A aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) performs mechanical work at the skilled craftsman level, assisting in the repair, maintenance, rebuilding, and servicing of aircraft. Regular duties for an aircraft maintenance engineer include carrying out daily aircraft maintenance and overhaul programs, checking the condition of various aircraft and engines, and completing repairs and replacements. They must follow their organization's approved maintenance procedures, and they may be required to fly with aircraft as a flight engineer. These engineers should be able to direct the work of many air mechanics.
An aircraft maintenance engineer must have an extensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance procedures and inspection systems, as well as aircraft materials or parts and regulations governing their compatibility with registered aircraft. They must be able to select and or or record data for aircraft and be knowledgeable of measuring instruments and test equipment. Knowledge of safety precautions and fire prevention is also necessary.
An aircraft maintenance engineer must have an aircraft maintenance engineer’s license, as well several years of training on the job as an air mechanic or trades helper. A combination of technical school and on-the-job training totaling three years may also be accepted.