Aircraft mechanics/Aircraft maintenance engineers
Aircraft Mechanics work in the maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical systems and other ancilliary fittings. Airlines employ aircraft mechanics for two kinds of operations.They work as line maintenance mechanics or as overhaul mechanics. The former can work on all parts of the aircraft. At airports they make necessary emergency and other required repairs.They are guided by flight engineers for the required repair and also to carry out complete inspection of the aircraft prior to take off.
Overhaul mechanics are incharge of carrying out the routine maintenance after the required number of flying hours have been completed. There are aircraft airframe mechanics and aircraft power plant mechanics.The former are incharge of overhauling the airframe while the latter work on the engine. Mechanics may work on one type of aircraft or on many different types of aircrafts.To optimise efficiency often mechanics are trained to specialise in electrical systems or as pneumatic testers or even as air conditioning mechanics etc.
Employment Avenues
Employment is available with Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service. Besides Airlines Aeronautical Engineers get employment in organisations such as Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd, Defence Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department and other places. With the rise in the number of private air taxis and liberalisation of air space, avenues for aeronautical engineers has seen an upward swing.
There are 4 levels of trainee appointment for Aircraft maintenance engineers in National Carriers for a period of one year. They then get appointed as Assistant Aircraft Engineers after they have obtained the licence from DGCA.
Engineers in government organisations, such as HAL, NAL are paid official scales while those in the private sector are paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company, Airline professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also.
Diploma holders in Aeronautics work as technicians in Engineering department or if they do one year additional BE equivalent Associate Membership of the Aeronautical Society of India (AMAeSI) in Aeronautics with AME course they are eligible for higher positions in the organisation. They may also go for higher studies in ME, M Tech.
