In the aeronautical sector, ensuring airworthiness is essential for safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance. Two key figures in this ecosystem are CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization) and AMO (Approved Maintenance Organization). Although they work in a complementary way, their responsibilities and functions are different. Here we explain what each one is and how they differ.
What is an AMO? (Approved Maintenance Organization)
An AMO is an organization certified to perform maintenance, repair, and modification of aircraft and their components. In the United States, under the FAA, it is known as the Repair Station.
- Certification: EASA Part-145 / FAR Part 145.
- Main function: physical execution of maintenance.
- Typical activities: scheduled inspections (such as A-Check and C-Check), corrective maintenance, structural modifications, and non-destructive testing.
- Authorised personnel: certified technicians B1, B2 and C, who document and sign each intervention.
The AMO has facilities, specialized tools, and technical personnel to ensure that aircraft remain operational and safe.
What is a CAMO? (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization)
On the other hand, the CAMO is the organization responsible for the continuous management of the airworthiness of the aircraft, without directly performing physical maintenance tasks.
- Regulation: EASA Part-M or EASA Part-CAO.
- Key functions: manage the maintenance program, analyze service bulletins (SBs) and airworthiness directives (ADs), supervise technical records, and coordinate efforts with AMOs.
- Certification issued: CAMO also issues the ARC (Airworthiness Review Certificate) for private or commercial operators.
The CAMO has specialized engineers and is in charge of strategic planning and document control to ensure operational safety over time.
Key Differences Between CAMO and AMO
|
Aspect |
CAMO |
AMO |
|
Main function |
Airworthiness management and control |
Performing Physical Maintenance |
|
Certification |
M-Part / CAO-Part (EASA) |
Part-145 (EASA) / Repair Station (FAA) |
|
Main staff |
Engineers and managers |
Certified technicians (B1, B2, C) |
|
Activity |
Planning, analysis and monitoring |
Inspections, repairs and tests |
|
Infrastructure |
Office, document management systems |
Workshops, hangars, tools |
Why are CAMO and AMO indispensable?
Without CAMO, there is no continuous technical oversight to ensure regulatory compliance and airworthiness status updates. Without the AMO, the tasks that ensure the safety and operability of aircraft cannot be physically carried out.
Both entities make up an essential binomial for operators, maintainers and supervisors who work under EASA or FAA regulations.