How to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

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.