Overview
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are licensed professionals who certify the airworthiness of aircraft after maintenance, inspections, and repairs. India's commercial aviation expansion (800+ aircraft fleet across IndiGo, Air India, Vistara-Air India merger, SpiceJet, Akasa, Air India Express) plus the growing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) market (Air India Engineering Services, GMR Aero Technic, MAS GMR Aerospace, Indamer, Embraer Services) have driven sharp demand. AMEs hold DGCA-issued Category A, B1 (Mechanical), B2 (Avionics), or C licences.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Inspect aircraft before and after flights (pre-flight and post-flight checks); diagnose faults and defects; perform scheduled maintenance per Aircraft Maintenance Programme; replace components per Component Maintenance Manual; certify maintenance work in aircraft logbooks; manage Minimum Equipment List (MEL) deferrals; coordinate with ground engineers and flight crews; participate in major checks (A, B, C, D) at MRO facilities; comply with DGCA Civil Airworthiness Requirements (CAR).
Skills required
- Aircraft systems knowledge (B737, A320 family, A330, B777, B787, ATR)
- Mechanical and avionics troubleshooting
- Reading technical manuals (AMM, IPC, TSM, CMM)
- Tool and test equipment proficiency
- DGCA CAR and EASA Part 145 / Part 66 frameworks
- Component overhaul procedures
- Composite repair (for modern aircraft)
- Engine borescope inspection
Education path
AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) course (3-4 years) from a DGCA-approved institute (CAR 147 Approved Maintenance Training Organisation): Hindustan Aviation Academy Bengaluru, Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, ASI Mumbai, AAA Indian Aviation Academy, NIAR Bengaluru. Followed by 1-2 years of on-job training and DGCA examinations to obtain Category A, B1, B2, or C licence. Engineering background (B.Tech Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics) accelerates entry.
Career progression
- 1Trainee AME (during 1-2 yr OJT)
- 2AME Cat A / B1 / B2 (0-5 yrs licensed)
- 3Senior AME / Cat C (5-12 yrs)
- 4Lead Engineer / Quality Manager (12-18 yrs)
- 5Head of Engineering / Technical Director (18+ yrs)
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- DGCA AME Licence Category A / B1 / B2 / C
- EASA Part 66 Licence (international)
- Aircraft type ratings (B737, A320, A330, B777, B787)
- Composite Repair Certifications
- Borescope Inspection Certification