What a line maintenance engineer does
Line maintenance is the work done on an aircraft between flights, usually at the airport gate or on the apron. Line maintenance engineers carry out pre-flight and transit checks, daily inspections, fluid servicing, tyre and brake checks and the rectification of defects reported by the crew.
Their goal is to keep the aircraft safe and on schedule. When the work is complete, a licensed and authorised engineer signs the certificate of release to service so the aircraft can fly.
Most AME graduates begin their careers in line maintenance with airlines, MROs and ground handling maintenance teams, building the experience needed for their licence and later type ratings.
Typical line maintenance tasks
Transit checks
Walk-around inspection and servicing during a short turnaround.
Daily checks
Inspection of the airframe, engines, landing gear and systems.
Defect rectification
Fixing crew-reported snags using approved data.
Release to service
Certification by authorised staff before departure.
Skills that matter on the line
Line work is fast-paced. Engineers must diagnose problems quickly, follow approved maintenance data exactly and record every task correctly in the aircraft documents.
Good communication with pilots, cabin crew and the operations team is just as important as technical skill.
- Troubleshooting under time pressure
- Accurate documentation
- Teamwork across shifts
- Strong safety habits
How to become a line maintenance engineer
Start with AME basic training at a DGCA-approved CAR-147 organisation such as Redwings Aerotechnique, clear the DGCA module examinations and gain experience at a CAR-145 organisation.
With the licence and company authorisation, you can certify line maintenance work. Type ratings on specific aircraft follow with experience.
- AME basic training
- DGCA module examinations
- Experience at a CAR-145 organisation
- Licence, authorisation and type rating
Train at Redwings Aerotechnique, Bhopal
Redwings Aerotechnique is a DGCA-approved CAR-147 basic maintenance training organisation in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is part of Redwings Group, which also runs its own DGCA-approved CAR-145 maintenance, repair and overhaul organisation. This connection means students learn aircraft maintenance from people who work to real industry standards every day.
Students can choose the B1.1 (turbine aeroplanes), B1.2 (piston aeroplanes) or B2 (avionics) stream, or the dual programme AME + B.E. Classes follow the DGCA syllabus and are supported by an engine system lab, airframe system lab, electrical, radio navigation, instrument and battery workshops, a general workshop, audio-visual classrooms and a library. Teaching and counselling are available in Hindi and English.
Admission is through the Redwings Aerotechnique admission test, the Redwings aptitude test, or by direct joining after an eligibility check. Merit scholarships are offered on the admission test score. Redwings students have recorded 100% results in DGCA module examinations across several sessions, and the first Redwings batch achieved 100% placement in airline and MRO jobs.
You are welcome to visit the Bhopal campus to see the labs and workshops, meet the faculty and talk to the admission team before you decide. Parents can join the counselling session too.
Visit or call us
- Pragyan Nursing College Campus, Abbas Nagar, Gondermau, Bypass Road, Gandhi Nagar, near R.G.P.V., Bhopal 462036
- +91 95891 97505
- +91 96855 57506
- redwingsaerotechnique@gmail.com
Why students choose Redwings
Questions answered
Short, clear answers to the questions students and parents ask most. Still unsure about anything? Our admission team is happy to help.
What is line maintenance?
Maintenance done on an aircraft between flights, such as transit checks, daily checks and defect rectification.
Who employs line maintenance engineers?
Airlines, MROs and maintenance service providers at airports.
Do I need an AME licence?
Trainees can work under supervision, but certifying work needs a DGCA licence and company authorisation.
Is it shift work?
Usually yes, because aircraft operate early mornings, late nights and weekends.
How do I start?
Call +91 95891 97505 or fill the enquiry form, and the Redwings admission team will guide you.
Keep reading
Related pages and guides from Redwings.