What role does an Aircraft Maintenance engineer plays in Aviation Industry?

The main job of an aircraft maintenance engineer is to keep the aircraft in working condition through inspections, repairs and maintenance. The Director General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, regulates the mechanical work on aircraft and individuals wanting to pursue a career in this industry must meet particular training as well as certification requirements. Aircraft maintenance engineers should be prepared to cautiously follow FAA regulations and work long hours on emergency repairs.

Tasks of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Ensuring a proper and safe operation of an aircraft is the primary responsibility of an aircraft maintenance engineer. A maintenance engineer might make repairs, troubleshoot problems, carry out inspections and make upgrades to aircrafts. Making emergency repairs, keeping records of and carrying out scheduled maintenance or preparing for DGCA inspections are part of the daily duties of an aircraft maintenance engineer. He/she also works with specialized aviation and power tools, computers, diagnostic equipment and x ray machines. While working, he/she might also require climbing ladders or standing on platforms, manage other maintenance staff or spend long hours on emergency repairs. It’s important for maintenance engineers to carefully observe all DGCA rules and regulations when executing any job duty.

Requirements for an Ideal Job

The DGCA sets the hiring requirements for aircraft maintenance engineers. Candidates must:• Be at least 18 years of age• Have proficiency in the English language• Have practical experience working with power plants or air flames or graduate from DGCA approved institute of aircraft maintenance engineering in Mumbai • Pass written, oral and practical tests

Education & Certification

The DGCA also requires that any work performed on an aircraft must be done by or under the direct supervision of a certified mechanic. The DGCA certification is available for power plant mechanics and airframe mechanics. DGCA approved degrees include the Associate of Occupational Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Associate of Applied science in Aviation Maintenance.

Two years is what it takes for majority of associate degree programs to be completed and include topics that prepare aspirants to pass the required DGCA tests.

Eligibility

An aspirant with 50% marks in physics and maths in class 12th can get into an AME course out of several aviation courses in Mumbai in a DGCA approved institute. The initial exam conducted after a year of training, tests the understanding of general aviation rules and regulations. The next examination is about general engineering as well as maintenance practices. The third exam is for the specialisation opted for. After the aspirant qualifies, he/she can take the training from an airline or maintenance organisation. Then, finally after the completion of the fourth exam and Viva, AME licence from the DGCA is obtained.

The scope for an aircraft maintenance engineer is immense as many Indian airlines look to take them on board at a handsome salary. All the reputed companies eagerly look for good candidates that can carry out the maintenance works of their aircrafts with ease. The position of an AME is extremely vital in the aviation industry as he/she is at the root of the aircrafts that carry national and international travellers from one place to another.

Author Bio

Priyesh Mishra, Head of Admin at Indian Aerospace & Engineering is the author of this article. He has been associated with Indian Aerospace & Engineering, one of the leading colleges of aircraft maintenance engineering in Mumbai offering some of the best aviation courses in Mumbai for several years. Priyesh is a shrewd administrator at the centre having a deep understanding and liking for writing articles.

Priyesh Mishra is the Head of Admin at Indian Aerospace & Engineering, a leading institute for Aeronautical Engineering in Mumbai, approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation (Govt. of India).