Transport Canada AME Licensing Guide
Your complete pathway to becoming a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in Canada. Download the official requirements PDF, explore the step-by-step licensing diagram, and get personalized conversion support from our Toronto team.
Transport Canada AME Categories
The AME license is issued under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part V, Standard 566. Choose your specialization path based on aircraft type and system focus.
AME M1
Small Aircraft (under 5,700 kg MTOW)
Mechanical systems, engines, airframe — private & light commercial aircraft.
AME M2
Large Aircraft (over 5,700 kg MTOW)
Mechanical systems, engines, airframe — commercial airliners & transport category.
AME E
Avionics (All Aircraft)
Electrical, electronic, and instrument systems certification across all aircraft types.
AME S
Structures (All Aircraft)
Aircraft structural repair, modification, composite work, and sheet metal.
Your AME Licensing Pathway
Follow this visual roadmap from enrollment to fully licensed Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Confirm you meet the minimum age requirement of 21. Enroll in a Transport Canada approved AME basic training program at a recognized institution such as Centennial College, BCIT, or NAIT.
Basic Training Completion
Complete the approved curriculum covering CAR 566 modules: mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, electrical fundamentals, materials, maintenance practices, and Canadian aviation legislation.
Accumulate Experience
Document 48 months (M1/M2) or 36 months (S) of hands-on aircraft maintenance. Your logbook must cover at least 70% of tasks listed in CAR 566 Appendix A.
Written Examinations
Pass all Transport Canada written exams for your category. Exams cover basic knowledge and type-specific content administered by TC.
Type Training
Complete manufacturer-approved type training courses for specific aircraft (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Dash 8 Q400). Type ratings are endorsed on your AME license.
Oral & Practical Assessment
Undergo an oral and practical evaluation by a TC-approved examiner or delegated authority to verify hands-on competency and regulatory knowledge.
License Application
Submit your logbook, training certificates, exam results, and application to Transport Canada. Upon approval, you receive your AME license with endorsed type ratings.
Convert Your Foreign License to Transport Canada AME
Already hold an EASA, FAA, or ICAO-recognized license? Our team manages the full conversion pathway so you can work in Canada's thriving aviation market.
Submit EASA license + logbook for TC review. May require CAR 566 Module 10 (Legislation) exam and gap training for Canadian-specific regulations.
Submit A&P certificate + experience records. TC evaluates under CAR Standard 566.12. Additional written exams may be required depending on category.
Licenses from ICAO contracting states are assessed individually. Verified logbook and proof of type training must be submitted to Transport Canada.
Canada's Largest Aviation Hub
Toronto is home to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) — Canada's busiest airport — and a dense network of MRO facilities, airlines, and aircraft operators. The demand for licensed AMEs with M2 type ratings on Boeing and Airbus fleets is consistently high.
- Major MROs: Jazz Aviation, Air Canada Maintenance, KF Aerospace, Field Aviation
- Key airports: YYZ (Pearson), YTZ (Billy Bishop), YHM (Hamilton MRO), YKF (Waterloo)
- High-demand type ratings: B737, A320, A330, B777, Dash 8 Q400, CRJ
- Contract & permanent roles available year-round for licensed AMEs
- AOG emergency dispatch teams frequently recruit from the Toronto talent pool
Canadian Licensing Conversion FAQs
Common questions about converting your foreign license to a Transport Canada AME and working in Canada's aviation market.
Can I convert my EASA Part-66 license to a Transport Canada AME license?
Yes. Transport Canada recognizes EASA Part-66 licenses under CAR Standard 566.12. You'll need to submit your EASA license, verified logbook, and training records for TC review. Most candidates must complete CAR 566 Module 10 (Canadian Aviation Legislation) and may require gap training for Canadian-specific regulations. The process typically takes 4–12 weeks.
I hold an FAA A&P certificate — what do I need to work in Canada?
FAA A&P mechanics can convert to a TC AME license by submitting their A&P certificate, experience records, and logbook to Transport Canada. TC evaluates your qualifications under CAR Standard 566.12. Depending on your category (M1, M2, E, or S), additional written exams may be required. Our Toronto team manages the entire conversion pathway for you.
How long does the license conversion process take?
Conversion timelines vary by license type: EASA Part-66 and FAA A&P conversions typically take 4–12 weeks, while other ICAO-recognized licenses may take 6–16 weeks due to individual assessment. Factors include document verification, exam scheduling, and any required gap training.
Do I need to retake all my exams to convert my license?
Not necessarily. Transport Canada assesses your existing qualifications on a case-by-case basis. Most converting candidates only need to pass the CAR 566 Module 10 (Canadian Aviation Legislation) exam. Type-specific training may be required if your aircraft type ratings don't directly map to TC endorsements.
What aircraft type ratings are most in demand in Toronto?
Toronto's MROs and airlines have consistent demand for AMEs with type ratings on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, A330, Boeing 777, Dash 8 Q400, and CRJ aircraft. If you hold type ratings on any of these, your conversion and placement prospects in the Toronto market are excellent.
Can Click Aviation help me find a job while my license converts?
Absolutely. We partner with major Toronto-area MROs — including Jazz Aviation, Air Canada Maintenance, KF Aerospace, and Field Aviation. Many of our clients hire candidates during the conversion process, especially for contract and AOG response roles where your existing experience is immediately valuable.
What documents do I need to start the conversion process?
You'll need: your current license (original or certified copy), a verified maintenance logbook covering at least 70% of CAR 566 Appendix A tasks, training certificates from your basic and type training courses, passport, and proof of English proficiency. Our team provides a complete document checklist and review service.
Is there a minimum experience requirement for license conversion?
Yes. Transport Canada requires 48 months of documented maintenance experience for M1/M2 categories and 36 months for Category S (Structures). Your logbook must demonstrate hands-on experience across the required task categories. Previous experience under your foreign license counts toward this requirement.
Talk to a Canadian Licensing Specialist
Submit your details and our Toronto-based team will reach out within 24 hours with a tailored conversion pathway and career opportunities.
Transport Canada AME Inquiry
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