Reasons for “contracting” CAM Tasks
There can be a range of reasons to choose to contract Continuing Airworthiness Tasks including
- Small operators and Start-up operations choosing to typically contract all CAM tasks
- Medium size operators may choose to contract specific CAM tasks including
AD/SB evaluations
Maintenance program development & upkeep
Reliability control
Engine condition monitoring
- Large operators may choose to share or pool certain CAM activities for both aircraft and or engines types
- The opportunity for the operator to “buy” turnkey solutions “ready to use” manpower with the appropriate knowledge and experience
Conditions Related to Contracting Continuing Airworthiness Tasks
For Commercial Air Transport – Not possible to Contract – Only Subcontract
For Commercial other than CAT & Private Owners Full Contract is possible
What should be in a Contract
Conditions that should need to be established:
• A clear and detailed contract with an interface procedure document as attachment
• An appointed person from the CAMO may be required to participate in the operators management meetings in addition to the ”daily” contact for the operation.
• The appointed person may have to be nominated by the operator and accepted by the operator NAA.
• The operator must audit the contracted CAMO and sub-contractor as well as provide continuous Quality Control oversight (QC).
• The MEL and repetitive defect management system shall be specified in the contract.
• The Technical log (Techlog) system shall be specified in the contract.
• The mandatory and voluntary occurrence reporting system shall be specified in the contract.
Use of Subcontracting – Advantages
To gain knowledge, experience and manpower during the airline start-up phase or when introducing a new aircraft type or in the case of limited operations.
Reduction in direct staffing levels
Existing System & Process available – Turnkey
Financial Benefits
Use of Subcontracting – Disadvantages
The operator may face challenges to ensure full oversight acceptable to the Competent Authority (CA)
Subcontracting can lead to reduction or dilution of competence related to the management and control of airworthiness tasks in the responsible organisation.
The possibility for miscommunication between the Operator & CAMO leading to potential exposure.
The operator may become disconnected from core responsibilities related to Commercial Air Transport (CAT) Continuing Airworthiness Mandatory Responsibilities
Operators (without sufficient resources to ensure appropriate oversight) may subcontract Continuing Airworthiness Management CAM to unapproved organisations (who are not accountable)
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