Highlights

1. An Aircraft Management Engineer (AME) ensures an aircraft’s safety, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance.
2. To become an AME, candidates must complete technical courses, hands-on training, and obtain licenses (A, B1, or B2).
3. AME salaries in the U.S. range from $60,000 to $110,000, with a median around $80,000.
4. Salary is influenced by experience, certifications, employer type, location, and work schedule.

When you think about the aviation industry, pilots and cabin crew often come to mind first. But behind every safe flight is a dedicated team of professionals ensuring the aircraft is airworthy, and among them, Aircraft Management Engineers (AMEs) play an important role. If you're curious about what an AME does and how much they earn, you're in the right place! In this article, we’ll break down the responsibilities of an AME, required qualifications, work environments, and the AME average salary. 

Who is an Aircraft Management Engineer (AME)?

An Aircraft Management Engineer (AME) is a certified professional responsible for an aircraft's maintenance, repair, and overall airworthiness. Their primary duty is ensuring that an aircraft meets aviation authorities' safety and operational standards.

While pilots operate the aircraft, AMEs ensure it is in perfect condition before it takes off. They are licensed by civil aviation authorities (such as the FAA) to inspect, certify, and release an aircraft for flight.

Key Responsibilities of an Aircraft Management Engineer

The job of an AME is highly technical and demands precision. Here’s what their day-to-day responsibilities typically include:

1. Inspecting aircraft systems and components to ensure they meet regulatory and safety standards.
2. Troubleshooting and repairing faults found in engines, hydraulics, avionics, and other systems.
3. Performing routine and scheduled maintenance per the manufacturer’s and authority’s guidelines.
4. Keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs for compliance and future reference.
5. Certifying aircraft as airworthy after repairs or maintenance tasks.
6. Ensuring compliance with all safety procedures and regulations.
7. Collaborating with technicians, mechanics, and pilots to keep operations smooth.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an AME?

In order to become an aircraft maintenance engineer, you should do the following:

1. Finish 10+2 or Completion Certificate

To pursue a career in aircraft maintenance engineering, pass your 10+2 examination with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as the core subjects. To become a maintenance engineer, a candidate should have a three-year engineering diploma. Moreover, those who want to study technical courses relevant to the field must have a minimum mark of 45 percent in 10+2 or equivalent to get admitted.

2. Qualify the Requirements of an AME

To be licensed to attend an aircraft maintenance engineering program, some requirements are vital to submit to gain admission:

1. When you get admitted, your age will be 16-28 years
2. You are not colour blind and do not have any other physical handicapping.
3. Pass a medical fitness test, as required by various institutes.

3. Take a Course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

As the maintenance of an aircraft involves technical work, enroll in institutes to acquire these specific skills. The course can last up to the kind of program you choose:

A Program

The course of program A is 2 years. Over the two years, you will spend one year on the campus in an academic program and one year training in maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies and airlines. During live training, candidates are given a monthly stipend.

B Program

The course of the program B will take four years, which involves two years in an academic program on the campus and two years of putting into practice. In the training process, the candidates are placed in airlines and organisations, where they can acquire real-life experiences. The training takes two years, after which the candidate is awarded a monthly stipend depending on their skills and education.

4. Select Your Stream of Engineering Course

Once the program to be studied has been determined, the next step is to choose the engineering course stream. You can solve with some streams aeroplanes with jet engine defects, and others may enable you to maintain jet engine aeroplanes. Therefore, pick a stream that suits your interests.

5. Get a License

What you receive as a license by completing each course stream identifies your career. There are three classifications of course streams:

A Grade:

This license enables you to work in aircraft maintenance, but with some restrictions. In A license, you have the opportunity of being a technician, and it comes in four sub-sets:

A1: Your duty is to maintain jet-powered aeroplanes only.

A2: You are only supposed to maintain piston engineengine-poweredanes

A3: You must maintain only those helicopters that have jet engines.

A4: You only have to maintain piston-engine helicopters.

B1 Grade:

Having a B1 license, you can also maintain and repair engines and wings. It is in four categories:

B1.1: Your job is to maintain jet engine planes.

B1.2: You have a role in maintaining the piston engine aeroplanes.

B1.3: As one of the responsibilities, you will maintain a jet engine helicopter.

B1.4: You maintain a piston-engine helicopter.

B2 Grade:

This license is on avionic stream and has something to do with maintenance and repairing such electronic facilities as instrumental, electrical, and radio navigation and communication.

What is the Average AME Salary in the US?

In the United States, Aircraft Management Engineers earn between $60,000 and $110,000 per year. The median salary varies around $80,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at approximately $55,000 to $65,000, while senior AMEs with more than 10 years of experience or those with multiple certifications can exceed $100,000 annually.

Factors Affecting AME Average Salary in the US

Several key factors impact the AME average salary:

1. Experience Level – More years on the job usually mean higher pay, as seasoned AMEs bring valuable skills, problem-solving ability, and efficiency to the role.
2. Licenses and Certifications – AMEs with airframe and powerplant (A&P) licenses often earn more. Additional endorsements, like inspection authorization (IA), can further boost earning potential.
3. Employer Type – Working for major airlines, aerospace manufacturers, or defense contractors generally offers higher salaries, better benefits, and more.
4. Location – AMEs in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Dallas tend to earn more due to higher demand for skilled technicians.
5. Work Schedule – Night shifts, weekend work, holiday duties, and emergency call-outs may come with overtime pay, shift differentials, or bonuses that raise overall compensation.

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Summary

An aircraft management engineer is vital in keeping aircraft safe, reliable, and compliant with strict aviation regulations. AME average salary, opportunities for growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to aviation safety further make it a rewarding career. If you’re passionate about aircraft and have an eye for detail, a career as an AME could be a perfect fit.