Description of the Role/Career
The role of an aircraft engineer involves the application of scientific and technological principles to the
research, development and design of aircraft and their components.
There are also aircraft maintenance jobs under the umbrella of aeronautical engineering jobs. These
roles involve making inspections, overseeing maintenance, and servicing aircraft.
Pathways into the Role/Career
There are several possible routes to becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Aircraft Engineer. They are as
follows:
- Airline Apprenticeship
- Maintenance Organisation Apprenticeship
- Ab-initio technician training program
- Irish Air Corp Apprenticeship
- Self-Study route (Self-funded course, Exams & Experience)
- Academic Route (Degree in a technical acceptable to the Authority)
- License categories (Part-66 Licence)
To become a fully qualified aircraft maintenance engineer, you need to follow the route to aquiring and
EASA-approved maintenance licence. EASA is the European Aviation Safety Agency. In the UK, licences
are awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which also approves training organisations.
There are also multiple types of licenses that can be acquired as an aircraft engineer.
Aircraft maintenance mechanics (AMMs) – Category A.
Permits the holder to provide limited certification of inspection and maintenance tasks or detect simple
rectification.
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs)/ Maintenance Certifying Technicians – Category B.
There are two main subcategories for those working on large transport aircraft: B1 (airframe and
engine) and B2 (avionics systems).
Holders may provide Certificate of Release of Service (CRS) of aircraft following maintenance and repair
tasks. Category B licences require more in-depth aircraft maintenance knowledge than category A.
Aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs)/ Base Maintenance Certifying Engineers – Category C.
Permits the holder to issue certificates of release to service following base maintenance on aircraft
(when the aircraft is stripped down for complete service and overhaul). The work will be carried out by
B1 or B2 licensed engineers therefore often a C licence applicant usually already holds a B1 or B2
licence.
The aforementioned license categories depend on the completion of appropriate qualifications and
obtaining relevant practical experience. Completion of an aircraft maintenance programme via any Part-
147 approved organisation qualifies for a Part-66 licence with less practical experience. Additionally,
applicants may study for basic licence examinations before they have acquired all the practical
experience required as examination passes are valid for up to five years.
https://www.ul.ie/courses/bachelormasters-engineering-aeronautical-engineering
Link to Respective Employer Career Websites
https://www.eirtechaviation.ie/careers/
https://www.cae.com/careers/working-at-cae/
https://www.atlanticaviation.ie/careers/opportunities/
https://www.atlanticaviation.ie/aircraft-maintenance-apprenticeship/
www.dublin.aero/aircraft-technician-apprenticeship
https://www.lufthansa-technik.com/training-academy
For more information on training see:
https://www.dublin.aero/aircraft-technician-apprenticeship
https://www.careersinaerospace.com/roles/maintenance/licensed-engineers/