A LAME is highly trained aviation professional authorised to inspect, repair, and certify aircraft as safe and airworthy for flight.
A Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME, pronounced lay-mee)) is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and certifying aircraft to ensure they are safe and airworthy. LAMEs diagnose mechanical and structural issues, perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and sign off aircraft for flight once all work meets strict aviation regulatory standards. Their role requires precision, problem-solving, and strong technical knowledge, as well as a commitment to safety, teamwork, and detailed documentation. LAMEs play a critical part in keeping passengers, crew, and aircraft safe every time they take to the sky.
Once you complete an NCEA pre-employment workshop-based course like our NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-employment skills) level 3, you will be ready to move into an apprenticeship role within an aviation engineering workshop where you support mechanical, structural, electrical or general engineering teams. You can then continue with additional study in specialised pathways or build your skills & knowledge on-the-job.
Whilst on your apprenticeship you can continue to earn credits towards the level 4 certificate, to qualify as an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME, pronouned ay-mee) where you will be able to work on aircraft, in the areas that you have been tested and authorised for. You can equally choose to stay at this level, without the responsibility of supervising others work, or the ability to sign off aircraft as safe to fly, or can can continue on to become a LAME.
Aircraft engineering is a safety-critical profession, where every task must be carried out methodically and accurately, because lives depend on it. The role demands focus, discipline, and a commitment to your own wellbeing, but it also offers a dynamic, rewarding, and globally in-demand career.
We do more than just teach aviation - we immerse you in it!
When you learn with us you are trained by experienced industry experts where the action happens - in fully equipped aviation workshops and Aero Clubs, utilising our ATR-72 training aircraft and industry-replica ground handling equipment, and with behind-the-scenes exposure in your local airport.
Everything we do is designed to give you a true-to-life learning experience.
