements or conversion processes, licence holders may apply for equivalent approvals under authorities such as EASA, GCAA, or other national aviation regulators.
6. What is aircraft type training, and why is it important?
Aircraft type training authorises an AME to certify maintenance on a specific aircraft type or group. It includes theory, practical training, and on-the-job training (OJT) and is mandatory before exercising certification privileges on most aircraft.
7. Can I work as an AME without an aircraft type rating?
Yes, but only in non-certifying or trainee roles. To sign a Certificate of Release to Service (CRS), a valid aircraft type rating endorsed on the AME licence is mandatory.
8. What is the career scope after becoming an AME?
Licensed AMEs can work with airlines, MRO organisations, charter operators, helicopter services, flying schools, business aviation, and defence-linked maintenance organisations, both in India and abroad.
9. Is AME a safe and stable career option?
Yes. AME is a highly regulated and safety-critical profession with consistent demand due to aircraft fleet expansion, mandatory maintenance intervals, and global aviation safety requirements.
10. What skills are essential to succeed as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
Key skills include technical aptitude, attention to detail, regulatory compliance, problem-solving ability, discipline, and safety awareness, along with a strong commitment to continuous learning.
