While looking for the aviation courses, student might get confuse which course to opt. When its about 12th with non medical student, they mostly prefer engineering trade. Instead of pursuing tradition engineering courses, student are looking forward for the unique courses options. While there are three Aircraft engineering courses that attracts the students who are dreaming to build their career in the aviation sector. There are numerous difference between Aircarft Maintenance Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering in the aviation sector. During the process of choosing the course, student may be not complete familiar about information related to the similarities and difference. Whenever student choose a course they have several thoughts in their head. Every course is equally important as aviation in India is increasing gradually. In spite of that , it is the choice of the students which course fascinate them the most.
The Aircraft Maintenance, Aeronautical, and Aerospace Engineering are different from each other. In the below table, Compare Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering on numerous factors like course details, eligibility criteria, duration, career opportunities, etc. in order to offer better understanding of the courses:
| Particulars | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) | Aeronautical Engineering | Aerospace Engineering |
| Course Details | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is basically the course related to the maintenance, repair, detecting, and solving the problem of the aircraft. Their approval is the mandatory before every flight. | Aeronautical Engineering is the branch of engineering in which student will learn about the planning, designing, modifying, manufacturing, and testing of the aircraft. | During the Aerospace Engineering course, student will get deep knowledge about the processes from planning to production of the aircraft and spacecrafts. |
| Eligibility Criteria | 12th with PCM/ three year engineering diploma in mechanical/electrical/aeronautical stream from a recognized board. | 12th with a PCM/three-year engineering diploma in the aeronautical stream from a recognized board. | 12th with PCM/ three year engineering diploma in aeronautical stream from a recognized board. |
| Degree/License | AME is an international license-based programme. However, a few institutes in India offer integrated programmes so students can get a bachelor’s degree with a license. | It is an undergraduate degree programme. | It is an undergraduate degree programme. |
| Course Duration | While pursuing AME course, students will study on campus for two years and then complete practical training with DGCA-approved organisations for the remaining two years. | During Aeronautical Engineering, student have to study for four years on campus. All the theoretical and practical classes will be on the campus. However, for the purpose of industrial training, they have to visit the organizations. | During Aerospace Engineering, all the theoretical and practical classes will be on campus for four years. However, for the purpose of industrial training, they have to visit the organizations. |
| Colleges Approval | AME institutes in India must be approved by EASA/DGCA. | The Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India are approved by the AICTE. | The Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India are approved by the AICTE. |
| Career Opportunities | Generally AME has their career opportunities in the following sectors: 1. Airlines 2. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauls (MRO) Organizations 3. Aircraft Manufacturing Companies 4. Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies 5. Civil Defence Department 6. AME Institutes 7. Aircraft Operational Organizations 8. Flying Clubs | Aeronautical Engineering has their career opportunities in the following sectors: 1. Airlines 2. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauls (MRO) Organizations 3. Aircraft Manufacturing Companies 4. Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies 5. Research Organizations 6. Civil Defence Department 7. High Education Lecturer 8. Aircraft Operational Organizations | Aerospace Engineering has their career opportunities in the following sectors: 1. Airlines 2. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauls (MRO) Organizations 3. Aircraft Manufacturing Companies 4. Aircraft Part Manufacturing Companies 5. Research Organizations 6. Civil Defence Department 7. High Education Lecturer 8. Aircraft Operational Organizations |
To become an aircraft maintenance engineer you may could join AME engineering through AME COMMON ENTRANCE EXAM (AME CEE) this examination you may join AME engineering approved by DGCA, EASA or UGC.
