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.

English language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at the level of the programme.

Those students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate: An international English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band) issued within the last two years

Other requirements

Candidates must have aeronautical engineering experience in accordance with AC066-1 subpart 66.53(a)(4) and must be living in New Zealand. Work experience: Students studying on this programme must have access to a workplace, workplace experience or be able to supply evidence as to workplace experience. 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.

Special requirements

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant who does not meet the full entry requirements may be granted admission to the programme on the approval of the Head of Department or delegate if he/she is confident of the applicant’s ability to successfully undertake studies towards the qualification or associated Training Schemes with a reasonable likelihood of success.

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 Micro-Credentials, 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 CAA(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 ACAA directly with specific licensing questions.

www.caa.govt.nz(external link)            Australian Civil Aviation Authority(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 the CAA exam fees. 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.