Employment in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a lucrative career option for those who are looking to establish a career in the aviation industry. While there are a plethora of opportunities in this sector, a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering can be rewarding in multiple ways. The profession may not involve designing an aircraft or operating it, unlike the Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering or pilots, but it involves maintenance and upgradation of aircrafts and assures the safety of the air vehicles. This article by Shiksha brings to you everything you need to know about Aircraft Maintenance Engineering as a career and how to be one.
What do Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Do?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are highly trained and qualified professionals who possess a licensed certificate issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Government of India. In order to pursue a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, the aspiring professionals should not only possess theoretical knowledge but technical acumen and practical experience as well.
The prime responsibilities of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers include making repairs, troubleshooting problems, conducting inspections and make upgrades to aircrafts. Prior to the take-off of the aircraft, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers inspect the air vehicle and sign the Certificate ensuring safety.
Along with these, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are also expected to keep themselves up to date with the latest trends and techniques available in the Aviation sector and carry out regular upgradations in the aircraft along with the maintenance and troubleshooting responsibilities.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Top Recruiters
Aircraft maintenance engineers or aircraft mechanics readily find jobs in aircraft manufacturing or maintenance firms as well as airports. Students of AME course can also appear and qualify as AMASI (Associate Membership of Aeronautical Society of India), which is considered equivalent to B.E. or B.Tech programme in Aeronautical Engineering by Government of India. The qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers can be recruited in the following industries:
Airlines
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul companies
• Operations Organisations
• Civil Defence Forces
Scope of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
With the rapid growth trajectory projected by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, there is a high demand for trained professionals at the Aviation industry, including the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Hence, the scope of career as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is also soaring. According to experts, statistically one operational aircraft leads to creation of at least 28 jobs for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. The DGCA states that there is a requirement of 7,54,000 licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers worldwide. The launch of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has added further demand for capable Aircraft Maintenance Engineers across the country. 
How to be an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Aspirants have to pursue the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course approved by the DGCA. It is neither a degree nor a diploma course, but a Licence course, which is recognised internationally by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
 Maintenance Engineering
As far as the eligibility criteria are concerned, candidates should have passed or appeared for Class 10+2 Board exam with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) subject combination. Candidates with a three-year Diploma in Engineering or B. Tech or a higher degree in Science with PCM are also eligible. They should be physically fit and should not have vision problems like Colour Blindness or Night Blindness.
Must-Have Qualities for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Apart from the theoretical and practical knowledge that the students would receive in the institutes, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers should possess certain qualities or skillsets to be successful in the profession. Some of the skills include being observant, an eye for detail, problem-solving attitude with good communication skills in both written and verbal. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers should also have a knack towards the latest trends in the Aviation sector and keep upgrading themselves regularly to perform better.