Aircraft Maintenance Engineering or AME is a specialised course offered by some institutes, which deals with the maintenance, upgradation and quality assurance of aircraft. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a licensed course and is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The licence is also recognized internationally by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. There are two types of courses in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – A and B, which differ with respect to the duration of the course and the level of knowledge that the student can absorb. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is rigorous in nature and involves a lot of responsibilities. The curriculum is also a mix of theory and practice and the students also get ample exposure to the aviation industry through regular field visits.
How to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
To become an aircraft maintenance engineer, you have to do an AME course only then you can become an aircraft maintenance engineer. Complete information about this course has been told to you from below, read this article till the end, you will get information about AME course.
What is the qualification of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
Engineering candidates aiming to pursue the AME course must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 board examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) at the time of admission. OR equivalent recognized by AICTE with 3 years Engineering Diploma or any higher qualification in Science with Physics and Mathematics.
- Candidates must have obtained at least 45% marks in 12th with PCM.
- Candidates who are eligible for admission in B.Tech courses are also eligible for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course.
- Candidates’ age should be between 16 to 28 years at the time of admission.
- Candidates should have colour blindness and no physical disability.
Syllabus of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering :
There are two types of aircraft maintenance engineering courses:
1. A Program (2 Years) : Students will have to take one year of academic training and the next year will include training with a live environment in airlines, MRO organisations and others. The students will also get a salary during the training. Students can apply for the licence, which will be issued by the DGCA after the completion of the course. The licence shall be for an engineer who can maintain, repair and troubleshoot simple defects of an aircraft.
2. B Program (4 Years): Students have to give two years of academic training and two years of practical training. Live training is conducted by MRO organisation. Students can get a salary during training. The licensed AME will be able to work in the government and private sector in India and abroad. The licence will be issued by DGCA. B1 licence aircraft will have a mechanical stream. Mechanical stream deals with components like fuselage, landing gear and wings etc. Meanwhile, the aircraft will have a B2 licence for the avionics stream. Which belongs to avionics stream electronics systems.
AME Course Syllabus and Subjects:
Module Subjects
| Mathematics | Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry |
| Physics | Matter, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Wave Motion and Sound |
| Electrical Fundamentals | Electron Theory, Electrical Terminology, Static Electricity and Conduction, Generation of Electricity, DC Sources of Electricity, DC Circuits, Resistance/Resistor, Inductance/Inductor, DC Motor/Generator Theory, Resistive (R), Capacitive (C) and Inductive (L) Circuits, Transformers, Filters, AC Generators, AC Motors |
| Electronic Fundamentals | Semiconductors, Printed Circuit Boards, Servomechanisms |
| Digital Techniques Electronic Instrument System | Electronic Instrument Systems, Numbering Systems, Data Conversion, Data Buses, Logic Circuits, Basic Computer Structure, Microprocessors, Integrated Circuits, Multiplexing, Fibre Optics, Electronic Displays, Electrostatic Sensitive Devices, Software Management Control, Electromagnetic Environment, Typical Electronic/Digital Aircraft Systems. |
| Materials and Hardware | Aircraft Materials – Ferrous, Aircraft Materials – Non-Ferrous, Aircraft Materials – Composite and Non-Metallic, Corrosion, Fasteners, Pipes & Unions, Springs, Bearings, Transmissions, Control Cables, Electrical Cables and Connectors. |
| Maintenance Practices | Safety Precautions – Aircraft & Workshop, Workshop Practices, Tools, Control Cables, Material Handling, Aircraft Weight & Balance, Aircraft Handling & Storage, Welding, Brazing, Soldering and Bonding, Disassembly, Inspection, Repair and Assembly Techniques, Abnormal Events, Maintenance Procedures, Avionic General Test Equipment, Engineering Drawings, Diagrams and Standards, Fits and Clearances, Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS), Riveting, Springs, Bearings, Transmissions. |
| Basic Aerodynamics | Physics of the Atmosphere, Aerodynamics, Theory of Flight, Flight Stability and Dynamics |
| Human Factors | General, Human Performance and Limitations, Social Psychology, Factors Affecting Performance, Physical Environment, Communication, Hazards at Workplace, Human Error, Tasks. |
| Aviation Legislation | Regulatory Framework, Aircraft Operations, Aircraft Certifications, Safety Management System, Fuel Tank Safety, CAR-66 Certifying Staff – Maintenance, CAR-145 — Approved Maintenance Organisations, CAR-M, Applicable National and International Requirements. |
| Turbine Aeroplane and Aerodynamics, Structure and Systems | Theory of Flight, Airframe Structures — General Concepts, Airframe Structures — Aeroplanes, Air Conditioning and Cabin Pressurisation, Instruments/Avionic Systems, Electrical Power (ATA 24), Equipment and Furnishings (ATA 25), Fire Protection (ATA 26), Flight Controls (ATA 27), Fuel Systems (ATA 28), Hydraulic Power (ATA 29), Ice and Rain Protection (ATA 30), Landing Gear (ATA 32), Lights (ATA 33), Oxygen (ATA 35), Pneumatic/Vacuum (ATA 36), Water/Waste (ATA 38), On Board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45), Integrated Modular Avionics (ATA42 ), Cabin Systems (ATA44) |
| Piston Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and System | Theory of Flight, Airframe Structures — General Concepts, Airframe Structures — Aeroplanes, Air Conditioning and Cabin Pressurisation (ATA 21), Instruments/Avionic Systems, Electrical Power, Equipment and Furnishings, Fire Protection, Flight Controls (ATA 27), Fuel Systems, Hydraulic Power, Ice and Rain Protection, Landing Gear, Lights (ATA 33), Oxygen (ATA 35), Pneumatic/Vacuum (ATA 36), Water/Waste (ATA 38). |
| Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structure and System | Theory of Flight — Rotary Wing Aerodynamics, Flight Control System, Blade Tracking and Vibration Analysis, Transmissions, Airframe Structures, Air Conditioning, Instruments/Avionic Systems, Electrical Power, Equipment and Furnishings (ATA 25), Fire Protection, Fuel Systems, Hydraulic Power (ATA 29), Ice and Rain Protection (ATA 30), Landing Gear (ATA 32), Lights (ATA 33), Pneumatic/Vacuum (ATA 36), Integrated Modular Avionics (ATA42), On Board Maintenance Systems (ATA45), Information Systems (ATA46). |
| Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structure and System | Theory of Flight, Structures — General Concepts, Autoflight (ATA 22), Communication/Navigation (ATA 23/34), Electrical Power (ATA 24), Equipment and Furnishings (ATA 25), Flight Controls (ATA 27), Instrument Systems (ATA 31), Lights (ATA 33), On board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45), Air Conditioning and Cabin Pressurisation (ATA21), Pressurisation, Fire Protection (ATA 26), Fuel Systems (ATA 28), Hydraulic Power (ATA 29), Ice and Rain Protection (ATA 30), Landing Gear (ATA 32), Oxygen (ATA 35), Pneumatic/Vacuum (ATA 36), Water/Waste (ATA 38), Integrated Modular Avionics (ATA42), Cabin Systems (ATA44), Information Systems (ATA46). |
| Propulsion | Turbine Engines, Engine Indicating Systems, Starting and Ignition Systems |
| Gas Turbine Engine | Fundamentals, Engine Performance, Inlet, Compressors, Combustion Section, Turbine Section, Exhaust, Bearings and Seals, Lubricants and Fuels, Lubrication Systems, Fuel System, Air System, Starting and Ignition Systems, Engine Indication Systems, Power Augmentation Systems, Turbo-prop engines, Turbo-shaft engines, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), Powerplant Installation, Fire Protection Systems, Engine Monitoring and Ground Operation, Engine Storage and Preservation. |
| Piston Engine | Fundamentals, Engine Performance, Engine Construction, Engine Fuel Systems, Carburettors, Fuel Injection System, Electronic engine control, Starting and Ignition Systems, Induction, Exhaust and Cooling Systems, Supercharging/Turbocharging, Lubricant and Fuel, Lubrication Systems, Engine Indication Systems, Powerplant Installation, Engine Monitoring and Ground Operation, Engine Storage and Preservation. |
| Propellor | Fundamentals, Propellor Construction, Propellor Pitch Control, Propellor Synchronising, Propellor Ice Protection, Propellor Maintenance, Propellor Storage and Prevention |
How is the admission process in AME?
- For admission in AME you have to give an entrance exam.
- After giving the exam, admission is given on the basis of rank in one of the institutes recognized by DGCA.
- The entrance exam consists of three to four sections, which are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, General Awareness and English for the candidates who have passed the 10+2 board exam.
- For candidates having three years Diploma in Engineering/B.Tech/Higher Qualification in Science with PCM, the sections of AME Entrance Test will be English, General Awareness and Skill Test.
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Entrance Exams Top AME Entrance Exams are as follows:
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test (AME CET)
- All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Examination (AIAMEE)
- All India AME Entrance Examination (AIAEE)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Aptitude Exam (AMECAT)
- Joint Entrance Examination (AME) or JEE-AME
- Indian Aerospace and Engineering Entrance Examination (IAEEE)
What are the skills required for AME?
The following skills are required to pursue aircraft maintenance engineering and build a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer:
- positive attitude
- passion for aviation
- creative and innovative
- good problem-solving skills
- Responsible
- good at learning new skills
- To have an investigative nature and a willingness to learn new things
Top colleges offering AME course:
Some of the renowned institutes in India that offer full time courses in AME are as follows:
- Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Gorakhpur
- Indian Institute of Aeronautics, New Delhi
- Bharat Institute of Aeronautics, Patna
- JRN Institute of Aviation and Technology, New Delhi
- Star Aviation Academy, Gurugram
- Regional Institute of Aviation, Kerala
Jobs and career opportunities after AME:
There are plenty of career opportunities after AME, you can work in both government and private organisations after this course.
After obtaining an AME licence, students can expect to find jobs in the following industries:
- Airlines
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul companies
- Operation Organisations
- Civil Defence Forces
Top Recruiters for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers:
- Air India
- IndiGo
- Spice Jet
- Go Air
- Vistara
- Air Asia
- Alliance Air
- Blue Dart
MRO and other organisation
- Air India Limited
- Air Works India
- Arrow Aviation Services
- Blue Dart Aviation Services
- Cochin International Aviation Services