What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a licence-oriented course regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Aircraft maintenance engineers inspect, maintain, repair and upgrade aircraft and their components, and troubleshoot problems.
Before a flight, the aircraft is inspected. After the required maintenance and a final inspection by the technical team, a licensed AME certifies that the aircraft is fit to fly. With Indian aviation growing quickly, skilled maintenance engineers are in strong demand.
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognised board or university, or an AICTE-approved 3-year engineering diploma in any stream, or a higher qualification in science with PCM.
- No colour blindness, and certified medically fit by a registered medical practitioner for the scope of work applied for.
Path to the AME licence
The course prepares you for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence under the Aircraft Rules 1937 (Rule 61) and Civil Aviation Requirement CAR-66.
- Basic training at a DGCA-approved CAR-147 basic training organisation.
- Practical experience on operating aircraft at a DGCA-approved CAR-145 organisation: 5 years for B1.1, B1.3 and B2, and 3 years for B1.2, B1.4 and B3.
- Module examinations for your stream and category, conducted by DGCA.
- Type training under CAR-147 with structured on-the-job training (S-OJT).
- AME licence issued by DGCA in your category.
Minimum basic training
| Category | Hours | Theory share |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 800 | 30–35% |
| A2 | 650 | 30–35% |
| A3 | 800 | 30–35% |
| A4 | 800 | 30–35% |
| B1.1 | 2,400 | 50–60% |
| B1.2 | 2,000 | 50–60% |
| B1.3 | 2,400 | 50–60% |
| B1.4 | 2,400 | 50–60% |
| B2 | 2,400 | 50–60% |
| B3 | 1,000 | 50–60% |
Reference: CAR-147 (Basic), Appendix I.
Streams
Module examinations
| Module | A1/B1.1 | A2/B1.2 | A3/B1.3 | A4/B1.4 | B2 | B3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Electrical fundamentals | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 Electronic fundamentals | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5 Digital techniques and electronic instrument systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 Materials and hardware | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7A Maintenance practices | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| 7B Maintenance practices | – | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| 8 Basic aerodynamics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 9A Human factors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| 9B Human factors | – | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| 10 Aviation legislation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 11A Turbine aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems | ✔ | – | – | – | – | – |
| 11B Piston aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems | – | ✔ | – | – | – | – |
| 11C Piston aeroplane aerodynamics, structures and systems | – | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| 12 Helicopter aerodynamics, structures and systems | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | – | – |
| 13 Aircraft aerodynamics, structures and systems | – | – | – | – | ✔ | – |
| 14 Propulsion | – | – | – | – | ✔ | – |
| 15 Gas turbine engine | ✔ | – | ✔ | – | – | – |
| 16 Piston engine | – | ✔ | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| 17A Propeller | ✔ | ✔ | – | – | – | – |
| 17B Propeller | – | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Total modules | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 |
Reference: CAR-66.
Licence categories
- Category A: certifies minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification, limited to work the licence holder has personally carried out, within the tasks endorsed by the approved maintenance organisation.
- Category B1: certifies maintenance on the aircraft structure, powerplant and mechanical and electrical systems, plus simple avionics tests, for the aircraft type endorsed on the licence. B1 includes the matching Category A sub-category.
- Category B2: certifies maintenance on avionics and electrical systems, and minor line maintenance within the endorsed tasks, for the aircraft type on the licence.
- Category B3: certifies maintenance on piston-engine, non-pressurised aeroplanes of 2,000 kg maximum take-off mass and below.
Fees and scholarships
The basic training programme under CAR-147 costs approximately ₹4 to 6 lakh in total, paid semester-wise to the institute. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of AMERAT merit and other factors discussed at the time of admission.
After the academic programme, you complete practical maintenance experience on operating aircraft at a DGCA-approved CAR-145 organisation.
Career opportunities
Air traffic in India is rising and operators are adding new aircraft, which creates steady demand for licensed engineers and technicians.
After the licence, salaries in India typically range from about ₹6 to 24 lakh per year and abroad from about ₹24 to 60 lakh per year, depending on the licence category and experience.
Admission through AMERAT
- Fill the AMERAT form and pay the ₹1,000 exam fee online.
- Take the exam. See the exam pattern and syllabus.
- After the result, admission and scholarships are offered on the basis of merit.
Compare the programmes
| Programme | You get | Duration / path | Career focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) This page | DGCA licence (CAR-66) | Basic training under CAR-147, then practical experience at a CAR-145 organisation | Maintain and certify aircraft as fit to fly |
| B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering | B.Tech degree (AICTE approved) | 4 years, 8 semesters | Design, manufacturing, testing and research |
| Dual programme: AME + B.Tech | Degree and AME training together | Combined programme | Both design and maintenance careers |
| Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) | DGCA licence | 4 months ground school + 8 to 12 months flying (200 hours) | Fly commercial aircraft |
AME, B.Tech and the dual programme need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or an equivalent diploma); pilot training needs Physics and Mathematics. Admission to all of them is through AMERAT.
Frequently asked questions
What does an AME do?
What is the eligibility for AME?
How long does it take to get an AME licence?
What is the fee for the AME course?
Which is better, mechanical (B1) or avionics (B2)?
How do I get admission?
Ready to start your aviation career?
Register for AMERAT 2027 and take the first step.