DGCA CAR-66 defines seven main AME licence categories: A, B1, B2, B2L, B3, L and C. Each category identifies the aircraft maintenance work you may certify after meeting the applicable requirements. Some categories also have subcategories or system ratings. In aircraft maintenance, certifying work means formally signing the applicable maintenance release within your permitted responsibilities. It carries a different responsibility from carrying out a task as a trainee under supervision. [1]
Students should understand these differences before choosing their AME basic training and planning their licensing pathway.The course comes under the aircraft maintenance licensing framework regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. DGCA conducts AME examinations under the applicable Aircraft Rules and CAR-66 modular examination system. Before choosing an AME basic training category, students should understand the applicable licensing pathway. Your completed training, licence category and aircraft ratings can affect the type of maintenance work you may perform or certify. An AME’s responsibilities also depend on the privileges granted under the applicable CAR-66 requirements. Practical training helps you develop the skills needed to perform maintenance tasks correctly and safely.
Your licence category defines your technical certification privileges. An aircraft rating identifies the aircraft type, group or subgroup covered, where required. An organisation authorisation identifies the maintenance you may certify on behalf of an approved maintenance organisation.
You must also have the required knowledge, practical skills and recent maintenance experience. Any limitations recorded on your licence continue to apply. [1][4]
AME Licence Categories at a Glance
You can use this table to understand the licence categories and their broad scope before choosing one. These categories differ based on the type of aircraft, its systems and the maintenance work involved. Your selected category affects the training subjects, practical work and future certification privileges.
This table provides a clear overview of the main differences, helping you identify the category that best matches your interests.For a complete understanding, check the applicable aircraft ratings, system ratings and CAR-66 requirements for your chosen category.
. [1]
| Licence Category | Subcategory / System Rating | Aircraft / System Scope | Main Maintenance Area | Typical Certification Privilege |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A1, A2, A3, A4 | Turbine or piston aeroplanes and helicopters, depending on the subcategory | Specified minor scheduled line maintenance and simple defect rectification | Certify authorised tasks that you personally perform |
| B1 | B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4 | Turbine or piston aeroplanes and helicopters, depending on the subcategory | Aircraft structures, engines, mechanical and electrical systems; limited avionics work | Certify maintenance within the applicable aircraft rating, including avionics work requiring simple tests without troubleshooting |
| B2 | No numbered subcategories | Electrical and avionics systems on aircraft covered by the applicable rating | Electrical power, instruments, communication, navigation and other avionics systems | Certify electrical and avionics maintenance, including specified electrical or avionics tasks within mechanical and engine systems |
| B2L | Communication/Navigation, Instruments, Autoflight, Surveillance, Airframe Systems | Aircraft outside CAR-66 Group 1, within the endorsed aircraft and system ratings | Electrical systems and avionics systems covered by the endorsed system ratings | Certify maintenance within the applicable aircraft-rating and system-rating limits |
| B3 | No numbered subcategories | Non-pressurised piston-engine aeroplanes of 2,000 kg MTOM and below | Structures, engines, mechanical and electrical systems; limited avionics work | Certify maintenance within this aircraft scope, including avionics work requiring simple tests without troubleshooting |
| L | L1C, L1, L2C, L2, L3H, L3G, L4H, L4G, L5 | Specified sailplanes, powered sailplanes, light aeroplanes, balloons and airships | Structures, engines where fitted, and associated systems appropriate to the aircraft | Certify maintenance within the endorsed subcategory, aircraft rating and limitations |
| C | No numbered subcategories | Applicable aeroplanes and helicopters covered by the aircraft rating | Aircraft certification following base maintenance | Issue a Certificate of Release to Service after the applicable base-maintenance release requirements have been met |
MTOM means Maximum Take-off Mass: the maximum permitted mass of an aircraft at take-off.
This table summarises the categories and their main privileges. Your individual aircraft ratings and licence limitations still apply. Before certifying maintenance, you must also meet the relevant competence, recent-experience and organisation-authorisation requirements. [1][4]
Category A — Minor Line Maintenance
Category A AME professionals are authorised 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. “Defect rectification” means correcting a fault using the applicable maintenance instructions. [1]
Line maintenance supports the aircraft’s day-to-day operation. It may include suitable checks and maintenance between flights or during scheduled stops. Category A covers only the permitted tasks included in your authorisation. Before you certify a task, you must complete the required task training and receive task-specific authorisation from the approved maintenance organisation. This authorisation identifies the work you may sign for. Category A is not a compulsory first step before B1 or B2. You can pursue the applicable B1 or B2 licence directly by meeting its DGCA module, maintenance-experience and other licensing requirements. [1]
Your Category A certification privileges apply to permitted work that you personally perform within the organisation that issued the authorisation. You must understand the task, follow the maintenance instructions and complete the required records. [1][4]
A1, A2, A3 and A4
Your subcategory identifies whether you work on aeroplanes or helicopters and whether they use turbine or piston engines.
| Subcategory | CAR-66 Description | Aircraft Covered |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Aeroplanes Turbine | Turbine-powered aeroplanes, including jets and turboprops |
| A2 | Aeroplanes Piston | Piston-engine aeroplanes |
| A3 | Helicopters Turbine | Turbine-powered helicopters |
| A4 | Helicopters Piston | Piston-engine helicopters |
Category B1 — Mechanical Maintenance
Category B1 covers aircraft structures, engines, mechanical systems and electrical systems. Category B1 engineers work on the mechanical systems of aircraft, such as engines, airframes, landing gear, fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. These engineers ensure that every mechanical component of the aircraft is working properly and there is no mechanical defect, if any, correct and rectify it on time. Depending on your subcategory, your work may involve turbine or piston aeroplanes, or turbine or piston helicopters. [1]
You may work on landing gear, hydraulics, fuel systems, flight controls and engine components. The aircraft structure includes parts such as the fuselage, wings and supporting assemblies.
For example, a maintenance task may involve investigating a hydraulic leak. You would follow the aircraft maintenance manual to identify the problem, carry out the permitted repair or component replacement, and complete the required checks.
B1 also includes limited avionics maintenance. Its avionics certification privileges cover work requiring only simple tests to confirm serviceability, without troubleshooting. “Serviceability” means that the equipment meets the applicable requirements for use. Troubleshooting means investigating the cause of a fault. [1]
B1.1, B1.2, B1.3 and B1.4
Choose your B1 subcategory according to the aircraft and engine type you want to maintain.
| Subcategory | CAR-66 Description | Aircraft Covered |
|---|---|---|
| B1.1 | Aeroplanes Turbine | Turbine-powered aeroplanes, including jets and turboprops |
| B1.2 | Aeroplanes Piston | Piston-engine aeroplanes |
| B1.3 | Helicopters Turbine | Turbine-powered helicopters |
| B1.4 | Helicopters Piston | Piston-engine helicopters |
B1.1 includes both jet and turboprop aeroplanes because both use turbine engines. A turboprop uses a turbine engine to drive a propeller.
Before certifying maintenance on a particular aircraft, you must hold its applicable rating and meet the other certification conditions. [1]
Category B2 — Electrical and Avionics Maintenance
Category B2 covers aircraft electrical and avionics systems. Avionics refers to the electronic systems used for functions such as communication, navigation, flight information and automatic flight control. [1]
You may work on electrical power systems, wiring, instruments, cockpit displays, communication equipment and navigation equipment. Automatic flight control systems include equipment that helps control the aircraft automatically. Your work involves reading wiring diagrams, following maintenance manuals and using suitable test equipment. For example, you may investigate a wiring fault affecting navigation equipment. You would follow the approved maintenance instructions, correct the fault and test the system.
B2 also covers electrical and avionics tasks within mechanical and powerplant systems where only simple tests are needed to confirm serviceability. “Powerplant” refers to the engine and its associated systems. These privileges concern the electrical or avionics work involved. Consider B2 if you enjoy circuits, sensors, instruments and fault-finding. It combines technical analysis with practical work on aircraft equipment. To certify maintenance, you must stay within your applicable aircraft rating, licence limitations and organisation authorisation. B2 does not automatically include a Category A subcategory, although specified minor line-maintenance privileges are available when the relevant conditions are met. [1]
Category B2L — System-Rating-Based Maintenance
Category B2L covers electrical and specified avionics maintenance on aircraft outside CAR-66 Group 1. Group 1 includes complex motor-powered aircraft, multi-engine helicopters and certain other aircraft defined under CAR-66. B2L privileges cover maintenance of electrical systems and avionics maintenance within your endorsed system ratings. An “endorsed” rating is one formally entered on your licence. B2 provides broader aircraft and avionics coverage. B2L restricts your aircraft scope to those outside Group 1 and your avionics privileges to your endorsed system ratings. You can add further system ratings after meeting the relevant DGCA module and maintenance-experience requirements. [1]
B2L is the category in which certification privileges depend on system rating and applicable aircraft rating. Your B2L licence requires at least one system rating. It identifies the avionics area covered by your licence. If you meet the requirements for multiple system ratings, you can hold more than one system rating. Your system rating and aircraft rating answer different questions. The system rating identifies the systems you may certify. The aircraft rating identifies the aircraft group or subgroup covered.
For example, a Communication/Navigation system rating does not give you every B2L system rating. You must check both the systems and the aircraft covered before accepting certification duties.
Your B2L licence must include at least one system rating. This identifies the avionics area covered by your licence. You can hold more than one system rating if you meet the requirements for each.
| System Rating | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Communication / Navigation | Equipment used for aircraft communication and navigation |
| Instruments | Aircraft instruments and associated systems |
| Autoflight | Automatic flight control systems |
| Surveillance | Aircraft surveillance systems |
| Airframe Systems | Applicable electrical and avionics functions within airframe, mechanical and powerplant systems |
Before choosing any category it is important to understand on which avionics systems and aircraft you want to work. System ratings define such specific avionics areas in which you may certify maintenance. While aircraft rating defines the aircraft group or subgroup covered under your license category. [1]
Category B3 — Light Piston-Aeroplane Maintenance
Category B3 covers non-pressurised piston-engine aeroplanes with a Maximum Take-off Mass of 2,000 kg or below. The aircraft must meet all three conditions relating to engine type, pressurisation and Maximum Take-off Mass. [1]
Non-pressurised aeroplane refers to the aircraft where the cabin of the aircraft is not maintained with controlled pressure like pressurised aircraft. The 2,000 kg limit refers to the permitted Maximum Take-off Mass, not the actual weight of the aircraft on a particular flight. B3 privileges cover maintenance of the aircraft structure, engine, mechanical systems and electrical systems. It also includes avionics work, but only work that requires simple tests to confirm serviceability and does not involve troubleshooting. [1]
In short, the B3 category relates to the maintenance of non-pressurised piston-engine aeroplanes. It involves work on important mechanical and electrical components, along with the structure and engine of the aircraft. You may certify maintenance within this aircraft scope, subject to your licence rating, limitations and applicable organisation authorisation. Therefore, having a B3 licence does not mean you can certify maintenance on every type of aircraft.
How Is B3 Different from B1.2?
The B1.2 piston-aeroplane scope is broader than B3. B3 covers only non-pressurised aeroplanes with a specific Maximum Take-off Mass limit of 2,000 kg. B1.2 is not restricted by these two conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand aircraft coverage within these two categories. But having a B1.2 licence does not mean you can certify maintenance of every piston engine aeroplane. Your actual certification privileges depend on the aircraft ratings and limitations recorded on your licence. Therefore, do not assume you will get authority to certify every aircraft of that licence category. B3 licence covers only non-pressurised piston-engine aeroplanes with Maximum Take-off Mass 2,000 kg or below.
On the other hand, B1.2 also covers piston-engine aeroplanes, but its scope is different from B3. Therefore, before deciding whether B1.2 or B3 applies to a particular aircraft, it is important to check the aircraft’s specific characteristics along with the applicable ratings and limitations listed on your licence.
That is why, when comparing B1.2 and B3, you should first identify the aircraft type on which you want to perform maintenance work. After that, check the aircraft’s engine type, Maximum Take-off Mass and whether the aircraft is pressurised or non-pressurised. Based on this information, you can understand which licence category is relevant to the aircraft.
Category L — Sailplanes, Balloons and Related Aircraft
Category L covers sailplanes, powered sailplanes, certain light aeroplanes, balloons and airships. Sailplanes are gliders. Powered sailplanes also have an engine. The subcategories distinguish the aircraft type and, in some cases, its construction material. [1]
| Subcategory | Aircraft Covered |
|---|---|
| L1C | Composite sailplanes |
| L1 | Sailplanes |
| L2C | Composite powered sailplanes and composite Light Aircraft 1 aeroplanes |
| L2 | Powered sailplanes and Light Aircraft 1 aeroplanes |
| L3H | Hot-air balloons |
| L3G | Gas balloons |
| L4H | Hot-air airships |
| L4G | Light Aircraft 2 gas airships |
| L5 | Gas airships other than Light Aircraft 2 |
Light Aircraft 1 (LA1) and Light Aircraft 2 (LA2) are aircraft classifications defined in CAR-66. [1]
Your certification scope depends on the subcategory, applicable aircraft rating and licence limitations. Match these to the aircraft you intend to maintain. If this area interests you, ask specifically about training and practical experience for the relevant L subcategory.
Category C — Certification Following Base Maintenance
Category C allows you to issue a Certificate of Release to Service following base maintenance on an aircraft covered by your licence rating. This release concerns the aircraft as a whole, including its systems. Category C provides aircraft-level certification following applicable base maintenance, subject to the relevant licence rating, competence, experience and organisation authorisation. They may coordinate the release of base maintenance and issue the Certificate of Release to Service when the applicable requirements have been met. [1]
Base maintenance involves work beyond the scope of line maintenance. It commonly takes place during a planned maintenance visit when the aircraft is removed from normal operation for the required work. Maintenance personnel carry out the required tasks. Appropriately qualified support staff check and sign off the work within their technical areas. Depending on the aircraft and maintenance arrangements, this includes the relevant mechanical and avionics support staff. As Category C certifying staff, you check that the maintenance package and supporting sign-offs meet the applicable release requirements. You then issue the aircraft’s release within your licence rating and organisation authorisation. [1][4]
Category C is a distinct certification responsibility with its own qualification and experience requirements. You do not have to follow a compulsory Category A → B → C sequence. Your route depends on your qualifications, maintenance experience and intended responsibilities. Category C certification also does not automatically give you every other category’s technical privileges. [1]
B1 vs B2 — Which Category Suits You?
Consider B1 if you enjoy working with engines, aircraft structures and mechanical systems. Consider B2 if circuits, instruments and electronic systems interest you more. Both involve practical maintenance, technical study and fault-finding.
Use the comparison below to connect your interests with the work you could learn to perform.
| Comparison | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Main technical focus | Aircraft structures, engines, mechanical and electrical systems | Aircraft electrical and avionics systems |
| Typical specialist subjects | Aircraft structures and systems, turbine or piston engines, and propellers where applicable | Aircraft instruments, communication, navigation, automatic flight control and related electrical systems |
| Aircraft systems | Hydraulics, landing gear, fuel systems, flight controls, engines and electrical systems | Electrical power, wiring, instruments, communication, navigation and automatic flight control |
| Example maintenance tasks | Investigating a hydraulic leak or inspecting an engine component | Tracing a wiring fault or testing navigation equipment |
| Student interests | Understanding engines, moving components, fluid systems and aircraft structures | Understanding circuits, signals, sensors, instruments and electronic equipment |
| Certification scope | Structural, engine, mechanical and electrical maintenance; avionics work requiring simple serviceability tests without troubleshooting | Electrical and avionics maintenance, including specified electrical and avionics tasks within mechanical and powerplant systems |
Certification depends on your applicable aircraft rating, licence limitations, competence, experience and organisation authorisation. The table summarises the main differences. [1]
Neither category is universally better. Choose according to the work you want to do and the approved training available to you. During an institute visit, ask to see a mechanical maintenance activity and an avionics demonstration. For example, compare an explanation of a hydraulic system with a demonstration of wiring fault-finding. Ask what tools, manuals and subjects support each task.
You do not need to arrive with aircraft maintenance skills. Basic training helps you develop them. Your interest in learning and working carefully is a useful starting point. If you prefer B1, also choose the aircraft type that interests you. B1.1 covers turbine aeroplanes, while the other B1 subcategories cover piston aeroplanes or helicopters. [1]
Review the AME syllabus and category-specific subjects to understand what you will study before selecting your programme.
Licence Category vs Aircraft Type Rating
Your licence category identifies your technical certification responsibilities. Your aircraft rating identifies the aircraft covered by those responsibilities. These are separate from the authorisation issued by your maintenance organisation. [1][4]
Before you can certify maintenance, you need to understand four requirements.
| Requirement | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Licence category | Defines your technical certification scope, such as B1 mechanical maintenance or B2 electrical and avionics maintenance |
| Aircraft type, group or subgroup rating | Identifies the aircraft covered by your privileges, where a rating is required |
| Competence and recent maintenance experience | You must have the knowledge, practical skills and relevant recent experience needed for the work |
| Organisation certification authorisation | Identifies the maintenance you may certify on behalf of the approved maintenance organisation |
For example, holding B1.1 does not automatically allow you to certify every turbine aeroplane. If your licence carries a rating for one aircraft type, that rating does not automatically cover another aircraft type. Before certifying work on a different aircraft, check the applicable rating requirements. You must also meet the competence and recent-experience conditions and hold the organisation’s relevant authorisation. [1][4]
Aircraft ratings can take different forms. Some aircraft require an individual type rating. For other eligible aircraft, CAR-66 provides group or subgroup ratings. The applicable arrangement depends on your category and the aircraft. Category A follows a different arrangement. It does not require an aircraft type rating on the licence. Instead, you complete the required task training and receive task-specific organisation authorisation. Your Category A certification privileges are restricted to permitted minor scheduled line-maintenance tasks and simple defect rectification that you personally perform. [1][4]
How to Obtain an AME Licence in India
You can start your AME licensing journey with basic training at a DGCA-approved AME institute. Choose your category first, then understand the DGCA modules, practical experience and aircraft-rating requirements that apply to you.
The steps below explain the main requirements for students taking this basic-training route.
- Complete basic training at a DGCA-approved AME institute.
Choose a category that matches your interests and intended aircraft work. Confirm that the institute’s current approval covers the selected category and training location. Your basic training includes classroom learning, practical activities and the applicable assessments. [2] - Pass the required DGCA module examinations.
Modules are the subjects you must pass for your selected licence category under CAR-66. Your institute can help you understand the applicable module list. Follow the registration guidance, examination notices and instructions published on the DGCA Pariksha portal. [1][3] - Gain practical aircraft maintenance experience.
Gain the required maintenance experience on operating aircraft. Keep verified records showing what you worked on, the tasks you performed and when you performed them. Ask which activities during your training meet DGCA’s experience requirements. College workshop practice does not automatically count as qualifying aircraft maintenance experience. [1] - Apply to DGCA for your AME licence.
Once you meet the applicable requirements, use the relevant eGCA service to apply. Submit the required educational documents, DGCA module results, basic-training certificates and maintenance-experience records. DGCA reviews your supporting documents and may request corrections or additional documents before deciding on your application. [1] - Obtain the required aircraft rating.
Where required, your licence must carry the appropriate aircraft type, group or subgroup rating. You may need aircraft-specific training, examinations, practical assessment and on-the-job training (OJT). Confirm the requirements for your category and intended aircraft before enrolling in additional training. Category A follows its task-training and authorisation arrangement. [1] - Receive authorisation from your maintenance organisation.
Before you certify maintenance on its behalf, the organisation checks your qualifications, skills, experience and training. You must also understand the aircraft and its maintenance procedures. Your authorisation states which maintenance duties you may certify and any limits that apply. [4]
Some steps can take place together. You may take DGCA module examinations during basic training. Maintenance experience can overlap with training where the work and records meet DGCA requirements. Aircraft-rating requirements may also be completed before or alongside the relevant licence application. Use your institute’s written training and experience schedule to understand the timing for your own route. Completing basic training gives you supporting training evidence. DGCA issues the AME licence after you meet the applicable licensing requirements. [1][2]
Read the complete AME Licence Roadmap for detailed guidance.
Check Admission and Licensing Requirements Separately
Check AME CET’s admission conditions and your selected institute’s programme requirements. Separately, confirm DGCA’s requirements for module examinations and the AME licence. Read the AME Course Eligibility guide to understand these differences. [1][3]
Check the Institute’s Approved Category
Before joining, ask for the institute’s current DGCA approval certificate and approved scope. Confirm that the approval covers your chosen category and training location. Check the aircraft, workshops, tools and test equipment available for practical training. [2]
Ask where you will gain the maintenance experience required for your licence. Find out which organisation provides the experience, how access is arranged, who verifies your work records and what support the institute provides. Request these details in writing so you can compare programmes clearly. [1][2]
Read the AME Course Details to understand the training. Follow the AME Admission Process for application and counselling guidance.
Explore AME Career Scope & Opportunities for information about jobs and career growth.
Official References & Sources
[1] DGCA — CAR-66: Licensing of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Issue III, Revision 2, dated 29 September 2025. Relevant provisions include 66.A.03, 66.A.05, 66.A.10, 66.A.15, 66.A.20, 66.A.25, 66.A.30 and 66.A.45, together with applicable appendices and associated AMC/GM. These cover licence categories, aircraft groups, certification privileges, DGCA modules, experience and aircraft ratings. Access regulations through the DGCA official portal.
[2] DGCA — CAR-147 (Basic): Approved Basic Maintenance Training Organisation.
Relevant provisions cover training approval, facilities, approved basic training, practical assessment and course-completion certificates. See the official CAR-147 Basic document and consult DGCA for subsequent published amendments.
[3] DGCA Pariksha — AME Examination Guidance.
Use the official DGCA Pariksha portal for AME examination information, registration guidance and examination notices.
[4] DGCA — CAR-145: Approval of Maintenance Organisations.
Relevant provisions include 145.A.30, 145.A.35 and 145.A.50. These cover personnel, certifying and support staff, competence, certification authorisation and maintenance release. Access the applicable published requirements through the DGCA official portal.
