Types of AME Streams in India: Scope, Eligibility & Responsibilities
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is one of the most specialized fields in the aviation industry. AME Engineers are responsible to ensure the maintenance, repair and check the airworthiness of aircraft before flight. AME license is divided into four broad categories to fulfill the diverse technical and operational requirements and every category reflects expertise and responsibility to maintain the Safety and security of an aircraft.
Category A engineers in AME repair the basic line maintenance and minor repairs. Category B works on detailed mechanical and avionics systems of an aircraft. While category C are responsible to release the aircrafts after major maintenance checks.
In India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and follows similar international standards as EASA Part-66. The AME license system by DGCA ensures that maintenance personnel or engineers should be trained and certified as per aircraft type and system specialization. Its main aim is to ensure aviation safety and aircraft reliability.
Here is a table given below which gives a short and concise understanding of AME Categories in aviation industry:
| Category |
Full Form / Description |
Type of Work |
| Category A |
Line Maintenance License |
It is related to basic maintenance like component replacement and minor rectifications. |
| Category B1 |
Mechanical License |
It includes maintenance of Airframes, engines, hydraulics and mechanical systems. |
| Category B2 |
Avionics License |
It includes maintenance of electrical, instrument and radio systems. |
| Category C |
Base Maintenance License |
They certify or release aircraft after final inspection of heavy maintenance. |
This AME Categories classification defines every level of aircraft maintenance step by step to ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry.
Category A AME professionals are authorized to perform minor line maintenance tasks and rectify simple defects. Their primary goal is to ensure that aircraft are ready and safe for flight operations.
Sub-Categories:
- A1: Turbine Engine Aircraft
- This category is related to those engineers who want to work on turbine engines (jet engines) of aircrafts. These engineers are responsible for maintaining the line maintenance, minor repairs and engine performance checks.
- A2: Piston Engine Aircraft
- This category is related to those engineers who want to work on maintenance and inspection of the Piston engine of aircraft . These engineers are responsible for replacement of engine components and troubleshooting.
- A3: Turbine Engine Helicopter
- A3 category engineers work on turbine engine helicopters. Professionals ensures daily maintenance, system checks and minor repairs of helicopter safe flying condition.
- A4: Piston Engine Helicopter
- This category is related to maintenance of piston engine helicopters. Engineers do servicing of mechanical parts, engine systems and essential controls to ensure the flight safety.
Responsibilities of AME Category A
- Conduct Pre-flight and Post-flight Inspections: AME Category A engineers check the aircraft before flight and identify all safety issues or technical faults in the aircraft.
- Replace Components and Perform Simple Repairs: These engineers check and replace the small components of aircraft like filters, sensors and other parts which ensures that aircraft is operational.
- Troubleshoot Minor Issues During Aircraft Turnaround: If there is any issue at the time of turnaround of aircraft time, Category engineers are responsible to troubleshoot and rectify the issue to prevent flight delay.
Career Opportunities for AME Category A
- Domestic and international airlines
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) organizations
- Ground handling and aircraft service stations
The AME Category B license is divided into two sub categories- B1 (Mechanical) and B2 (Avionics). Engineers in this category are responsible for detailed inspections, system testing, troubleshooting and certification to ensure the airworthiness and safety of aircraft.
B1 – Mechanical Stream
Category B1 engineers work on mechanical systems of aircrafts like engines, airframes, landing gear, fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. These engineers ensures that every mechanical component of the aircraft is working properly and there is no mechanical defect, if any, correct and rectify it on time.
B1 Sub Categories:
- B1.1: This category is related to the turbine engine (jet engine) of aircrafts.
- B1.2: This category is related to the Piston Engine Aircraft.
- B1.3: This category is related to the Turbine Engine Helicopter.
- B1.4: This category is related to the Piston Engine Helicopter.
AME Category B1 Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled maintenance and repairs: To work on regular maintenance of aircraft mechanical systems to optimize the performance of aircraft.
- Inspect engines and structural components: To work on inspection of engine, landing gear, airframe and other structural parts to detect the defect and rectify it on time.
- Certify mechanical systems for flight readiness: To certify the aircraft after maintenance and testing for safe flight operations.
Career Opportunities After AME B1 Category
- Airlines
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhauls (MRO) industries
- Aircraft Manufacturing Companies
- Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies
- Aircraft Operation Organizations
- Flying Clubs
- Aviation Training Centres
- Civil Defence Forces
B2 – Avionics Stream
Category B2 engineers specialize in the electronic systems of aircraft, ensuring proper functioning of communication, navigation, and instrumentation equipment.
AME Category B2 Responsibilities
- To Maintain and troubleshoot radar, autopilot and navigation systems for smooth flight operations.
- To Conduct system tests and calibration to ensure accurate performance of all electronic components.
- To Certify avionics systems after maintenance ensuring compliance with DGCA safety standards and airworthiness requirements.
Career Opportunities After AME B2 Category
- Airlines and corporate aviation firms
- Avionics and component manufacturers
- Government and private research centers
- Airlines
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhauls (MRO) industries
- Aircraft Manufacturing Companies
- Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies
Category C engineers hold the highest level of certification in the AME hierarchy. They are responsible for supervising B1 and B2 engineers during base maintenance and certifying the aircraft for service after major inspections or overhauls.
AME Category C Responsibilities
- To Oversee heavy maintenance tasks and system testing during major aircraft inspections and repair.
- To Sign off aircraft after base checks, confirming that all maintenance activities meet regulatory and safety standards.
- To ensure compliance with DGCA and international safety regulations, maintaining the overall airworthiness and reliability of the aircraft before returning to service.
Career Opportunities After AME Category C
- MRO organizations and aircraft manufacturing units
- Regulatory authorities and defense sectors
- Senior engineering and management positions in aviation
- Aircraft Operation Organizations
- Flying Clubs
- Aviation Training Centres
- Civil Defence Forces
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a highly respected and globally recognized career that ensures the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry. Each AME category — A, B, and C — plays a critical role, from basic maintenance to complete aircraft certification. With growing demand for air travel and advancements in aviation technology, the need for licensed AME professionals continues to rise. A career in AME not only offers technical expertise but also provides exciting opportunities and global exposure in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.
