What is DGCA CAR-66? AME Licensing Guide India (2026)
What is DGCA CAR-66
CAR-66 is the document that contains the set of civil aviation requirements for licensing of aircraft maintenance engineering. This document is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and the Aircraft Act, 1934.
DGCA CAR-66 is the primary regulatory framework governing Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licensing in India. It defines the knowledge, experience, examination, and certification requirements that individuals must meet before exercising maintenance certification privileges on aircraft. This guide explains the structure, features, evolution, and practical significance of CAR-66 for AME aspirants.
In the Indian aviation industry, CAR-66 is one of the most important regulations for aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, as it establishes the legal, technical, examination, training, and certification requirements for obtaining an AME licence.
DGCA publishes this CAR-66 under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section-2 (Airworthiness), Series-L (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer- Licensing)
CAR-66 regulation defines the following key areas:
Various Categories and sub-categories of AME licence and its privileges
Basic knowledge examination requirements for obtaining an AME licence
Practical maintenance experience requirements for obtaining an AME licence
Aircraft type rating procedures
Certification authorisation standards
Continuing airworthiness responsibilities, etc.
As an aircraft is a very complex machine, the safety of its operation directly affects human lives. In civil aviation, aircraft maintenance activities are regulated under a highly controlled aviation safety framework aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) annexes and global continuing airworthiness standards.
Hence, understanding the CAR-66 is not a choice but mandatory for every aspirant of aircraft maintenance engineering before they opt for it as a career.
What You Will Learn in This Article
As per the latest update, February 2026 (Based on CAR-66 Issue III Revision 2 dated 29 September 2025), in this article, we have explained:
The importance of CAR-66 & why CAR-66 was introduced in India
Layout and Features of CAR-66
The difference between DGCA CAR-66 and EASA Part-66
Common misconceptions about AME licensing
Important regulatory notes every AME student should know
Where to find the latest official CAR-66 document
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CAR-66 licensing
Understanding CAR-66 is not optional for an AME aspirant — it forms the foundation of India's entire aircraft maintenance licensing system.
Key Areas Covered Under DGCA CAR-66
CAR-66 defines several important areas related to Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licensing in India, including:
Eligibility requirements for becoming a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
CAR-66 Modular examinations that candidates must successfully pass
Practical maintenance training and experience requirements
Certification privileges granted to licensed AMEs
Regulatory control and oversight of the certification authority
Aircraft Type endorsement requirements for obtaining an AME licence
Harmonisation with internationally accepted EASA Part-66 standards
The regulation also establishes how AMEs are trained, examined, approved, and authorised to certify aircraft after maintenance activities.
What is the Importance of CAR-66, & Why CAR-66 Was Introduced in India?
For every Aircraft Maintenance Engineering aspirant, understanding CAR-66 is not optional. It forms the foundation of the entire AME licensing system in India.
Why CAR-66 Is Important for AME Aspirants
CAR-66 is the principal regulatory document governing Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licensing under Rule 61 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 and harmonised with EASA Part-66, in which, from modular examinations to aircraft type certification privileges and lastly licencing of aircraft Maintenance Engineering, every stage of an AME’s professional journey is defined and governed by the CAR-66 regulatory framework issued by DGCA, Govt. of India. So, knowing CAR-66 in depth is important for AME aspirants to become Licensed AMEs.
A proper understanding of CAR-66 helps students understand:
How the AME licensing system works
What technical competency standards does DGCA expect
How certification privileges are granted
What practical experience is mandatory
How Indian licensing aligns with international aviation standards
Without CAR-66, there would be no standardised system to verify whether an engineer is technically qualified to certify aircraft maintenance tasks.
Why DGCA Introduced CAR-66
Before the implementation of CAR-66, India followed a fragmented aircraft maintenance approval structure.
Engineers required separate authorisations for:
Airframe maintenance
Engine maintenance
Electrical systems
Instrument systems
Radio systems
This older system created several industry problems:
As the Indian aviation sector expanded with:
Modern aircraft fleets
Digital avionics systems
International airline operations
Global MRO activities
The need for a modern, globally harmonised licensing framework became essential.
Transition Toward EASA Part-66 Standards
To modernise Indian civil aviation maintenance standards, DGCA introduced CAR-66, aligning it closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 framework.
The framework introduced internationally accepted licence categories, such as:
Category A
Category B1
Category B2
Category B3
Category C
Category L
Main Objectives Behind Introducing CAR-66
DGCA introduced CAR-66 to:
Harmonise Indian AME licensing requirements with international standards- European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Improve aviation safety oversight
Establish uniform competency requirements for AME Licensing
Simplify AME licensing procedures to obtain it.
Support modern airline and MRO operations
Enhance employability opportunities for Indian AMEs
Improve maintenance accountability
Standardise examination methodologies
How CAR-66 Improved Indian Aviation Maintenance
CAR-66 introduced several major improvements to the Indian AME ecosystem:
This alignment significantly improved the credibility and global professional recognition of Indian AME qualifications.
Today, CAR-66-trained engineers can pursue opportunities in:
International airlines
Global MRO organizations
Overseas maintenance facilities
Leasing companies
Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMOs)
Aviation Safety Perspective
Commercial aircraft safety directly affects human lives. Therefore, maintenance certification of aircraft or its components cannot be handled through informal or unregulated systems.
CAR-66 ensures that:
Only qualified engineers certify aircraft
Maintenance personnel meet competency standards
Aircraft maintenance follows global airworthiness practices
Regulatory oversight remains traceable and auditable
This framework strengthens India’s compliance with:
ICAO safety principles
Continuing airworthiness standards
Global aviation maintenance practices
What is the layout, structure, and Features of CAR-66
Structure of DGCA CAR-66
DGCA CAR-66 follows a well-organised regulatory structure that standardises the licensing, qualification, examination, experience, and certification requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) in India. The document is divided into multiple sections, subparts, appendices, and guidance materials to ensure a uniform licensing framework aligned with international aviation safety standards.
Major Components of CAR-66
Key Features of the CAR-66 Structure
The CAR-66 framework is built around a competency-based licensing philosophy and includes:
Modular examination system
Practical maintenance experience requirements
Aircraft type training and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Human Factors and Aviation Safety Principles
Continuing validity and licence maintenance requirements
Certification, authorisation, and sign-off privileges
International harmonisation with EASA Part-66 concepts
Detailed guidance material through AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance) and GM (Guidance Material)
Why the Structure Matters
The structured format of CAR-66 allows AME students, trainees, maintenance organisations, and aviation regulators to understand clearly:
Who is eligible for an AME licence
What examinations must be passed
How much practical experience is required
How aircraft type ratings are obtained
What maintenance certification privileges are granted
How licence validity and regulatory compliance are maintained
In simple terms, the CAR-66 structure provides a complete roadmap from becoming an AME student to obtaining certification authority on operational aircraft, ensuring that only competent and qualified engineers are entrusted with aviation safety responsibilities.
Major Features of DGCA CAR-66
DGCA CAR-66 introduced a modern and internationally aligned licensing framework for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) in India. Some of its key features include:
Modular Examination System
CAR-66 replaced the traditional examination system with a modular structure, in which candidates must pass individual technical modules covering specific aviation subjects.
Competency-Based Licensing
Licensing is based on an engineer's overall competency, including:
Technical knowledge
Practical maintenance experience
Human Factors awareness
Aircraft systems proficiency
Aircraft Type Rating System
After obtaining a basic licence, AMEs must complete aircraft-specific type training before exercising certification privileges on aircraft such as:
Airbus A320
Boeing 737
ATR 72
International Harmonisation
CAR-66 is closely harmonised with EASA Part-66, helping standardise training, examinations, and maintenance practices in line with global aviation standards.
Other Important Features
In simple terms, CAR-66 provides a structured pathway for training, examination, licensing, and authorisation of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers while ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards.
Evolution and Major Revisions of DGCA CAR-66
Since its initial introduction in November 2011, DGCA CAR-66 has undergone several revisions to keep pace with evolving aviation technology, international safety standards, and amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The regulation has progressively aligned itself with EASA Part-66, making India's AME licensing framework more standardised and globally compatible.
Major Milestones in CAR-66 Development
Key Developments Introduced Over Time
Over successive revisions, CAR-66 has introduced:
Modular examination system
10-year validity period for completing basic modules
Aircraft grouping provisions
Type rating endorsement procedures
Category B3, B2L, and L licences
Digital licensing through eGCA
Standardised maintenance experience logbooks
Enhanced OJT (On-the-Job Training) requirements
Improved aircraft type training standards
Stronger harmonisation with EASA Part-66
Student Tip: When preparing for DGCA examinations or licence applications, always refer to the latest revision of CAR-66. Older notes, coaching material, or YouTube videos may be based on superseded requirements.
What are the Differences Between DGCA CAR-66 and EASA Part-66
Key Takeaway
Although CAR-66 is closely harmonised with EASA Part-66 concepts, both licences are issued by separate aviation authorities and operate under different legal jurisdictions.
Common Misconceptions About AME LicensingThe
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) profession is among the most regulated in aviation. However, many students and parents develop misconceptions about DGCA CAR-66 licensing, career opportunities, examination difficulty, and job roles.
Understanding the facts behind these common myths can help aspiring AMEs make informed career decisions and avoid unrealistic expectations.
Myth vs Reality About DGCA CAR-66 and AME Licensing
Why These Misconceptions Matter
Many students rely on social media posts, outdated notes, coaching institute rumours, or unofficial online discussions when researching the AME profession. Unfortunately, inaccurate information can create confusion regarding:
AME licence requirements
DGCA examination standards
Career opportunities
Type rating requirements
International employability
Aircraft certification privileges
Before making any academic or career decision, students should always verify information directly from the latest DGCA CAR-66 publication and approved aviation training organisations.
Key Takeaway
The biggest misconception about CAR-66 is that it is merely an examination framework. In reality, it is the complete regulatory system governing how Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are trained, examined, licensed, and authorised to certify aircraft in India.
Understanding the facts behind these myths will help aspiring AMEs develop realistic expectations and build a stronger foundation for a successful career in aircraft maintenance engineering.
Important Regulatory Notes Every AME Student Should Know
CAR-66 Is Continuously Updated
DGCA periodically revises CAR-66 to align with:
New aircraft technologies
International safety practices
Continuing airworthiness requirements
Modern avionics systems
Students should always verify:
Latest revision number
Current module requirements
Experience criteria
Approved CAR-147 organizations
Updated type rating requirements
Important Industry Reality
In aviation maintenance, regulatory awareness is considered a professional responsibility of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Licensed engineers must stay updated with:
DGCA revisions
Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
Service Bulletins (SBs)
Maintenance organisation procedures
An outdated understanding of regulations can result in:
Non-compliance findings
Certification violations
Audit observations
Safety risks
Where to Find the Latest Official CAR-66 Document
Because DGCA periodically revises CAR-66 to align with new aviation technologies, international safety standards, and amendments to the Aircraft Rules, every AME student and aviation professional should always refer to the latest officially published version of the regulation.
Relying on outdated PDFs, unofficial notes, or social media discussions can lead to misunderstandings regarding examination requirements, licence privileges, experience criteria, and type rating procedures.
Official Sources for CAR-66
The latest version of CAR-66 can be accessed through the following official sources:
DGCA India Official Website
DGCA Airworthiness Directorate Publications
CAR Section 2 – Airworthiness Documents
EASA Part-66 Regulatory Publications (for international comparison and harmonisation reference)
These sources provide the most accurate and updated information regarding AME licensing requirements, examination standards, licence categories, aircraft type ratings, and regulatory amendments.
Student Alert
Many students unknowingly prepare using outdated information. Always verify regulatory requirements before making academic or career decisions.
Avoid relying solely on:
Old module notes
Unverified YouTube videos
Social media discussions
Outdated coaching institute material
Unofficial PDF copies circulating online
Always cross-check information with the latest DGCA publication.
Remember, even a minor regulatory amendment can affect:
Licence eligibility
Examination requirements
Experience credits
Type rating procedures
Certification privileges
For aviation professionals, staying up to date on regulatory changes is part of maintaining compliance and supporting aircraft safety.
Regulatory References
This article is based on:
DGCA CAR Section 2, Series L,
CAR-66
Rule 61 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to CAR-66 Licensing
Is DGCA CAR-66 Based on EASA Part-66?
Yes. DGCA CAR-66 is substantially harmonised with EASA Part-66 and follows a similar competency-based and modular licensing philosophy.
This harmonisation helps ensure:
Standardised technical competency requirements
Internationally recognised maintenance practices
Similar licence category structures
Alignment with global aviation safety principles
However, there are important differences:
DGCA governs CAR-66 licensing within India.
EASA governs Part-66 licensing within Europe.
Licence conversion or additional approvals may be required to exercise certification privileges outside India.
Can a CAR-66 Licensed AME Work Abroad?
Yes. A CAR-66 qualified AME can pursue employment opportunities with international airlines, MRO organisations, leasing companies, and aviation maintenance providers.
However, certification privileges in another country may require additional approvals, such as:
EASA Part-66 conversion (Europe)
FAA A&P certification (United States)
Local aviation authority licensing requirements
Employer-specific authorisations
Although a CAR-66 licence does not automatically grant certification authority overseas, its EASA-aligned structure is widely respected within the global aviation maintenance industry.
What Is the Minimum Passing Percentage in CAR-66 Examinations?
DGCA generally requires candidates to achieve a minimum score of 75% in each applicable CAR-66 module examination.
This high passing standard reflects the critical safety responsibilities carried by licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Is Aircraft Type Rating Mandatory After Obtaining an AME Licence?
Yes.
A basic AME licence alone does not automatically allow an engineer to certify maintenance on every aircraft type.
Before exercising certification privileges on a specific aircraft, an AME must obtain the appropriate aircraft type endorsement through approved training and examination.
Examples include:
Airbus A320 Family
Boeing 737 Family
ATR 72
Other approved aircraft types
Without the relevant type rating endorsement, the certification authority remains limited.
Is the CAR-66 mandatory to become a licensed AME in India?
Yes. CAR-66 establishes the knowledge, experience, examination, and licensing requirements that must be met before the DGCA can issue an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence.
Who conducts CAR-66 examinations?
CAR-66 basic knowledge examinations are conducted under DGCA-approved procedures through the designated examination authority as prescribed by DGCA.
Final Key Takeaway
DGCA CAR-66 is far more than an examination framework—it is the foundation of India's Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licensing system.
The regulation establishes:
Technical competency standards
Modular examination requirements
Practical experience criteria
Aircraft type rating procedures
Certification privileges
Continuing airworthiness responsibilities
International harmonisation with EASA Part-66 concepts
From the first modular examination to obtaining certification authority on operational aircraft, every stage of an AME's professional journey is governed by CAR-66.
For aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, understanding CAR-66 is not optional—it is the first and most important step toward becoming a licensed aviation professional entrusted with aircraft safety, airworthiness, and public confidence in air transport.
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Are you preparing for DGCA CAR-66 examinations or planning a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering? Share your questions in the comments, and we'll help clarify them based on the latest DGCA regulations.
Author: SkyInsight Aviation Editorial Team
Last Updated: May 2026
