DGCA divides the AME License system into Category A, B1, B2 and their sub-categories to define specific maintenance roles, responsibilities and certification authority. Each DGCA AME License categories focuses on different aircraft systems and skill levels, ensuring safe, regulated and efficient aircraft maintenance operations.
DGCA AME License – Category A
Cate A For
DGCA introduced Category A for aircraft maintenance mechanics who are mainly involved in line maintenance activities. These engineers support daily aircraft operations by ensuring serviceability before and after flights, focusing on quick rectification and operational safety.
Work on
Category A engineers perform limited line maintenance tasks such as replacement of LRUs, bulbs, wheels, filters, and simple defect rectification. Approved procedures predefine their tasks and ensure aircraft readiness without disturbing major systems.
Responsibility and Under work
Category A engineers work under the supervision of Category B1 or B2 engineers. DGCA authorizes them to certify only simple and specific tasks mentioned in their approval. They are does not allow them to certify major or complex maintenance tasks on a/c systems.
Advantage or Opportunity
The biggest advantage of Category A is faster entry into the aviation field. Candidates can gain early hands on experience on live aircraft, build practical skills and can later upgrade to higher categories like B1 or B2.
CAT A License Experience and Requirements
Modules Required: Usually Module 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (basic knowledge modules). These cover maths, physics, electrical, digital techniques, materials, maintenance practices and aviation legislation.
Required Experience: Normally 3 years practical experience in approved aircraft maintenance organization or training institute.
Validity: DGCA AME license is valid for 5 years.
Renewal: License must be renewed every 5 years with updated experience records and proof of working in aircraft maintenance.
Cat A Subcategories (Types)
A1 – Airplane Turbine
Turbine engines perform basic line maintenance, simple inspection, minor troubleshooting and component replacement on airplanes (jet aircraft).
A2 – Airplane Piston
Piston engines perform basic maintenance, small repairs, system checks and simple troubleshooting on airplanes.
A3 – Helicopter Turbine
Turbine engine performs line maintenance, routine inspection, minor faults check and basic component replacement on helicopters.
A4 – Helicopter Piston
Piston engines perform basic maintenance tasks, inspection, small repairs and simple troubleshooting on helicopters.
DGCA AME License – Category B1
Cat B1 For
DGCA Category B1 is for mechanical engineers to responsible for air frame, engine and mechanical systems. They play a major role in a/c maintenance by ensuring structural integrity and mechanical system reliability.
Work on
Category B1 engineers are handle air frame, engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, landing gear and flight control systems. They troubleshoot complex defects and perform scheduled as well as unscheduled mechanical maintenance.
Responsibility / Supervise
DGCA authorizes B1 engineers to certify mechanical maintenance tasks independently. They can supervise Category A staff and ensure all mechanical work meets DGCA and manufacturer standards before aircraft release to service. They cannot certify avionics or electrical system work, which comes under Category B2 authority.
If a person holds a valid Category B1 license, Category A mechanical privileges are automatically included. This means a B1 engineer does not need a separate Category A license to perform or certify limited line maintenance mechanical tasks.
Advantage or Opportunity
Category B1 offers wider authority, higher responsibility, and better salary prospects. It is ideal for candidates interested in mechanical systems, providing strong career stability, airline demand, and long-term growth opportunities.
CAT B1 License Experience and Requirements
Modules Required: Module 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17 depending on subcategory (aeroplane or helicopter).
Required Experience: Normally 5 years aircraft maintenance experience in an approved organization.
Validity: License validity is 5 years.
Renewal: Renew every 5 years with recent maintenance experience and required documents.
Cat B1 Subcategories (Types)
B1.1 – Aeroplane Turbine
Carries out the maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of the air frames, turbine engines, mechanical systems and structures of the jet airplanes.
B1.2 – Aeroplane Piston
They are carries out the maintenance and repair of the airframes, piston engines, and mechanical systems of piston engine airplanes.
B1.3 – Helicopter Turbine
In Helicopter Turbine sub categories carries out the maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of the engines, airf rames and mechanical systems of turbine helicopters.
B1.4 – Helicopter Piston
In this sub categories, carries out the maintenance and repair of the airframes, engines and mechanical components of piston engine helicopters.
DGCA AME License – Category B2
Cat B2 For
DGCA designed Category B2 for avionics engineers who deal with aircraft electrical and electronic systems. They ensure proper functioning of modern aircraft technology essential for navigation, communication and flight safety.
Work on
Category B2 engineers work on navigation systems, communication systems, auto flight, instruments, radar, electrical power distribution, and flight data systems. They diagnose faults and maintain highly sensitive electronic equipment.
Responsibility / Supervise
Category B2 engineers task independently for avionics and electrical systems. They can supervise Category A engineers for avionics-related tasks. They are not permitted to certify mechanical, air frame, or engine maintenance handled by Category B1.
If a person holds a Category B2 license, Category A avionics privileges are included. A B2 engineer can perform and certify basic line maintenance avionics tasks without holding a separate Category A license.
Advantage or Opportunity
Category B2 provides specialization in advanced aircraft electronics. With increasing automation and technology in aviation, B2 engineers enjoy high demand, global opportunities, and strong long-term career relevance.
CAT B2 License Experience and Requirements
Modules Required: Module 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 mainly focused on avionics, electrical and instrument systems.
Required Experience: Usually 5 years avionics maintenance experience in an approved organization.
Validity: License remains valid for 5 years.
Renewal: Must be renewed every 5 years with proof of avionics maintenance experience.
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