CAMO : How lessor use it?

You might often hear Lessor’s CAMO taking over the aircraft for positioning/transition purposes, so how it works out? Aircraft Lessor uses CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organizations) services during aircraft transitions, and this is a common industry practice. Aircraft transitions often occur when an aircraft is returned by one lessee (airline) and prepared for lease to another lessee. The transition phase involves significant technical and regulatory tasks, and CAMOs play a critical role in ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Why Lessors Use CAMOs During Transitions:

1. Regulatory Compliance:

? Aircraft must meet the airworthiness requirements of the aviation authority in the country of the next operator (lessee).

? CAMOs ensure compliance with regulations, maintenance programs, and any differences in standards between jurisdictions.

2. Documentation Review:

? CAMOs review and audit all continuing airworthiness records, including:

? Maintenance logs

? Airworthiness directives (AD) compliance

? Service bulletins (SB) records

? Modification and repair documentation

? This ensures a smooth handover with complete and accurate documentation.

3. Maintenance Oversight:

? CAMOs coordinate and oversee any necessary maintenance, inspections, or repairs to meet lease return conditions or prepare the aircraft for its next operator.

4. Airworthiness Review and ARC Issuance:

? If needed, CAMOs perform airworthiness reviews and issue or recommend an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) to ensure the aircraft meets airworthiness requirements before being delivered to the next lessee.

5. Efficiency in Transitions:

? Transitions are time-sensitive. CAMOs specialize in handling technical and regulatory requirements, streamlining the process for lessors.

? They act as a technical bridge between the lessor, the outgoing lessee, and the incoming lessee.

6. Cost-Effectiveness:

? Using CAMOs eliminates the need for lessors to maintain their own large in-house airworthiness teams, making the transition process more cost-effective.

7. Global Expertise:

? CAMOs often have expertise across multiple regulatory jurisdictions (EASA, FAA, etc.), which is critical for lessors with global fleets.

Example Scenarios:

1. Lease Return Inspection:

A CAMO ensures that the returning lessee has fulfilled all technical and regulatory obligations before the aircraft is accepted back by the lessor.

2. Preparation for a New Lessee:

The CAMO develops a new maintenance program and ensures the aircraft complies with the regulatory requirements of the next lessee’s jurisdiction.

In summary, CAMOs are an essential partner for lessors during aircraft transitions, providing expertise, efficiency, and regulatory assurance.