Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME): The Backbone of Aviation Safety

In Civil Aviation, under the DGCA, Government of India, no aircraft can take off without the certification of release by a licensed or approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). In India’s aviation ecosystem, whether it is a domestic airline, regional airline, non-scheduled operator, chartered flight, corporate aircraft, central or state government aircraft, private aircraft, or individual aircraft, every aircraft must be certified airworthy by a DGCA-licensed AME before pilots can fly them.

This critical requirement is mandated under the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, Aircraft Rules 1937, and CAR-66 regulations, ensuring that Indian aviation standards align with the global safety norms set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a licensed engineering discipline dedicated to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of aircraft to ensure their airworthiness. AMEs play a vital role in the aviation industry by conducting thorough inspections, performing maintenance tasks, and ensuring that every aircraft meets strict safety standards before flight. As the aviation industry continues to expand, the demand for skilled AMEs is growing rapidly in India and across the world.

Why is AME Important?

With the exponential growth of aviation, the need for highly skilled aircraft maintenance engineers is more crucial than ever.

• Career Opportunities & Global Demand

The surge in commercial and private aviation has created immense career prospects for AMEs in airlines, MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), aircraft manufacturing, and regulatory bodies.

AMEs are in high demand worldwide, making it an excellent career for those aspiring to work in international aviation markets.

• Ensuring Safety & Compliance

AMEs are responsible for certifying aircraft airworthiness, ensuring that flights operate safely and efficiently.

They help maintain aviation safety standards, reducing technical failures and enhancing overall flight reliability.

Eligibility for AME Courses

To pursue a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) OR
• 3-year engineering diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Aeronautical Engineering

The role of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is indispensable in aviation. As the aviation sector continues to grow, AMEs will play an even more significant role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft operations worldwide.

How Does an Aspiring Student Become a Licensed AME?

To become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India, students must follow a structured training and certification process regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.

After enrolling in a DGCA-approved CAR 147 (Basic) training institution, students must clear DGCA module examinations outlined in CAR 66 and gain hands-on aircraft maintenance experience at a DGCA-approved CAR 145 (MRO) organisation. Upon successfully completing the required training, examinations, and viva assessments based on their chosen aircraft category, students become eligible for the DGCA-issued AME licence.

Throughout their journey, students can secure roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Managers, Workshop Maintenance Managers, Quality Managers, Continuing Airworthiness Managers, Planning Managers, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Technical Officers, and Store Inspectors, aligning with industry regulations.

Over three years of rigorous training, students undergo a transformational learning experience—developing technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and practical knowledge. Their success in DGCA AME examinations further strengthens their qualifications, making them highly sought-after professionals in the aviation industry.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Licensed AME with Sha-Shib Group of Institutions

1. Meet the Educational Eligibility

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) OR
• 3-year engineering diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Aeronautical Engineering

2. Enroll in a DGCA-Approved CAR 147 Institution

Get admitted to one of Sha-Shib Group’s nine DGCA-approved CAR 147 (Basic) AME Institutes across India.

3. Pass DGCA Module Examinations (CAR 66)

  Successfully complete all required DGCA module papers during training.

4. Gain Practical Maintenance Experience

• Work at a DGCA-approved CAR 145 Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organisation.
• Sha-Shib Group provides hands-on training at its 13 MRO bases and sub-bases across India, along with tie-ups for practical exposure.

5. Undergo On-the-Job Training (OJT) & Viva

As students gain real-world aircraft maintenance experience, they must undergo:

• Additional examinations
• On-the-job training (OJT)
• Viva assessments based on the aircraft category they aim to specialize in

6. Complete Licensing Requirements & Apply for DGCA AME Licence

After fulfilling the examination, experience, and assessment criteria, students become eligible to apply for the AME licence from DGCA.

7. Receive the DGCA AME Licence

Upon meeting all regulatory requirements, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence is issued, enabling students to work in various aviation sectors.

Importance of Maintenance Experience in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Significance of Practical Experience

According to Rule 61 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, candidates become eligible for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence after successfully passing all required DGCA module examinations and acquiring maintenance experience as per the approved curriculum outlined in CAR-147 (Basic) and CAR-66. This maintenance experience is only valid when gained within a controlled environment at DGCA-approved CAR-145 organisations (MROs) under the supervision of qualified  AMEs. Therefore, practical training at a CAR-145-approved MRO is a mandatory requirement for obtaining an AME licence from the DGCA.

Sha-Shib Group’s Extensive Practical Training Infrastructure

Functional and Live Aircraft for Training

Sha-Shib Group provides extensive hands-on training through its vast fleet of functional and live aircraft, ensuring students gain real-world maintenance experience.

•  22 functional aircraft are located across multiple campuses nationwide.
• 6 live aircraft are operational for flying purposes.
• Multiple live aircraft are available for maintenance at Sha-Shib’s DGCA-approved MRO facilities across the country.

This unique infrastructure gives students a major learning advantage, enabling them to develop critical skills under the Advanced Training Program.

Diverse Aircraft Categories for Comprehensive Learning

Having access to various aircraft types allows students to:

• Gain practical knowledge through live demonstrations and familiarisation.
• Work on airworthy aircraft with a Certificate of Airworthiness issued by DGCA.
• Develop expertise in troubleshooting during scheduled and routine maintenance tasks.

This hands-on experience significantly enhances students' performance during job interviews and complements the mandatory outsourced practical training outlined in the DGCA-approved MTOE (Maintenance Training Organisation Exposition).

Centralised Academic Council – Ensuring Academic Excellence

To maintain high academic standards, Sha-Shib Group operates a Centralised Academic Council, responsible for:

• Curriculum development aligned with aviation industry demands.
• Student support in training and career readiness.
• Regulatory compliance in academic and examination matters.

The Academic Council consists of highly experienced aviation professionals, including:

• Former DGCA officials.
• Retired scientists from DRDO, ISRO, and other aviation-related organisations.
• Industry experts and technocrats.
• Licensed AMEs, DGCA-approved Quality Managers, Training Managers, and Examinations Managers.
• Professors, lecturers, PhD holders, and maintenance professionals.

Their combined expertise ensures Sha-Shib students receive the best guidance and academic support to excel in the aviation industry.

Advanced Training Program – Elevating Practical Skills

Sha-Shib Group’s Advanced Training Program provides students with additional hands-on experience beyond the mandatory DGCA-approved practical training.

• Training takes place in DGCA-approved Aircraft, Aircraft Engine, and Aircraft Component Maintenance workshops under CAR-145 regulations at 13 bases and sub-bases across India.
• Students gain extensive exposure to aircraft maintenance operations, preparing them for industry challenges.
• This enhanced practical experience strengthens their skills and employability in the aviation sector.

Industry Tie-Ups – Bridging the Gap Between Training & Employment

Sha-Shib Group’s nine AME institutes have tie-ups with leading DGCA-approved MROs and airlines, ensuring students get real-world exposure.

Key Industry Partners Include:

• Air India
• Deccan
• Airworks
•  Flybig
•  Indamer
•  GMR
•  Alchemist Aviation
•  Indocopters

These strategic tie-ups, which are mandatory under DGCA regulations, provide students with unparalleled practical training and career opportunities in the aviation industry.