New Zealand Diploma in Aeronautical Maintenance Certification (Level 6)

To be eligible for this Diploma programme you must be living in New Zealand and have completed a recognised aircraft maintenance engineering training at Level 4 or higher, you can do this with NMIT by completing the New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering(external link). 

Alternatively, if you have relevant experience in the aviation engineering industry in accordance with NZCAA part 66-1 you will also be eligible.

NMIT is an approved NZCAA part 147 certified maintenance training organisation. 

Once enrolled on the diploma programme you pay and study for only the subject you select. 

Choose your first course by completing this short form(external link) and we will take you through the next steps.

Once you pass the subject ASPEQ (CAA) exam you move on to the next subject of your choice by completing the same form(external link).

Each course within the programme has been developed using the NZCAA Part 66 syllabus. This integrates theory with practical illustrations, practice quiz questions and practice exams. This will also assist you to correlate course information with your daily work experience.

Each subject has been developed using the NZCAA Part 66 syllabus which integrates theory, practical illustrations, practice quiz questions and practice exams.

To be eligible for the NZ Diploma you must complete all the basic AMEL subjects plus Rotorcraft or Turbine Engines or Aeroplanes 1.

To complete the NZ Diploma requirements, you must supply a portfolio of experience (PTR) acceptable to NZCAA part 66 licencing covering the experience requirements for Rotorcraft or Turbine Engines or Aeroplanes licence categories.

NMIT is an approved NZCAA Part 147 Certified Maintenance Training Organisation.

Academic requirements

All applicants must have

• Completed recognised aircraft maintenance engineering training (at Level 4 or above, such as New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering), OR
• An equivalent recognised international qualification, OR 
• Have relevant experience in the aeronautical engineering industry or an 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.

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

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.

Information for applicants

Computer literacy:

Students planning to study this programme must be competent in 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.

Because most students will be studying part-time while in full-time employment, it is strongly recommended not to enrol for more than one course per semester (20 credit or 25 credit course). If 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.

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.

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 pass 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 of total work experience in the aviation industry.

Is there a time limit to complete the Diploma?

The entire Diploma should be completed within a four-year period.

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.

Can I enrol and just complete the few remaining subjects I need to obtain my licence?

Yes, if you only need one or two courses to pass the ASPEQ (CAA) exam you may want to enrol on the Aviation AMEL training scheme(external link) subjects that you need. You can find these here.

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.