Maintenance engineer licensing

Skip the paperwork and fast track your application. Apply for a new licence, or update an existing one, through the new MyAviation.

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MyAviation - online application

Using the MyAviation online services portal is the way to submit your licence application. You'll be guided though the process with prompts on what documents you need to provide and sent notifications to help track the status of your application. As more people successfully use the new online service, we will gradually remove paper application forms from this website.

Through MyAviation you will also have access to:

• View the status of any applications,
• Access documents you've uploaded with your applications,
• View what licences you hold.

Register for a MyAviation account

1. Register for a MyAviation account (external link) .
2. Once registered, you'll receive an email with a link to complete your MyAviation account set up.
3. Go to online payments (external link) to pay your application fee.
4. Use your MyAviation (external link) account to complete applications online. You can even do it from your phone.

Get started now

If for any reason you cannot register for a MyAviation account send us a message through the request for help page.

Form application

• Find the relevant form(s)
  • Part 61
  • Part 65
  • Part 66
  2. Pay online

  Payment must be made before your application will be processed.

  • Have your CAA Participant number handy (if you have one)
  • Go to online payments
  • Payment can be made by Mastercard, Visa or internet banking
  • Note the receipt number and remember to reference it on your form(s)
  3. Submit application

  Gather all required information:

  • Receipt / proof of payment
  • Completed application form(s)
  • Required evidence / proof of eligibility (see checklist at end of each form)

  Send application(s) with supporting documentation to lic.applications@caa.govt.nz.

  Alternatively, we can still accept mail-in applications for unusual cases.

  To obtain an aircraft maintenance engineer licence in New Zealand, you must pass 10 theory exams and have the necessary practical aviation engineering experience.

  Examinations

  If you’ve received exam passes in other New Zealand maintenance exams – such as those based on the RNZAF technical courses or on the certificate of engineering aeronautical courses – unfortunately you cannot cross-credit them to a New Zealand AMEL. If you have an overseas licence that we don't recognise, you’ll also need to pass the ten basic theory exams needed for a New Zealand AMEL.

  You don’t have to attend any formal training courses to sit the basic licence examinations, but we recommend all engineers working towards an AMEL should consider formal training.

  Practical experience

  Practical experience as an engineer in an allied trade may count toward your AMEL requirements, as might engineering experience in New Zealand’s armed forces. An allied trade is a technical trade similar to aviation trades such as automotive engineering, general engineering, and electronic engineering.

  Keep a detailed experience logbook to show the range and depth of your experience for when you apply for your AMEL.

  Practical experience gained in an overseas ICAO State, in an allied trade overseas, in the New Zealand armed forces, or in those of an overseas country can count towards your basic AME licence in New Zealand. Engineers with armed forces experience, and those who have successfully completed a traineeship in an aviation technical trade need 48 months of practical aviation experience before applying for an AMEL.

  If you have no formal engineering training, you’ll need 60 months of practical aviation engineering experience before applying for an AMEL.

  Practical Training Record (PTR) examples

  What else do you need?

  You will also need to pass a fit and proper person test and provide us with an address for service.

  For more information, see Part 66 rules and the advisory circular AC66-1 for guidance.

  Using your AMEL in other countries

  Recognition of the New Zealand AME licence varies from one ICAO state to another. If you’re planning to move overseas, ask the aviation authority of that state for its current recognition policy.

  Note, however, the United States does not recognise New Zealand AMELs, and need a supporting letter from us. Such a letter can be useful for other authorities too.

  Arrange the letter before you leave New Zealand, because we will need documented verification of your experience.

  Ask us about licensing

  If you have any questions about this topic, use our contact form, or email licensing@caa.govt.nz.