What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Full Guide 2026
What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering? (Complete Guide for Students & Parents)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a specialised branch of aviation engineering that focuses entirely on keeping an aircraft airworthy and safe for flight. It involves inspection, overhaul, repair, replacement, defect rectification, troubleshooting, modification, and restoration of every aeronautical product as per strict airworthiness standards set by manufacturers, design organisations, DGCA and other global regulatory authorities.
This program combines theoretical classroom learning with extensive hands-on training on live operating aircraft. Students gain the exact knowledge, skills and practical experience required to maintain modern commercial and private aircraft.
Is AME a Degree or a Diploma?
However, some universities offer a BSc in AME or other academic combinations, but these are not required nor mandated to get an AME licence by DGCA, the Government of India.
Eligibility Requirements for AME Licence (Rule 61, Aircraft Rules 1937)
To obtain an AME licence, a candidate must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
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Pass all DGCA written modular examinations
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Complete 2–5 years of practical aircraft maintenance experience (depending on licence category)
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Pass the DGCA Skill Test to demonstrate competency
Students who complete AME training through a DGCA-approved CAR-147 (Basic) training organisation get 1–3 years’ concession in practical experience as per licence category.
Therefore, pursuing AME through a DGCA-approved CAR-147 organisation is the fastest route to becoming a licensed AME.
Important Note for Students & Parents
To become a licensed AME, the following are absolutely mandatory:
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Passing DGCA Modular Exams
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Completing the required practical aircraft maintenance experience
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Passing DGCA Skill Test
Even if someone holds a BE/ BTech/ ME/ MTech/ PhD in Aerospace/ Aeronautical Engineering, they cannot obtain an AME licence without completing all AME exams and practical requirements.
Branches of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Just like Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, or Civil Engineering have their own specialisations, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is also divided into two major branches.
- The first is the Mechanical stream (A, B1, B3 Category), which focuses on the maintenance of aircraft structures, powerplants and engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, fuel systems, and a wide range of mechanical and hardware components.
- The second is the Avionics stream (B2, B2L, L Category), which deals with electrical systems, instrument systems, radio and navigation systems, and various electronic components installed in an aircraft. Together, these branches ensure the airworthiness, safety, and reliability of every aircraft.
For detailed DGCA-approved course information, you can refer to the complete guide here:
Core Areas of Study in AME
For a complete breakdown of the DGCA-approved topics and modules, you can read the full syllabus here:
What Do Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Do?
Industries Where AMEs Work
Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers have career opportunities across a wide range of aviation sectors. They are employed by commercial airlines, NSOP and corporate jet operators, government and state hangars, and large MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) organisations. AMEs also work with aircraft manufacturing companies, CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations), flying training schools, and DGCA-approved basic and type-rated training organisations. Beyond hands-on maintenance, they can build careers in technical publications, aviation consultancies, and various other aviation-related domains that require technical expertise and airworthiness knowledge.
AME Course Duration
The duration of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is determined by the total training hours mandated by DGCA, similar to how pilot training is based on flying hours. Each licence category has a fixed number of theoretical and practical training hours that students must complete before becoming eligible for examinations and further practical experience. The official DGCA-approved basic AME course hours are as follows:
Basic AME Course Duration (Mandatory Hours)
Time Required to Become a Fully Licensed AME
The journey to becoming a fully licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer typically takes 3 to 5 years, depending on the licence category and the time required to gain practical experience. Students must first complete the basic AME course, clear all DGCA module examinations, obtain 2–5 years of practical maintenance experience on live aircraft, and finally pass the DGCA skill test. Higher categories, such as B1, B2, and C, require more time because they involve extensive system knowledge and broader aircraft privileges.
Scope of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in India (2025 & Beyond)
The future scope of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in India is exceptionally promising, supported by rapid aviation growth, large fleet expansions, and increasing demand for licensed maintenance professionals. Indian airlines have already placed orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft, which means thousands of additional maintenance checks, repairs, inspections, and certifications — all of which require licensed AMEs. At the same time, the industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled AMEs across airlines, MRO organisations, airports, business jet operators, and government aviation departments, creating strong job demand.
India’s MRO sector is also expanding at a historic pace, with new maintenance facilities being set up by Air India, GMR, AIESL, and several international companies, aided by government incentives to transform India into a global MRO hub. Rising air travel, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is pushing India toward becoming the third-largest aviation market, further increasing the need for certified aircraft maintenance professionals.
Indian AMEs also enjoy excellent global career opportunities, with strong demand in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Africa. The corporate and private aviation sector is growing rapidly as well, leading to a surge in demand for B1, B2, and type-rated engineers who are essential for business jet operations.
Most importantly, aircraft maintenance remains a high-stability, future-proof profession. Since aircraft cannot fly without human certification and these tasks cannot be automated, AMEs enjoy long-term job security and a respected position within the aviation industry.
Conclusion
If you came here searching for “What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?”, you now have a complete and clear understanding of this profession, its purpose, responsibilities, and future. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a specialised, highly responsible aviation profession that ensures every aircraft remains safe, airworthy, and fit to fly. It is not a degree or diploma, but a professional DGCA-approved licensing programme that gives individuals the authority to inspect, maintain, repair, troubleshoot, and certify an aircraft before every flight.
You also learned about the branches of AME (Mechanical & Avionics), the core subjects taught, the mandatory training hours, the total time required to become a licensed AME, the industries where AMEs work, and the vast career opportunities in India and abroad. With India becoming one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, and with thousands of new aircraft entering service, the demand for licensed AMEs is at an all-time high — offering job security, global mobility, and a respected technical career.
In simple words, AME is the profession that keeps every aircraft safe, every flight possible, and every passenger secure. If you are passionate about aviation and want a hands-on, high-growth, globally recognised career, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is one of the best paths you can choose.
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