To get a licence to become a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME) you must complete theory and practical training with a maintenance training organisation approved by us. This includes passing written and practical exams to get your licence.
There are different types of licences depending on:
- the type of aircraft, aeroplanes or helicopters
- the type of engines, piston or turbine
- the different aircraft systems, airframe, engines, electrical or avionics.
Many engineers may begin their careers with:
- an airline
- Australian Defence Force
- general aviation maintenance organisation.
Many engineers focus on gaining their Diploma of Aeroskills trade qualification as a step towards becoming a LAME. This qualification does not directly qualify you to gain a licence issued by us.
If you complete this qualification through a maintenance training organisation that is approved by us it can form part of the pathway towards a licence. Along with this you must also meet our examination standards.
Read our student guide if you are interested in becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Exams and study pathways
There are several training and exam pathways towards gaining your licence for a LAME.
There is a self-study modular licencing alternative pathway where engineers can sit our exams and work through a practical experience logbook to get their engineers licence.
This pathway allows you to gain your licence earlier as you fulfil minimum requirements. You can also build on the licence as you complete more exams and gain more practical experience.
Learn more about how to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.
How licences work
Aircraft maintenance engineers typically get their licence in the country they live or work in.
Once someone gets their licence, it never expires. However we require licenced engineers to keep their up their practical skills by working in organisations that conduct aircraft maintenance.
Some licences may have limitations applied to them. As an engineer completes further training and sits more exams, we remove limitations to increase to the type of work on aircraft systems that may be certified.
How engineers maintain and repair different types of aircraft
The way engineers maintain and repair aircraft may differ depending on the complexity and aircraft systems within each type of aircraft.
Surveillance and oversight
Our level of surveillance of LAMEs varies and depends where the LAME works within an organisation and the operations of the aircraft (private or commercial operations).
LAMEs who work for maintenance organisations or aviation operators have higher standards they need to follow. Our inspectors conduct more regular audits and surveillance activities on commercial operators to help keep you safe.