Ensuring continued airworthiness is one of the most important responsibilities in aviation operations. That’s where CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation) compliance audits come into play. Whether you’re preparing for an initial approval, a surveillance check, or an internal review, being audit-ready is crucial to maintaining both your certification and safety reputation.
✈️ What is a CAMO Compliance Audit?
A CAMO audit is an inspection of your organization’s compliance with EASA Part M/ Part CAMO. It focuses on your ability to manage aircraft airworthiness in line with regulatory requirements. The audit may be conducted by a national aviation authority, external consultants, or internal quality staff as part of your safety system.
🔍 What Areas Are Reviewed in a CAMO Audit?
During a compliance audit, inspectors will typically examine the following:
- Airworthiness Review Certificates (ARC) — Validity, procedures, and documented reviews
- Maintenance Program Management — Development, approval, and monitoring of AMP
- Aircraft Records — Completeness of technical logs, component status, and modification history
- Reporting Obligations — Occurrence reporting, reliability tracking, and AD/SB management
- Personnel Competence — Training records and qualifications of nominated personnel
- CAMO Manual (CAME) — Accuracy, currency, and compliance with the latest EASA guidance
- Contracted Maintenance Oversight — Agreements with Part-145 organizations
✅ How to Prepare for a CAMO Audit
- Perform a Pre-Audit Internal Review
Conduct a full internal audit using current EASA requirements, AMC/GM guidance, and your own CAME procedures. - Update Your CAME
Ensure your Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition reflects the latest procedures and references. - Review ARC and Maintenance Files
Verify that ARCs are current and properly documented, and that all maintenance records are complete and traceable. - Confirm Staff Competence & Training
Ensure all nominated personnel and support staff have valid qualifications and up-to-date training records. - Check Your Software & Tools
Ensure that any electronic systems (e.g. for AMP tracking, log management) are reliable and regularly backed up. - Walk Through a Sample Audit Scenario
Role-play an audit internally — this improves readiness and helps the team get comfortable with the process.
🚫 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Outdated CAME references
- Missing or incomplete ARC documentation
- Failure to track ADs/SBs or engine cycles
- Lack of documented oversight of contracted maintenance
- Staff unaware of their roles/responsibilities during an audit
🤝 Need Help Preparing?
At AZ Aviation Solutions Ltd., we specialize in helping CAMO organizations achieve and maintain compliance with confidence. Our experienced auditors can support your internal audits, documentation reviews, and pre-certification planning.
Let’s work together to make sure your next CAMO audit goes smoothly.
👉 Contact us today for a consultation or explore our CAMO support services.