Academic requirements

All applicants must have

• Completed recognised aircraft maintenance engineering training (at Level 4 or above), OR
• An equivalent recognised international qualification, OR 
• Have relevant experience in the aeronautical engineering industry or allied trade.

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate. 

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.(external link)

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

• IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtest)

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Other requirements

Applicants must:

• Have access to a workplace or be able to supply evidence as to workplace experience in accordance with CAA AC66-1 subpart 66.53(a)(4), and 

Be living in New Zealand to be able to sit the online licence theory exams.

Information for Applicants

Computer literacy:

Students planning to study this programme must be competent using a computer/mobile device. A sufficient level of computer literacy would include competent use of basic file management, email, internet, and word processing skills.

Due to the fact that most students will be studying part-time while they are in a full-time employment, it is strongly recommended not to enrol for more than one course per semester (20 credit or 25 credit course). In case the student wants to study more than one course, and personal circumstances allow an available and dedicated period of time for study (i.e. not in full-time work), the Programme Coordinator must be contacted and will advise the student accordingly.

What can I expect to get paid as a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer?

NZ$60-90K, depending upon ratings and overtime worked.

Will I have a basic aircraft maintenance engineer’s licence (LAME) at the end?

In order to be licensed, you must complete a total of four years’ work experience as well as passing all licence category exams (8 – 12 exams, depending on electives). This diploma will provide you with all of the training needed to sit your New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZCAA) Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer examinations. The basic licence is granted by NZCAA at the end of your category examinations which are independently tested on behalf of CAA by Aviation Services Limited (ASL). You will also need documented proof of your four years total work experience in the aviation industry.

If I study by enrolling for training schemes can I still cross-credit them and get my Diploma?

Yes – you must complete a minimum of 75, and up to 90, NZQA credits within a 6-year period to cross-credit them towards gaining the Diploma.

Can I sit the NZCAA examinations overseas?

Please contact ASL Tasman(external link) directly.

Will the NZCAA recognise another country’s category examinations?

No. However, they will recognise relevant experience that has been documented in your logbook. NMIT recommends you contact the NZCAA and ASL directly with specific licensing questions.

www.caa.govt.nz(external link)             www.asltasman.com(external link)

Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME) have a comprehensive academic background and are employed as managers, supervisors and certifying engineers by the major airlines, aircraft maintenance companies and aircraft construction companies in New Zealand and overseas.

Graduates can expect to be leaders of a ground crew who are jointly responsible for all aspects of aircraft maintenance and aircraft configuration control required to support aircraft operations. Their duties include direct supervision and certification ranging from the day-to-day servicing of aircraft on the flight line to the major overhaul of the aircraft, their systems and components.

International students are required to be in New Zealand to take the external assessment for each course in this programme.

You are responsible for any costs associated with travel to/from workshops as well as CAA exam fees. The exam fee cost is $230.00 per examination with the exception of Air Law – Oral which is $320.00.

To book NZCAA exams go to www.caanz.aspeqexams.com(external link)

Please note: an additional bank fee will be charged if paying by credit card.