Becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME).
Yes, the acronym could use a marketing overhaul.
It is an exhilarating and highly rewarding career choice for anyone passionate about aviation, mechanics, and fixing things that cost more than your house.
This role is critical for keeping aircraft safe, operational, and in the sky instead of, well, anywhere else. In this post, we’ll chart the journey to becoming a licensed engineer in the UK, covering the prerequisites, training routes, time commitments, costs, and the relationship between the CAA and yourself as a budding engineer.
What are the requirements for becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer?
Educational Background
A good educational foundation is essential for starting a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer career. While there are no strict formal educational requirements, certain qualifications are highly recommended:
- GCSEs: Most training providers expect candidates to have at least GCSEs (or equivalent) in key subjects like mathematics, English, and science, with a pass rate of grade C (or 4 in the new grading system) being the minimum. Higher grades can make you more competitive.
- A Levels (optional): While not always necessary, A Levels in subjects such as physics and mathematics can significantly enhance your chances, particularly for competitive courses or apprenticeships.
- BTEC or equivalent: Many aspiring engineers opt for a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering, which is a practical qualification with a strong focus on technology and engineering—an ideal preparation for a career in aircraft maintenance.
Work experience
Experience is non-negotiable in the aviation world. Imagine convincing someone to let you near their aircraft without ever touching one.
“I’m great at LEGO, I swear!”
Apprenticeships are your golden opportunity to get hands-on experience while someone else supervises (and double-checks) your work—necessary, given the stakes.
Essential skills
Being a successful aircraft maintenance engineer requires a mix of technical, practical, and soft skills:
- Problem-solving: Diagnosing and fixing mechanical or electrical faults is a key part of the job. Although you’d be surprised how many times turning it off and on again fixes these things.
- Attention to detail: Aircraft maintenance demands precision to ensure every part of the plane is in perfect working order.
- Manual dexterity and physical fitness: Maintenance tasks often require working in confined spaces and lifting heavy components, so being physically fit and coordinated is essential.
- Teamwork and communication: You’re not a lone wolf; aviation is a team sport.
- Regulatory knowledge: Stay on the right side of the rules unless you like dealing with the CAA (spoiler: you won’t).
Language proficiency
As English is the global language of aviation, proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for understanding technical documentation, manuals, and communicating with colleagues.
How long does it take to become LAME?
The time to become a licensed engineer can vary depending on the route chosen. On average, it takes between 5 and 6 years to complete the necessary education, training, and work experience. However, if you choose the right path from the start, completing the process in just over 4 years could be possible.
Training routes to becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer
There are two main routes to becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer in the UK:
Apprenticeship route
The apprenticeship route is the most common way to enter the field. This path typically involves working for an airline, maintenance organisation, or aircraft manufacturer while attending college for the theoretical aspects of the training.
- Duration: Apprenticeships usually last around 3 to 4 years. However, it’s worth noting that not all apprenticeships include the licence modules as part of the syllabus. You will, however, come out the other end with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to build on.
- Benefits: Apprentices are paid while they train, gaining practical experience under the supervision of qualified engineers and attending college for theory lessons. They also work directly on various aircraft systems and components.
After completing the apprenticeship, you’ll be well-positioned to apply for a full-time role at an airline, maintenance organisation, or a specialised workshop.
University Route
Another option is to pursue a university degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. This route is more academically focused and takes 3 to 4 years, providing a broader understanding of aviation engineering.
The advantage of this route is that it can open doors to other career opportunities, such as aircraft design or engineering management. However, further work placements or internships are required to gain the hands-on experience needed for licensure.
Key Considerations: While a university degree provides strong theoretical knowledge, it’s not sufficient on its own to become a licensed engineer. After completing your degree, additional practical training and work experience are necessary to qualify for the Part-66 licence.
Gaining work experience
Regardless of the path you choose, gaining the required work experience is a crucial part of becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. You’ll need to accumulate between 2 to 5 years of practical experience, depending on the licence you’re aiming for and your training route.
The experience must be gained within a civilian Part 145 maintenance environment (covered in another article), which refers to the CAA-approved maintenance organisations. If you’ve done your apprenticeship in a non-Part 147 setting (e.g. a military environment), additional years of civilian experience may be necessary before applying for your licence.
How much does it cost to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer?
The costs associated with becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer can vary depending on your route.
Apprenticeship route costs
- Training fees: Many apprenticeship programs are employer-sponsored, meaning the cost of training is often covered by the sponsoring company (e.g. an airline or maintenance organisation).
- Living expenses: While apprenticeships are paid, the salary may be lower than that of a fully qualified engineer, so you’ll need to budget for living expenses.
University route costs
- Tuition fees: University degrees in aerospace or mechanical engineering are typically £9,535 per year for home students in the UK, with international students paying higher fees.
- Living costs: You’ll need to budget for living expenses, which can vary depending on where you study. Cities like London will be more expensive, as expected.
- Additional costs: Don’t forget about the costs for books, materials, equipment, and any internships or work placements.
We’ve talked about the CAA a few times, so what exactly is it?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK’s aviation regulatory body, overseeing safety and licencing (pilots and engineers). The CAA issues the Part-66 licence, which is internationally recognised and allows engineers to work on aircraft worldwide. Think of it as the DVLA of the skies.
Types of licences
The Part-66 licence includes several categories based on the type of work an engineer is qualified to perform:
- Category A: For basic line maintenance tasks. (Wheel changes, simple servicing or oxygen top-ups)
- Category B1: For mechanical systems maintenance. (Full-on depth maintenance on entire systems and sub-systems)
- Category B2: For avionics systems maintenance.
- Category C: Additional certification is required to release the aircraft to service after maintenance.
Once you’ve completed your training, passed all your modules, and gained the required work experience, you can apply to the CAA for your blank Part 66 licence. This costs £410.
The process involves submitting proof of your qualifications and work experience and passing exams on key topics, such as aircraft systems and maintenance procedures. If everything checks out, your licence will be issued, allowing you to work independently and take on significant responsibilities in aircraft maintenance.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer is a challenging yet rewarding career path that requires a blend of education, hands-on experience, and an in-depth understanding of aviation safety regulations. Whether you take the apprenticeship route or pursue a university degree, you can expect to spend around 4 to 6 years gaining the necessary skills and experience.
While the costs may vary, apprenticeships are often more cost-effective, while university degrees tend to be pricier. Regardless of your path, the financial and time investment pays off for those passionate about aviation.
Through the CAA and the internationally recognised Part 66 licencing system, aircraft maintenance engineers have access to a world of opportunities in the aviation industry, ensuring air travel’s continued safety and efficiency.
