Reaching New Heights in Aviation

By J. Theeban

ATTENTION all future aircraft maintenance engineers. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Engineering that promises a high- figured salary and a bright career may be easier than you think.

This is due to the new Aircraft and Maintenance Engineering (AME) programme which was launched recently at Nilai International University College.

This diploma course, which awards graduates with a B-1-1 category license, satisfies the most basic of economic principles: supply and demand.

“It is the licence of the future,” says Kunalan Marimuthu, programme coordinator of the course, who boasts 20 years’ experience in aircraft maintenance with the Malaysian Defence Ministry.

“One of the most compelling reasons for this course is to alleviate the acute shortage of aircraft maintenance personnel in Malaysia,” says Kunalan.

He adds that the industry is buying more commercial aircraft to facilitate the growing sector but it lacks qualified ground crew needed to certify the safety of the planes.

“We are recruiting workers from other countries who are being paid high salaries. We incur additional charges required for them to work in this country.”

Kunalan worked with Nilai International University College to affiliate the programme with Air Services Training, United Kingdom, one of the leading aircraft maintenance schools in the world. Air Services Training will also externally moderate the examinations that students will sit for at the Nilai campus.

“This diploma is also recognised by the European Aviation Safety Agency which oversees Air Services Training.”

Kunalan says that with this collaboration, a student who has completed the diploma can transfer credits to the final year of a BSc Aircraft degree programme.

“For the first time in Malaysia, students will have to complete six months of practical training with eight of our industry partners – Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd, Dnest Aviation Services, Gulf Golden International Flying Academy, KLAS (DRB-HICOM)-KL Airport Services Sdn Bhd, Integrated Aviation Academy, Sabah Air, Subang General Aviation and Systematic Aviation Services.”

This will open up work opportunities for graduates.

The Nilai (AME) programme requires a student to have at least three credits in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, with a compulsory credit in either science or English.

“The programme is approved by the former National Accreditation Board of Malaysia and approximately RM38,000 is needed to complete the two-year diploma course which is inclusive of examination fees, course materials and practical training.

“It also exposes students to digital techniques.

“We also encourage women to apply.”

Sixty to 100 Form Five school-leavers are expected to enrol in the programme.

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