How to Become an Aircraft Engineer in the UK
Aircraft engineers, often called licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, inspect, maintain and repair aircraft so they are safe to fly. You might carry out scheduled checks in a hangar, fix faults between flights on the line, or work on engines, structures and avionics. Licensed engineers sign the certificate that releases an aircraft back into service.
To certify work on UK-registered aircraft you need a Part-66 aircraft maintenance licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Most people get there through an apprenticeship or an approved course plus practical experience.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £35,000 - £42,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Hangar, ramp, sometimes outdoors
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years (apprenticeship + EASA Part-66)
- Degree required
- Preferred - apprenticeship route common
- Category
- Aviation and Aerospace
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What a Aircraft Engineer does
Diagnose and repair complex aircraft systems to keep commercial fleets airworthy.
How to become an aircraft engineer in the UK
The most common route is an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship with an airline, maintenance organisation or aerospace firm, which combines hangar work with the CAA Part-66 module exams. You can also study at a Part-147 approved training organisation, or take a foundation degree or degree in aircraft engineering that includes licence modules, then gain hands-on experience. The main licence categories are B1 for mechanical work on structures and engines and B2 for avionics and electrical systems. Less experience is needed after an approved course than if you self-study. To work on EU-registered aircraft you may also need an EASA licence.
- Get good GCSE grades in maths, English and a science, as aircraft maintenance apprenticeships and approved courses usually ask for them.
- Apply for aircraft maintenance apprenticeships with airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies and aerospace firms, which often recruit months in advance.
- Decide between the B1 mechanical and B2 avionics licence paths, depending on whether you prefer engines and structures or electrical systems.
- Pass the CAA Part-66 module exams, through an apprenticeship, a Part-147 approved course, or self-study with exams sat through the CAA.
- Log your practical maintenance experience carefully and get it verified, as the CAA checks it before issuing your licence.
- After your licence is issued, complete type training on specific aircraft so your employer can authorise you to certify work on them.
- Consider an aircraft technician role in the RAF, Army or Royal Navy, which trains you and gives experience that can help towards a civilian licence.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft maintenance apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers who want to earn while training |
| Part-147 approved course, then experience | About 2 years of study, plus experience | Varies by provider | Career changers who can fund training |
| Aircraft engineering foundation degree or degree | 2-4 years | Tuition fee loan | Students who may also want design or management roles |
| Armed forces aircraft technician | Minimum service period applies | Paid while training | Training and experience through the military |
How long it takes
You can start as an apprentice or aircraft mechanic within months, but most people need three to five years of study and logged experience before the CAA issues a B1 or B2 licence.
Aircraft Engineer salary in the UK
Licensed aircraft engineers in the UK usually start around £35,000 to £42,000 once qualified, rising to £45,000 to £55,000 with type ratings and experience. Senior licensed engineers, shift leads and specialists earn £60,000 to £80,000. Pay is driven by your licence category, the aircraft types you can certify, shift and night allowances, and overtime. Contract engineers often earn higher hourly rates but have less job security. Apprentices earn less while they train.
Key skills
- Mechanical diagnosis
- Attention to detail
- EASA regulation knowledge
- Teamwork
Aircraft Engineer FAQs
How do I become an aircraft engineer in the UK?
Join an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship, or study at a Part-147 approved training organisation, then pass the CAA Part-66 module exams and log practical experience. Once the CAA issues your B1 or B2 licence, you add type training on specific aircraft.
Do you need a degree to be an aircraft engineer?
No. Most licensed aircraft engineers qualify through apprenticeships or approved courses rather than degrees. A degree in aircraft or aerospace engineering helps if you want to move into design, planning or management, and some include Part-66 modules.
How much do aircraft engineers earn in the UK?
Newly licensed aircraft engineers typically earn £35,000 to £42,000. With experience and type ratings, pay rises to £45,000 to £55,000, and senior engineers and shift leads earn £60,000 to £80,000. Night shifts, overtime and contract work can add more.
What is the difference between a B1 and a B2 licence?
A B1 licence covers mechanical work, including airframes, engines and mechanical systems, plus some basic avionics tasks. A B2 licence covers avionics and electrical systems. Both need module exams and logged experience, and some engineers eventually hold both.
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