What Does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Do? Roles, Responsibilities & Career Path

When you see an aircraft getting ready for departure, most people think only about the pilot sitting in the cockpit. But before an aircraft can take off there is an entire team of aircraft maintenance technicians.

These aircraft maintenance technicians are called Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME). They inspect aircraft, troubleshoot technical problems, perform or supervise maintenance and conduct system checks and maintenance procedures in accordance with approved standards.

However, have you ever wondered what does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer do on a normal working day? What are the duties associated with this job? Scope after doing the AME course ?

In this guide, we explain AME roles in simple terms, including the difference between B1.1 Mechanical and B2 Avionics, the work environment, career opportunities, and how to progress to an AME license.

Quick Answer: What Does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Do?

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer provides services related to the maintenance and airworthiness of the aircraft in the limits of their training, license, ratings, and organizational authorization.

Depending on their category and role, their work can involve:

• Inspection of the aircraft and its components

• Detection and rectification of technical faults

• Performance of approved maintenance activities

• Inspection of the aircraft systems and components

• Reference to maintenance documents and technical documents

• Use of special equipment for performing maintenance

• Recording of performed maintenance operations

• Providing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance

• Following the procedures of safety in aviation

• Certification of maintenance according to the privileges and authorisations of his/her license

The exact responsibilities depend on the category of the AME, type of the aircraft, organisation, and authorisation.

What Is the Role of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

In its simplest form, the best means of understanding the position would be looking at the AME position as one of a technical expert whose job is to maintain safety and control in aircraft maintenance tasks and follow approved procedures.

The AME does a lot more than just fixing a defect in an aircraft component.

Before maintenance work begins, the engineer will have to identify what the problem is, check the necessary technical details, and decide which maintenance procedure is applicable.

While doing the work, accuracy is essential, as the right procedure and correct use of tools, parts, measurements and procedures are crucial.

After the work is done, it needs to be documented properly and, where necessary, the necessary inspection and testing should be done.

This makes aircraft maintenance a field where expertise and professionalism go together hand in hand.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of an AME?

A wide range of daily responsibilities varies from airline to airline, MRO company, maintenance facility and other aviation employers. Nevertheless, there are such areas of responsibility that are typical for every AME and other aviation maintenance professional.

1. Aircraft Inspection

Inspection is one of the basic elements of aircraft maintenance.

AME and other maintenance professional are authorised to inspect aircraft structure, engines, systems, and parts in order to detect any signs of wear, damage, leaking, malfunctioning or other technical problems.

Depending on the type of maintenance, inspections can be performed either during scheduled Inspection is one of the basic elements of aircraft maintenance.

AME and other maintenance professional are authorised to inspect aircraft structure, engines, systems, and parts in order to detect any signs of wear, damage, leaking, malfunctioning or other technical problems.

Depending on the type of maintenance, inspections can be performed either during scheduled maintenance process or when some defects have been reported.

It is not enough just to detect some problems. Engineers should perform the procedure using certain maintenance data and take necessary actions.

2. Troubleshooting Technical Problems

Aircraft systems are interconnected. Therefore, a proper diagnosis of the problem should be performed to identify its root cause.

For example, an issue noticed by a flight crew member may involve an electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or avionics system.

An AME needs to deal with the problem systematically rather than simply replacing parts until the problem goes away.

This can involve:

• Evaluation of the reported fault

• Technical document checking

• System/inspection testing

• Identification of the root cause of the problem

• Implementation of the recommended remedial action

• Testing of the system post-maintenance

This is why good technical knowledge is important for aircraft maintenance work.

3. Carrying Out Maintenance Tasks

Aircraft maintenance involves a wide range of tasks.

As per the category and authorisation of the AME, maintenance activities may involve the removal/installation, inspection, servicing, testing, adjustment, and correction of defects.

All these activities have to be done as per the approved maintenance data and the organisational procedure.

The basic training structure of DGCA’s CAR-147 includes practical training with tools, equipment, aircraft components, and maintenance activities.

4. Working With Aircraft Maintenance Manuals

It is not possible to carry out the maintenance process simply by relying on memory.
They make use of technical material such as maintenance manuals, task cards, illustrated parts information, wiring information, among others.

The AME should also be capable of reading technical instructions and executing them.

In aviation maintenance, even the small difference in a procedure, measurement or installation sequence may matter.

5. Recording Maintenance Work

Documenting is also another major part of this profession.

Maintenance activities need to be properly recorded so that there is a proper technical history of what has been done.

This may involve recording:

• What maintenance task was done

• What components were removed/installed

• The defects discovered

• What corrective actions were undertaken

• An inspection/testing process carried out.

• References to maintenance information

Good documentation helps create traceability and safety during the maintenance process.

6. Following Safety and Regulatory Procedures

Maintenance of aircraft occurs under a highly regulated setting.

AMEs operate in accordance with the relevant aviation regulations, approved processes, maintenance information, and organisational needs.

Therefore, safety is not a separate activity that follows maintenance; rather, it is a part of the maintenance process itself.

What Does an AME Do Before an Aircraft Flies?

A common question asked by the students is how an AME personally checks all the parts of an aircraft before each and every flight.

The answer would depend on the nature of the aircraft maintenance operation and the people conducting the operation are.

There are various types of inspections, servicing, defect rectifications and planned maintenance performed on the aircraft. Different tasks are assigned to the people with proper training and qualifications.
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If certification is needed, the person responsible for issuing the maintenance certificate should be properly licensed, have aircraft rating and be authorized by the organization to conduct the specific job.

This difference is very important to understand for the students because there is a difference between completing the AME course and holding a license.
The DGCA examination system deals with AME licenses and the applicants in a separate way.

B1.1 vs B2: What Does an AME Work On?

The first choice of an AME student is to choose the field in which he/she wants to specialize.
There are two major fields: B1.1 Mechanical and B2 Avionics.

The work areas differ, even though both fall within the aircraft maintenance field.

B1.1 Mechanical

B1.1 deals largely with the mechanical aspects of aircraft maintenance.

If you are interested in engines, airframes and mechanical aircraft systems, this area may be particularly relevant.

Depending on the type of aircraft and maintenance environment, the work can involve areas such as:

• Aircraft structure

• Gas turbines

• Propulsion

• Hydraulics

• Pneumatics

• Landing gears

• Flight controls

B2 Avionics

B2 focuses on electrical, electronic, instrument and radio-based aircraft systems.

Common subjects include:

• Electrical Systems

• Instruments

• Communications

• Navigation

• Electronic Systems

• Avionics

• Aircraft Displays and Associated Systems

Thus, the decision whether to opt for B1.1 or B2 depends more on what specific technical field you would like to pursue rather than on whether to choose between the two names of the AME course.

What Does an AME Do in an MRO Organisation?

MRO refers to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul.

MRO companies offer aircraft maintenance services and could undertake various kinds of maintenance activities based on their approvals, capabilities, and facilities.

Working in an MRO environment can expose an AME professional to:

• Line maintenance

• Base maintenance

• Inspections

• Defect correction

• Component maintenance

• Troubleshooting

• Aircraft servicing

• Maintenance documentation

• Quality and safety processes

The specific tasks will vary from organisation to organisation, and also from position to position within a company.

From a student's perspective, this is one of the reasons why practical exposure during training may be important.

What Is a Typical Day Like for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

There isn't one fixed daily routine for every AME.

An AME working in line maintenance will have a very different schedule from an AME who works at the base maintenance unit.

A typical workday could involve:

Getting assigned a job → Checking technical data → Troubleshooting/Inspection → Conducting the maintenance activity → Test/Verification of results → Documentation

For example, an AME dealing with a technical fault may first review the report of the flight crew or maintenance team.

Next, the engineer then makes reference to the relevant technical documents and conducts the necessary tests and troubleshooting process.

In case a defect is confirmed, the required maintenance action is conducted by the appropriately authorised staff.

The work is then properly documented according to the appropriate procedures.

These actions of technical work and documentation are a routine procedure in aircraft maintenance.

What Skills Does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Need?

Aircraft maintenance is not a career where only technical knowledge is enough.

The ideal AME must also have the capacity to perform his task with precision and consistency.

Technical Knowledge

It includes understanding of the aircraft systems, components and maintenance principles of maintenance of aircraft.

Attention to Detail

Aircraft maintenance involves small components, precise procedures and detailed technical information.

Problem-Solving Ability

Troubleshooting skill includes the ability to proceed step by step from symptoms to solutions.

Communication

Maintenance teams work with other engineers, technicians, managers, operators, and even flight crews.

Clear communication can avoid misunderstandings.

Teamwork

Aircraft maintenance is not an individual effort; it requires coordination among various individuals and departments.

Safety Awareness

The maintenance engineer should be aware of the consequences of bypassing an important process or missing some important technical detail.

Willingness to Keep Learning

Aircraft technology changes, and thus the maintenance engineer must keep himself up to date with developments.

Where Can an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Work?

After completing the course and fulfilling the required licensing requirements, AME professionals can find huge career opportunities across different areas of aviation.

These may include:

Airlines

Airline organisations have aircraft that need to be inspected and maintained.

MRO Organizations

MRO organizations offer maintenance of aircraft and may provide  in line or base maintenance among others.

Charter and Aviation Operators

Aviation organisations and charter companies also need maintenance services for their aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance Companies

Maintenance companies hire technical professionals for inspections, problem-solving, repairs, and other related tasks.

Technical Services and Support

Some aviation professionals will go into technical support, maintenance planning, reliability, documentation, and other similar fields as they gain more experience.

Quality and Compliance

Professionals who have gained experience and education can take up quality, safety, compliance, and maintenance management positions as well.

It all depends on qualifications, certification, experience, aircraft, and the requirements of the employer.

What Is the Career Path of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

An AME career is not necessarily a straight line from classroom training to a single job title.

The following may be a simplified career pathway for an AME career .

Qualification Eligible Class 12

↓

Basic Training Technical and practical training Approved by AME 

↓

 Related DGCA Module Exam 

↓

Relevant work experience

↓

Licences / AME Licence relevant

↓

Aircraft Maintenance Function

↓

Other Experience and Aircraft Technical / Supervisory / Specialist Position

↓

Type of Training 

The specific route will vary by candidate type, training pathway, licensing requirement, and career aspiration.

The examination guidelines of DGCA regarding AME licences mention that candidates need to get their Computer Number first in order to be eligible to apply for AME licence examinations.

Can an AME Career Go Beyond Aircraft Maintenance?

Yes.

Experience in aircraft maintenance may serve as a basis for various careers.

Upon gaining more experience and qualifications, one may pursue other professions, such as:

• Advanced aircraft maintenance

• Maintenance supervision

• Quality control

• Technical services

• Maintenance planning

• Reliability

• Safety and compliance

• Training and instruction

• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul management

But one should understand that these professions are not automatically available to people who complete an AME course.

Is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering a Good Career for Someone Who Likes Technical Work?

AME can be a suitable field of study for those students who are really passionate about understanding the functioning of mechanical systems.

You may find the field interesting if you enjoy:

• Like aeroplanes and their mechanics

• Like mechanical systems

• Like engines

• Like electronics

• Like troubleshooting

• Like practical work

• Like technical writing

• Like using tools and equipment

• Like comprehending the interaction between various aircraft systems

It should be noted that there is much responsibility involved in aircraft maintenance. The job demands a lot of discipline and a careful attitude towards your work.

Thus, students should go beyond the excitement associated with aircrafts.

What Should You Learn Before Choosing B1.1 or B2?

Instead of choosing a category only because someone says it has better career opportunities, first understand the type of technical work involved.

Choose B1.1 if you are more interested in areas such as:

• Aircraft engines

• Mechanics

• Airframe

• Hydraulics

• Pneumatics

• Landing gear

Consider B2 if you are more interested in:

• Electrical

• Electronics

• Flight instruments

• Navigation

• Communication

• Avionics

Neither category should be selected simply on the basis of a job title. Your own interests and technical aspirations will also be important.

Why Practical Training Matters for Future AMEs

Aircraft maintenance is not learned only from classroom theory.

Students need opportunities to understand how technical information connects with actual aircraft parts, tools, equipment and maintenance procedures.

Under DGCA's CAR-147 requirements for basic training include practical training and practical assessment. It is also mandatory under the regulation that some amount of practical training must happen in an actual maintenance environment.

This is where practical exposure will add value to the learning process.

A student who has observed a part, used related tools and carried out a maintenance process can begin to learn how classroom knowledge applies in real aviation work.

Why Choose IIAME Delhi for AME Training?

IIAME Delhi currently offers its AME courses in relation to B1.1 Mechanical and B2 Avionics courses, with practical exposure related to the operations of Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd. IIAME recognises SAPL as a DGCA CAR-145 approved MRO organisation, which provides practical exposure to maintenance operations.

For students comparing AME institutes, some of the key factors worth checking include:

• DGCA approval in relevance

• Course curriculum

• Practical training facilities

• Exposure to aircraft and maintenance

• Experience of faculty

• Help in module examinations

• Help in licensing process

• Environment in the industry

IIAME's current admissions information also lists B1.1 and B2 as its principal AME specialisations and describes practical exposure through its MRO network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer do?

The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is responsible for tasks related to aircraft maintenance operations, including inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and documentation, depending upon their category, licence, and aircraft ratings.

Do AMEs repair aircraft?

Maintenance work can include activities such as defect correction, replacement, inspection, tests and other authorized maintenance procedures. It all depends on the technical category and authority of the AME.

Do AMEs work on aircraft engines?

Yes engine maintenance is B1.1 category of Mechanical specially when it is about airplane turbine aircraft.

What is the difference between B1.1 and B2 AME?

B1.1 is mainly concerned with mechanical components like airframes, engines, and aircraft mechanics. The main focus of B2 is avionics, that include electrical, instruments, communication, and navigation systems.

Do AMEs work at airports?

There are many aircraft mechanics who work at airports, especially in airlines and MRO organisations. There are others who work at maintenance bases, workshops, and technical sections.

Can an AME work in an MRO?

Yes. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations are a significant employer of aviation maintenance professionals. This will depend on the MRO's approvals and the qualifications of the individual.

Is an AME responsible for flight safety?

Aircraft maintenance is an integral part of aircraft safety. The duties of AMEs and other qualified maintenance personnel are commensurate with their qualification, licence, aircraft rating and organization authorization.

Can an AME work in airlines?

Yes, because airlines use aircraft maintenance personnel for various technical and maintenance tasks based on their qualifications and experience levels.

What comes after AME training?

Candidates may be required to meet experience and other requirements and, depending on the level of their training, there may be examinations before they can go on to take up a position in aircraft maintenance.

Is B1.1 or B2 better for a career?

There is no single category which is right for every student. B1.1 and B2 take students towards different technical specialities; thus, they need to analyse the subjects and type of aircraft systems they are working on.

Final Takeaway

Being an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is not just about fixing the aircraft when there is something wrong.

It consists of technical knowledge, inspections, troubleshooting, maintenance activities, paperwork, safety, and constant learning.

B1.1 professionals concentrate mainly on the mechanical and power plant side of things, whereas B2 professionals specialise in electrical and avionics systems.

Equally important for those students who want to go for AME after Class 12 is to know about the actual work involved in it as much as knowing the name of the course. The right way to go about it is to find out what the job entails, know the difference between B1.1 and B2 and then go into the training and licensing path that suits your interests.

Considering a career in aircraft maintenance?

If you are interested in aviation and aircraft systems, check out the AME courses at IIAME Delhi and learn about B1.1 Mechanical and B2 Avionics.

Learn More about AME Courses & Admission at IIAME Delhi →

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