Today’s airplanes are complex machines that require robust service to fly safely. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for performing repairs; preventative and routine maintenance on all types of aircraft and helicopters to ensure their continued airworthiness while in service.
If you have the passion of pursuing an aviation career and maybe the pilot training is too expensive for now, this is another career path you can pursue (demanding but affordable).
I will take you through some of the educational programs and certifications you will need as you work towards being an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME).
What qualifications do you need?
You will first need to pass your high school studies with a strong background in technical subjects such as math and science (physics)
You will then will be required to complete a graduate program of either a; Diploma in aeronautical engineering aircraft maintenance which takes about 3 years and is offered by the Civil Aviation-approved training colleges or a Degree in aeronautical engineering which takes about 5 years at the university.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT)
Once you complete your studies, you will be required to undertake an on the job training (OJT)for a minimum of 24 months (as in the case of in Kenya) before you are eligible to sit for your AMEL (Aircraft Mechanics Licenses)
One can opt to practice as an aircraft mechanic without a license though this will mean that you can only work under supervision. I would recommend you try and work towards obtaining your licenses to fully enjoy the benefits of your work and explore your full potential.
The AMEL exams are administered by the CAA of the country of residence of the contracting states (we'll discuss 'contracting states' in 3 weeks) but the examinations are the standard world over as they are offered in three parts that are; the oral part, written and practical demonstration.
Qualifications to be granted an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License (AMEL):
You must :
• be at least Eighteen (18) Years of age.
• demonstrate the ability to read, write, and communicate in the English Language.
• Demonstrate the minimum level of Aircraft knowledge i.e. Diploma or Degree in Aeronautical engineering,
for those with other qualifications such as a Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering / Mechanical Engineering one must have undertaken an AMEL training course from an approved ATO (Approved Training Organization)
• provide acceptable evidence of experience and The experience should be verified by a CAA practical examiner.
• demonstrate the skill to perform those functions applicable to the privileges to be granted and he skills verified by a CAA practical examiner.
The AMEL is granted either as;
LWTR -License Without Type Rating;
TR-Type Rated License
LWTR is broadly divided into categories as indicated for A&P (B1) and avionics (B2):
B1 /License Airframe and Power Plant maintenance engineers
Category A – Airplane;
Category C - Piston engines;
Category C - Gas Turbine engines;
Category ‘A’ and ‘C’ - Piston Engine Rotorcraft;
Category ‘A’ and ‘C’ - Turbine Engine Rotorcraft;
Category ‘A’ and ‘C’ - Piston Engine Airship;
Category ‘A’ and ‘C’ - Turbine Engine Airship
B2/ Avionics maintenance engineers
Category X - Electrical;
Category X - Instruments;
Category X - Automatic Pilots -Aero planes;
Category X - Automatic Pilots - rotorcraft;
Category X - Compass Compensation and Adjustments;
Category R -Radio
A B2 avionics engineer focuses on managing the necessary maintenance and repairs centered around instrumentation and electrical/ electronic equipment on the aircraft while B1 engineers are centered around engines and airframes.
Equipped with your AMEL, your options become limitless as you can now get an endorsement for a type rating in your license after fulfilling given requirements but this comes on as you progress in your career and achieve more rating endorsement as you work on bigger aircraft and different kinds of power plants and avionics a type rating on any type of aircraft provided you work on it or can seek training elsewhere for the rating. However, the training organization (ATO) must be approved by the CAA or recognized.
what does an Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) do?
• Making repairs to aircraft that have been damaged
• Inspecting electronic and structural elements of aircraft on a regular basis
• Troubleshooting issues with aircraft and determining how to fix them
• Making reports on the work done.
what are your career prospects as an aircraft mechanic?
Despite the upset that recently hit the world of business and aviation was one of the worst-hit casualties, projects show that the Airlines may get back t the 2019 conditions in the next two to 3 years.
The aviation industry is expected to continue growing over the next few years, and with this comes the need for aircraft maintenance engineers.
Employment prospects are therefore looking good for the near future.
especially for the AMEs earning their certification as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Avionics Engineers.