Why DGCA Approval Matters in AME Education and in Your Career

Why DGCA Approval Matters in AME Education and in Your Career

A Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval is the cornerstone of any credible Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program in India.

A Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval is the cornerstone of any credible Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program in India. For students and parents researching aviation careers, DGCA certification guarantees that an institute meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, infrastructure, and faculty. At SSAT India, we recognise that choosing a DGCA‑approved AME course is not just a regulatory formality, it’s the key to unlocking a safe, recognised, and rewarding career in aviation.

Why DGCA Approval Matters in AME Education and in Your Career

The DGCA, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, issues CAR‑147 approvals to institutes that satisfy comprehensive criteria for AME training. This encompasses:

• Curriculum Compliance: Adherence to DGCA‑mandated modules covering airframe, engines, avionics, and systems
• Qualified Faculty: Employment of licensed engineers and experienced instructors to guide both theory and hands‑on sessions
• Infrastructure & Equipment: Availability of live, functional aircraft, workshops, and advanced simulators for real‑world training
• Quality Monitoring: Regular audits by DGCA to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement

DGCA approval (CAR‑147) is the government’s stamp of quality, ensuring that graduates are industry‑ready and eligible for licensure.

Why DGCA Approval Is Non‑Negotiable

1. Industry Recognition and Employability

Employers prioritise candidates from DGCA‑approved institutes, knowing they possess standardised skills and knowledge. Whether joining major airlines, MRO facilities, or regulatory bodies, DGCA certification is a prerequisite for most entry‑level AME roles.

2. Legal Eligibility for Licensing

Only graduates of DGCA‑CAR‑147‑approved programs can attempt the DGCA’s Module Examinations, a mandatory step to securing an AME license. Without DGCA approval, your training is not recognised, and you cannot legally practice as an AME.

3. Assurance of Quality Education

DGCA audits cover teacher qualifications, student‑to‑instructor ratios, facility standards, and exam protocols. This rigorous oversight ensures that institutes maintain best practices, minimising the risk of substandard training that could compromise safety.

4. Global Acceptance

DGCA‑approved AME licenses are recognised by many international aviation authorities and MRO organisations, enabling graduates to pursue careers abroad. This global mobility is increasingly important in today’s interconnected aviation market.

Benefits to Students and Parents

• Guaranteed Standards: DGCA approval reassures families that the institute adheres to nationally mandated curricula and safety protocols.
• Solid Career Path: Graduates can seamlessly transition to DGCA licensing exams, securing roles in airlines, MROs, or the defence sector.
• Enhanced Placements: DGCA-certified institutes often have formal tie‑ups with airlines and MROs, Sha‑Shib Group’s partnerships include Air India, GoAir, AirWorks, and TAAL, which facilitate internships and job placements.
• Return on Investment: With starting salaries for AMEs ranging from ₹3–5 lakhs per annum and rapid promotions thereafter, families see tangible value in DGCA‑approved training.

Sha‑Shib Group’s Prestigious DGCA‑Approved AME Institutes

Sha‑Shib Group is a leader in aviation education, operating ten DGCA‑CAR‑147‑approved AME institutes across India. Each institute benefits from the Group’s Centralised Academic Council, comprising DGCA‑approved training managers who standardise curriculum, assessments, and practical activities across all campuses. Key institutes include:

1. Sha‑Shib Flying Academy, Guna
2. Hindustan Aerospace & Engineering, Pune
3. Sha-Shib Aerospace Engineering, Gurugram
4. Academy of Aviation & Engineering, Bengaluru
5. Institute of Aeronautics & Engineering, Bhopal
6. Indian Aaerospace & Engineering, Navi Mumbai
7. Aersoapce Research & Development Centre, Guwahati
8. Sha‑Shib Aviation Academy, Cochin
9. International Aircraft Sales Private Limited, Noida
10. Utkal Aerospace & Engineering, Bhubaneswar

Across these institutes, students benefit from:

• Live Aircraft for Practical Training: Direct hands‑on work with serviceable planes enhances troubleshooting skills and technical confidence.
• Licensed Engineers as Faculty & Mentors: Instructors with active DGCA licenses bring current industry insights into the classroom and hangar.
• Cutting‑Edge MRO Facilities: Students rotate through MRO sub‑bases, learning standard operating procedures used by industry leaders.
• Inter‑Campus Exposure: With 21 functional aircraft spread across campuses, learners can experience diverse aircraft systems and operational environments.

Choosing the Right DGCA‑Approved AME Institute

For parents and students evaluating options:

• Verify CAR‑147 Approval: Always confirm DGCA CAR‑147 status on the DGCA website or the institute’s official documentation.
• Assess Infrastructure: Look for live aircraft, digital simulators, and well‑equipped workshops.
• Review Faculty Credentials: Ensure instructors hold valid DGCA licenses and industry experience.
• Check Industry Tie‑Ups: Partnerships with airlines and MROs are strong indicators of placement support and practical exposure.
• Visit Campuses: On‑site visits reveal training environments, student‑to‑instructor ratios, and facility maintenance.

Securing a future in aviation begins with the right foundation, DGCA approval. For families seeking a reputable AME program, choosing a DGCA‑CAR‑147‑certified institute is paramount. Sha‑Shib Group’s ten DGCA‑approved AME colleges, unified under a centralised academic council and equipped with live aircraft, licensed mentors, and premier MRO partnerships, represent the gold standard in AME education. By enrolling in a DGCA‑approved program, students gain a direct pathway to licensure, employability, and global career opportunities, ensuring a safe, recognised, and rewarding journey in the dynamic world of aviation.