In India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCAI, Govt. of India is the sole regulatory body pertaining to the complete matters in civil aviation, All the rules and regulations framed in DGCA are in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) which is aviation specialised agency of the United Nations (UN). DGCA is responsible body for framing rules for licensing and issue to eligible competent candidates.
There is no alternative qualification for Aircraft maintenance certification except the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's License (AME License) obtained in accordance with the requirements outlined in CAR-66 (Civil Aviation Requirement-66) which is the primary and mandatory qualification for individuals responsible for certifying the airworthiness of aircraft. This license is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India and is a legal requirement for those performing maintenance and certification tasks on aircraft. In other words, it is assumed that in the near vicinity of any Airport Airstrip/ Heliport where a Flying Aircraft is present with its maintenance activities, it is established that, all the maintenance activities are being certified by AME Licence holder.
In short, the requirement of an AME in any base where aircraft maintenance activities are undertaken can not be avoided for any aircraft as per the rule of the land. It is relevant to be mentioned that there are no substitutes or alternative methods that can replace the qualifications of an AME when it comes to aircraft maintenance and certification. Unlike in other organisations mostly when employment vacancies are posted in organisations like DRDO, HAL, NAAL etc other engineering graduates can also apply for the vacancies in aviation industry along with aeronautical and aerospace graduates/ post graduates. But when it comes to licenced aircraft maintenance engineering vacancies for aircraft certification there is no any other alternative qualification. Therefore, the presence and involvement of AMES in aircraft maintenance activities are essential and cannot be avoided as per the prevailing rules and regulations of DGCA as on date.
Obtaining an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's License (AME License) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India typically requires individuals to complete specific requirements and qualifications as specified in CAR 66 regardless of their academic background. While a Bachelor's Degree/ B.Tech/BE/M.Tech/M.E/ Ph.D. even in Aeronautical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from any Indian or international universities offers various employment opportunities in Aviation. Field nationally and internationally, but it's mandatory to undergo the AME Licensing curriculum as defined in CAR-86 in order to become an Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer across any of the aviation organisation where the maintenance of aircraft is undergone and is near to your residence.
Aeronautical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering degrees are having enormous future, but they are not taken at par with the AME License in India in Aircraft maintenance industry. All the Graduate, Post Graduate and Ph.D holders of any engineering field even from Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering field are required to obtain the licence by passing DGCA examinations as specified in Civil Aviation rules and regulations mentioned in CAR 66, DGCA, Govt. of India.
Candidates must complete DGCA AME modules in the specific category or sub-category of aircraft for which they want to obtain an AME License. These modules cover theoretical knowledge which is conducted by CEO, DGCA, Govt of india
Every individual aspiring to obtain Aircrafts Maintenance Engineer's license must acquire the required maintenance experience by working/ associating in maintenance of live aircraft/ its engine/ components for the duration specified in CAR-66 for the desired category of license. These maintenance experience in DGCA approved MROS (CAR-145 organisations).
The applicant should have been assessed medically fit by a registered medical practitioner to perform the scope of work applied for. He/ She should not have any colour blindness and physical disability.