✈️ From India to the World: Why DGCA-Licensed AMEs Should Explore EASA-Certified Career Paths

amepreparation.com
May 12
3 min read

As India's aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, so does the demand for skilled Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). DGCA-licensed engineers play a vital role in ensuring flight safety and operational reliability. However, despite the growth, many engineers in India face limited exposure to high-level maintenance tasks such as C-checks, structural inspections, and major overhauls, which are typically performed by globally certified MROs operating under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework.

This has led to a growing aspiration among Indian AMEs to broaden their professional horizons by exploring career opportunities in countries that recognize EASA AME licenses.

💰 Salary & Growth

Aspect	DGCA AME	EASA AME
Entry Salary	₹25,000–₹60,000/month depending on the company.	€2,000–€4,000/month (₹1.8L–₹3.6L) or more, depending on country.
Career Growth	Slower due to fewer high-tech opportunities.	Faster with access to advanced aircraft and wider career paths.
Perks	Basic insurance, travel, accommodation in some roles.	Often includes relocation packages, housing support, tax benefits in some countries.

🔍 Comparison Summary

Aspect	India (DGCA)	Europe (EASA)
Licensed AMEs	~7,000	UK: 32,139 (2014 data)
Training Institutes	74+ DGCA-approved institutes	Numerous EASA Part-147 approved centers
Projected Demand	14,000 additional AMEs in 8–10 years	111,000 technicians/engineers by 2035
Global Recognition	Primarily within India	Widely recognized across multiple regions

🌍 Why Consider the EASA Route?

The EASA Part-66 license is one of the most globally recognized AME certifications. It is valid across all 27 EU countries and widely accepted in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. With airlines and MROs around the world prioritizing safety, efficiency, and digital maintenance practices, EASA-compliant engineers are in high demand.

🔧 DGCA vs. EASA: What’s the Gap?

While DGCA engineers are highly skilled and qualified under Indian aviation norms, the scope of practical exposure is often narrower, especially when it comes to:

Heavy maintenance tasks (C-Checks, D-Checks)
Composite material repairs and avionics integrations
Work on wide-body and next-gen aircraft (e.g., A350, B787)
Global digital documentation standards

In contrast, EASA-certified AMEs typically undergo rigorous, standardized training and hands-on experience under EASA Part-147 and Part-145 approved organizations, allowing them to work on a broader range of aircraft and maintenance operations.

🛫 Advantages of Moving to EASA-Accepting Countries

Higher Earning PotentialEASA AMEs in Europe, the Gulf, or Asia-Pacific can earn €2,500 to €5,000/month, with additional perks like housing allowances, insurance, and pension benefits.
Diverse Work Environment Exposure to multi-national aviation cultures, high-end MROs, and state-of-the-art maintenance hangars.
Career Advancement Opportunities to advance into Quality Assurance, Technical Training, CAMO roles, or even Maintenance Management.
License Portability Once EASA-licensed, it's easier to convert or validate licenses in other ICAO-compliant countries.

📜 What’s Needed for the Transition?

To move into an EASA-recognized country, DGCA AMEs must meet certain conversion and qualification requirements:

Pass EASA Module Exams: Minimum 13 modules, depending on B1 (Mechanical) or B2 (Avionics) stream.
Gain Practical Experience: Ideally within an EASA Part-145 approved MRO.
Obtain a Type Rating: Aircraft-specific training on A320, B737, or wide-body aircraft can boost employability.
English Proficiency & Work Permit: Language and visa/work authorization requirements vary by country.

🌐 Countries to Target for EASA-Engineered Careers

Below are regions where EASA licenses are highly valued and where Indian AMEs can realistically pursue employment:

Region	Countries
Europe	Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Malta, Hungary
Middle East	UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia
Southeast Asia	Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines
Africa	Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa (with EASA-approved operators)
Caribbean & Asia	Aruba, Sri Lanka, Maldives (with EASA-approved MROs)

📌 Strategy for Indian AMEs

Start EASA Module Exams in India Several Indian training institutes offer access to EASA-approved courses and module exams under partnerships with European Part-147 institutes.
Build Experience at EASA-Approved MROs Gain hands-on experience at Indian or Gulf-based MROs certified by EASA (e.g., GMR, AI Engineering, Etihad Engineering).
Network and Apply Proactively Use platforms like LinkedIn, Aviation Job Search, and MRO career pages to explore job openings.
Get a Type Rating Certificate. Even without a full EASA license, a Type Rating on A320 or B737 from a reputed institute adds great value.

💡 Final Thought

The Indian aviation ecosystem provides a strong foundation, but the future belongs to those who aim global. DGCA-licensed AMEs with ambition, willingness to upskill, and global vision can open doors to fulfilling, high-paying careers across continents by transitioning toward EASA-certified pathways.