Understanding the CAMO Framework
Why CAMO Exists
The Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) ensures that aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with aviation safety regulations. It acts as the operational and documentation backbone of an airline or operator, aligning daily procedures with strict EASA guidelines.
Part-M vs Part-CAMO
- Part-M: Technical requirements for continuing airworthiness (e.g., how to manage ADs, SBs, maintenance).
- Part-CAMO: Management & oversight requirements. Introduced in 2020 with a mandatory Safety Management System (SMS).
What Changed in 2020?
EASA introduced Part-CAMO to add a Safety Management System (SMS) culture: proactive risk management, safety reports, and internal auditing. Every CAMO must now include SMS practices and a CAME (Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition).
The CAMO Compliance Structure
- CAME: The official manual approved by the authority. It defines roles, tools, and processes.
- Maintenance Control System: Operational systems, workflows, tracking, MELs, AMPs, ARC handling, defect reports.
- Daily CAMO Admin Tasks: Accurate records, SB/AD logging, AMP updates, system entries, audit support.
Your Role as CAMO Admin
- Input Service Bulletins (SBs) and Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
- Update and monitor Aircraft Maintenance Programs (AMP)
- Manage and archive Certificates of Release to Service (CRS)
- Generate reports on compliance and maintenance status
- Support Aircraft Entry Into Service documentation and database updates
✅ CAMO Admins are not mechanics — they are the documentation and compliance control center of an airline’s safety chain.
📋 CAMO Admin – Input Overview Table
This table summarizes the 10 primary types of input a CAMO Admin manages, aligned with EASA compliance tasks and internal workflows. Color indicators reflect urgency: 🔴 Urgent, 🟡 To Schedule, 🟢 Routine.
| Input | Description | Source | Timeframe Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airworthiness Directive (AD) | Mandatory fix for unsafe conditions. | EASA / State of Design | 🔴 Urgent – strict deadlines |
| Service Bulletin (SB) | OEM recommended improvements. Optional unless mandated. | Manufacturer / OEM | 🟡 To Schedule – aligned with scheduled checks |
| Maintenance Program (AMP) | Scheduled repetitive tasks per aircraft type. | Type Certificate Holder / CAMO | 🟢 Routine – based on FH, FC, or calendar |
| Defect Log / Tech Log | Reports from crew or maintenance on discrepancies. | Pilots / Mechanics | 🔴 Urgent – MEL/CDL timelines apply |
| MEL / CDL Items | Deferred items allowed under MEL/CDL limits. | MEL Manual / EASA | 🔴 Urgent – categorized timelines |
| Component Tracking | Log changes: part #, install/removal, SNs. | Tech Crew / System Input | 🟡 To Schedule – update after action |
| LLP Tracking | Critical parts with flight-hour or cycle limits. | OEM / Tracking System | 🔴 Urgent – mandatory tracking |
| CRS (Release to Service) | Signed statement confirming maintenance completion. | Licensed Engineers | 🔴 Urgent – post task |
| ARC Docs | Documents needed for annual airworthiness review. | CAMO / Review Staff | 🟡 To Schedule – annually |
| New Aircraft Delivery Setup | System integration of new aircraft (AD/SB/AMP filtered). | OEM / Delivery Team | 🟡 To Schedule – before entry into service |
Learn More
This page is part of the CAMO Maintenance Documentation Guide. Explore more pages to understand key documentation workflows.