DGCA vs EASA Basic AME Certification

A Complete Comparison for Aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is one of the most safety-critical and respected

professions in aviation. For students and professionals, the choice of certification

authority plays a decisive role in shaping career scope, mobility, and long-term growth.

The two most discussed pathways today are DGCA (India) AME certification and EASA (Europe) Part-66 Basic AME certification. While both follow ICAO-aligned safety philosophies, their reach, structure, and career impact differ significantly.

This article provides a clear, practical comparison to help you decide wisely.

What Is an AME License?

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license authorizes a qualified engineer to certify aircraft as airworthy after maintenance. This certification directly affects flight safety, making AMEs legally and professionally accountable.

Both DGCA and EASA licenses aim for:

• High safety standards

• Strong theoretical foundations

• Practical maintenance competence

However, where and how far your license takes you depends on the authority that issues it.

DGCA (India) AME License

Authority

Issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Recognition

• Valid primarily within India

• Highly respected by Indian airlines, MROs, and charter operators

Focus

• Tailored to Indian aviation operations

• Strong emphasis on aircraft commonly operated in India

• Aligned with India’s fast-growing domestic aviation market

Training Pathway

• DGCA-approved Part-147 AME institutes

• Modular exams + practical training

• License issuance after experience and regulatory compliance

Strengths

• Ideal for engineers planning a career in India

• Strong job demand due to rapid fleet expansion

• Lower overall cost compared to foreign pathways

  
  

EASA (Europe) Part-66 Basic AME License

Authority

Issued under the European aviation system governed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Recognition

• Valid across EU member states

• Widely accepted worldwide by airlines, leasing companies, and global MROs

• Considered the most internationally portable AME license

Focus

• Uniform, highly standardized curriculum

• Deep technical coverage across systems, structures, and avionics

• Strong emphasis on documentation, human factors, and compliance

Training Pathway

• EASA Part-147 approved organizations

• Clear modular structure (B1.1, B1.2, B2, etc.)

• Exams + experience → license issuance

Strengths

• Excellent international mobility

• Easier conversion to other authorities

• Higher global salary benchmarks

  

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	DGCA (India)	EASA (Europe)
Where You Can Work	India	Europe & globally
International Mobility	Limited	Very high
Curriculum Depth	Nationally focused	Broad & highly standardized
Recognition	Domestic	Global
Career Flexibility	India-centric	Worldwide
Cost & Accessibility	Lower (India-based)	Higher but global ROI

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose DGCA if:

• You plan to build your career in India

• You want faster alignment with Indian airlines

• You prefer a cost-effective and locally focused pathway

Choose EASA if:

• You aim for international airline or MRO careers

• You want global license acceptance

• You seek long-term career flexibility and higher earning potential

Dual Licensing – The Smart Strategy

Many engineers today pursue DGCA + EASA together.This approach:

• Secures India-based opportunities

• Opens global doors

• Future-proofs your aviation career

As noted by amepreparation.com, dual licensing is becoming a strategic advantage, not a luxury.For any clarification about dual courses you may write in comment or may msg in the website.

Final Thoughts

There is no “better” license in isolation—only the right license for your career vision.

• DGCA powers India’s aviation growth

• EASA unlocks the global aviation ecosystem

Understanding this difference early can save years of effort and multiply opportunities later.

If aviation safety is your responsibility, then choosing the right certification is your first professional decision—make it with clarity, not confusion.

✈️ Your license decides how far your career can fly.