Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Course Overview
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) focuses on the inspection, repair, and maintenance of aircraft to ensure their safety and airworthiness. AME professionals are responsible for performing regular checks, diagnosing technical issues, and repairing or replacing parts on airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. This field is highly specialised, and engineers must follow stringent regulatory standards set by aviation authorities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering can pursue roles such as:
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- Licensed Aircraft Engineer
- Avionics Technician
- Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor
- Quality Control Inspector
- Technical Services Engineer
- Aircraft Manufacturing Engineer
These roles are available with airlines, aircraft manufacturing companies, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organisations, and government aviation departments.
How to Pursue It
- Eligibility: A diploma or bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from an approved institute. Typically, the programme requires passing national or international aviation authority exams (such as EASA or DGCA certification).
- Duration: The course duration ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification and licensing authority.
- Certifications: To work as an AME, obtaining an AME licence from a recognised aviation authority is mandatory. Some key certifications include FAA (USA), EASA (Europe), and DGCA (India).
- Specialisations: Students can specialise in Avionics (Electrical Systems) or Mechanical (Airframe, Engine).
Important Facts
- Regulatory Standards: Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work under strict guidelines set by international aviation authorities.
- Licensing Requirement: An AME licence is mandatory to practice, and licences are granted only after passing theoretical and practical examinations.
- Job Responsibility: AMEs hold significant responsibility for the safety of aircraft and passengers.
- Hands-On Training: The course includes practical training on live aircraft, which is crucial for understanding the complex systems in modern aircraft.
Top World-Ranking Universities for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
457. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)
458. Purdue University (USA)
459. University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia)
460. Cranfield University (UK)
461. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) (Australia)
Pros and Cons of Pursuing Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Pros:
- High Demand: AMEs are in high demand globally, as the aviation industry continues to grow.
- Job Security: Stable job prospects, especially for licensed professionals with certifications from top aviation authorities.
- Diverse Opportunities: Careers available in both commercial and military aviation, as well as space exploration industries.
- Hands-On Career: Practical, hands-on work with cutting-edge aviation technology.
- Global Mobility: International licensing allows professionals to work in different countries.
Cons:
- Intense Responsibility: AMEs bear heavy responsibility for ensuring aircraft safety, with serious consequences for errors.
- Licensing Exams: Rigorous licensing exams and continuous learning required to stay updated with new technologies and regulations.
- Shift Work: Often requires working in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Physical Demands: May involve physically demanding work, such as lifting heavy components or working in confined spaces.
- Long Certification Process: Achieving full certification and experience can take several years.