Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program
Why Choose Aircraft Maintenance Engineering as Your Career?
Every aircraft that soars through the sky relies on the expertise of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations. In the rapidly expanding aviation industry, AMEs are the unsung heroes who inspect, repair, maintain, and certify aircraft for flight. This critical role combines technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and hands-on skills to keep passengers and crew safe while maintaining the multi-million dollar assets that are modern aircraft.
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program at the School of Applied Engineering and Technology (SOACET) prepares aspiring aviation professionals for rewarding careers in this essential field. With India’s aviation sector experiencing exponential growth, certified AMEs are in high demand across airlines, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation regulatory bodies.
Whether you dream of working on commercial airliners, military aircraft, helicopters, or business jets, SOACET’s comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program provides the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to launch your successful aviation career.
Understanding Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a specialized technical program that trains students to become licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Unlike traditional engineering degrees, AME training focuses specifically on aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, regulatory requirements, and hands-on practical skills essential for maintaining airworthiness.
The Role of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
AMEs perform critical functions in aviation safety and operations:
- Pre-Flight Inspections: Conducting thorough checks of aircraft systems before every flight to ensure all components function properly and meet safety standards.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance tasks at specified intervals based on flight hours, calendar time, or cycles. This includes oil changes, component replacements, and system inspections.
- Troubleshooting and Repairs: Diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and electronic problems, then executing appropriate repairs using approved procedures and genuine parts.
- Component Overhauls: Disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major aircraft components like engines, landing gear, and hydraulic systems.
- Certification and Documentation: Signing off completed maintenance work in aircraft logbooks, ensuring all work complies with regulatory requirements and maintaining detailed records.
- Compliance Management: Ensuring aircraft meet airworthiness directives, service bulletins, and regulatory requirements from authorities like DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
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AME License Categories
The DGCA issues AME licenses in different categories:
- Category A: Line maintenance certifying staff for base maintenanceÂ
- Category B: Mechanical and electrical disciplines for specific aircraft typesÂ
- Category C: Comprehensive certification for base maintenance including management responsibilitiesÂ
- Category D: Avionics systems specialist
SOACET’s program prepares students for Category B licenses in mechanical and avionics streams, with pathways to advance to higher categories through experience and additional training.
Multiple Admission Pathways at School Of Aeronautics (SOA)​
Understanding that students come from diverse educational backgrounds, SOACET offers flexible admission options for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program.
Direct Entry After 10+2/Pre-Degree/Intermediate
Eligibility Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: 10+2, Pre-degree, or Intermediate examination from a recognized board
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Minimum Percentage: Typically 50% aggregate in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
- Age Requirements: Minimum 16 years of age
- Medical Fitness: Must pass DGCA-specified medical examination (Class II Medical)
- Recognition: Must be from a recognized educational board
This pathway is ideal for students who have completed their higher secondary education and want to pursue a specialized career in aircraft maintenance directly without spending four years on a traditional engineering degree.
Entry Through B.Sc. Degree
Eligibility Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from a recognized university
- Compulsory Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Minimum Percentage: 50% aggregate in B.Sc.
- Recognition: Degree must be from a UGC-recognized university
B.Sc. graduates bring strong theoretical foundations in sciences, which enhances their understanding of aircraft systems physics, chemistry of materials and fuels, and mathematical principles underlying aerodynamics and mechanics.
Lateral Entry Through Engineering Diploma
Eligibility Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Diploma in Engineering from a recognized institution
- Eligible Specializations:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Other relevant technical diplomas
- Duration: Three-year diploma program
- Benefits: May receive exemptions for certain theoretical papers based on diploma subjects
- Recognition: Must be from AICTE-approved or state technical board-recognized institution
Diploma holders in mechanical, electrical, or electronics engineering possess valuable technical knowledge and practical skills that complement aircraft maintenance training.
Why Multiple Pathways Matter
- Accessibility: Students from different educational backgrounds can enter the aviation maintenance field.
- Flexibility: Choose the pathway that aligns with your current qualifications.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: Your previous education is valued and may lead to exemptions.
- Diverse Perspectives: Students from varied backgrounds bring different strengths to the program.
- Career Acceleration: Start your aviation career without requiring a four-year engineering degree.
DGCA-Approved Curriculum: Comprehensive Training for Aviation Excellence
SOA’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program follows the syllabus prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ensuring training meets national and international aviation standards.
Program Structure
The AME program typically spans 2.5 to 3 years, divided into:
- Theoretical Training: Classroom instruction covering aircraft systems, regulations, and principles
- Practical Training: Hands-on experience with actual aircraft, engines, and components
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Real-world experience at airlines or MRO facilities
AME Mechanical Stream Modules
| Module | Subjects / Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Mathematics |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry Trigonometry & Applications Statistics & Probability Calculus Fundamentals |
| Module 2: Physics |
Matter & Mechanics Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer Light, Sound & Wave Motion Electricity & Magnetism |
| Module 3: Electrical Fundamentals |
DC & AC Theory Resistors, Capacitors & Inductors Electrical Circuits & Networks Batteries & Power Generation |
| Module 4: Electronic Fundamentals |
Semiconductor Devices Digital Electronics & Logic Circuits Microprocessors & Computers Electronic Instruments & Testing |
| Module 5: Digital Techniques / Electronic Instrument Systems |
Number Systems & Data Conversion Boolean Algebra & Logic Gates Microcomputer Technology Display Systems & Instruments |
| Module 6: Materials & Hardware |
Aircraft Materials & Properties Corrosion & Prevention Fasteners, Bearings & Hardware Welding, Bonding & Assembly Techniques |
| Module 7: Maintenance Practices |
Safety Procedures & Precautions Workshop Tools & Equipment Usage Aircraft Handling & Servicing Inspection & Non-Destructive Testing Maintenance Documentation & Records |
| Module 8: Basic Aerodynamics |
Principles of Flight Airfoil Theory & Wing Design Aircraft Stability & Control High-Speed Flight Characteristics |
| Module 9: Human Factors |
Aviation Psychology & Performance Error Management & Safety Culture Communication & Teamwork Stress, Fatigue & Health Factors |
| Module 10: Aviation Legislation |
DGCA Regulations & Requirements Aircraft Maintenance Standards Airworthiness Directives & Compliance Documentation & Certification Procedures |
| Module 11: Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems |
Aircraft Structures & Materials Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems Landing Gear, Brakes & Wheels Flight Controls & Autopilot Systems Fuel, Oil, Cooling & Environmental Systems |
| Module 12: Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems |
Rotor Aerodynamics & Theory Helicopter Structures & Components Transmission & Drive Systems Helicopter-Specific Systems |
| Module 13: Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures & Systems |
Airframe Structures & Stress Analysis Primary & Secondary Flight Controls Environmental & Pressurization Systems Ice & Rain Protection Systems |
| Module 14: Propulsion |
Gas Turbine Engines (Turbojet, Turbofan, Turboprop) Piston Engines & Propellers Fuel Systems & Controls Engine Monitoring Systems |
| Module 15: Gas Turbine Engine |
Engine Construction & Operation Performance & Testing Maintenance & Troubleshooting Accessories & Systems |
| Module 16: Piston Engine |
Piston Engine Principles Fuel & Ignition Systems Engine Management & Monitoring Propeller Theory & Operation |
| Module 17: Propeller |
Propeller Aerodynamics Constant Speed & Variable Pitch Propellers Synchronization & Synchrophasing Maintenance & Balancing |