Having a successful career does not always require a high-level degree. There are many courses that have a similar curriculum to undergraduate courses and also offer better job opportunities. The aircraft maintenance engineer course is an excellent example.
This course is not a diploma or degree. It is a license that qualifies you to maintain different types of aircraft in optimal operating conditions. In addition to this, it offers you a wide variety of other associate jobs that will bring you very good income. Besides the license, no other qualifications are required to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME).
WORK DESCRIPTION
So what is the actual role of a person who has completed the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course? Simply put, the licensed AME would be involved in the repair and maintenance of an aircraft’s mechanical and avionics equipment to make it safe to fly. This is a job on the site; that’s in airport hangars and you have to get your hands dirty to save lives.
The engineer has to inspect the mechanical and electronic equipment to make sure that they are in perfect working order. In doing so, the engineer must use diagnostic equipment that has been approved and certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. If any part requires repairs or replacements, this must also be done by the engineer.
The eye for detail and the ability to make decisions on the spot is a very important quality of an AME. Whether a piece of aircraft equipment is working properly, needs minor repairs, or needs to be replaced immediately, is a critical decision on which lives depend. So the course includes subjects on the structure, construction, work, maintenance and repair of equipment.
TYPES OF JOBS AS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS
There are four different types of jobs that a licensed AME can apply for, regardless of which AME Institute they have attended. They have some common duties and some unique aspects, for example:
Avionics Engineer
This engineer or mechanic has to inspect, maintain and repair the safety equipment during the flight. This will involve the autopilot system, the altitude control system, the weather reporting system, etc.
Fuselage engineer
This engineer is responsible for the optimal performance of propellers, engines, aircraft frame, skin, windows, doors, wings, and also all avionics equipment.
Power Plant Engineer
These engineers must take care of all parts that are not under the control of the airframe engineer. This includes the maintenance of engines, power plants, and sometimes propellers.
Aircraft and Power Plant Engineer
This engineer is responsible for all safety aspects of the aircraft. In fact, the engineer plays a combined role of airframe engineer and power plant engineer. This job requires experience in both types of jobs before the candidate can handle such a large responsibility.
The courses of the Faculties of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering are approved by the DGCA. Salaries would depend on the country in which the engineer works and the level of experience.