The eTechlog as a Digital CAMO Tool

The Importance of CAMO?

As all air operators know, the primary aim of a CAMO department is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the operator’s aircraft. This involves continuous monitoring of the aircraft's maintenance and upkeep, as well as managing compliance with regulatory requirements set forth by aviation authorities. The CAMO department is responsible for developing and implementing an airworthiness management system, which includes scheduling regular maintenance checks, tracking airworthiness directives and service bulletins, and guaranteeing that the necessary parts and materials are available to rectify defects.?

?

Common Issues Faced?

The CAMO department faces a multitude of challenges that can put a wrench in its operations. One of the most pressing obstacles is keeping up with the ever-changing aviation regulations and standards. CAMO personnel need accurate and timely data to perform checks, manage ADs & SBs, and ensure inspections are done according to regulatory requirements. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is low. Even a simple oversight like an unchecked box can increase workload and compliance issues. The pressure is on for the CAMO planning and forecast team to complete tasks within the ideal timeframe and avoid any out-of-limit tasks that could result in financial losses.?

Unfortunately, outdated systems and processes like scanning and manually entering data can disrupt this workflow and cause delays in material ordering and labour hours. These issues can be particularly challenging for smaller operators who rely on Excel sheets and paper tech logs that are prone to human error and sequencing issues. In the aviation industry, the provisioning of essential parts and visibility into aircraft status is crucial for minimising unscheduled maintenance and avoiding delays. With approximately half of an airline's delays being attributed to unscheduled maintenance, CAMO must have a streamlined and efficient process to ensure their operations are always on track.?

Small Air Operators with Sub-Contracted CAMO?

For small to medium operators, particularly business, private, and SPO operators, running an internal CAMO can be a daunting and often expensive task. It's not uncommon for these operators to outsource their CAMO department tasks to EASA and authority-approved third-party organisations. However, relying on external providers can make it difficult for air operators to have complete visibility and control over their data. This can lead to external CAMOs misunderstanding current paper procedures, miscommunications, and a risk of lost information due to outages and failed updates. Air operators must remember that sub-contracted CAMOs do not need approval for specific type ratings, leaving the operator entirely responsible for the work done.?

Effective communication between the air operator and the CAMO ensures this relationship works well. While larger airlines may have options to streamline their processes, such as OEMs providing information on preventative maintenance data to operators, this may not be a feasible solution for smaller operators. Additionally, even if this were to happen, the small operators may not easily communicate with the OEM. At the end of the day, operators, particularly small to medium-sized, must take active ownership of their data to overcome these challenges.?

??

The eTechlog as a Digital CAMO Tool?

As the aviation industry rapidly evolves, small to mid-sized operators must embrace digital solutions to stay competitive and ensure safety and compliance. One such solution is the implementation of electronic technical logbooks, which can significantly improve the management of CAMO tasks. Tech logs are already monitored by the CAMO as they tend to be reliable records and so are important for airworthiness. eTechlogs offer an alternative to the traditional paper logbook system.?

Electronic tech logs eliminate the pitfalls of a paper system by providing an intuitive, user-friendly platform for technicians to record and share information. Whereas paper logs are perishable, useless until they reach the next person in line, and only accessible to one person at a time, an eTechlog ensures that sequencing happens automatically, workload is reduced, and electronically harvested data can be exported and printed in Excel, PDF, and other formats.??

eTechlogs offer a view of maintenance history and real-time or near real-time information on aircraft status. This information is of vital importance to the CAMO as they gain the ability to better manage assets and make informed decisions about repair, and replacement activities, allowing these procedures to be scheduled proactively rather than reactively. This in turn helps to minimise unscheduled maintenance, reduce operational downtime, and improve the overall efficiency of the CAMO department. Additionally, the eTechlog system allows all authorised personnel within the organisation to review the data, ensuring everyone can access the same real-time information.?

Moreover, when partnering with third-party CAMO providers, the enhanced oversight of an eTechlog allows air operators to maintain a higher degree of independence, enabling them to make data-driven decisions without solely relying on external organisations. With a more comprehensive understanding of their aircraft performance and maintenance needs, small to mid-sized operators can effectively collaborate with third-party CAMO providers, ensuring a seamless and efficient partnership that benefits both parties.

?

??

Safety and Compliance?

When it comes to safety and compliance, an electronic tech log allows an operator to track and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. Automated tracking of maintenance tasks, component life limits, and inspection intervals reduces the risk of human error and ensures that all necessary actions are completed on time. Furthermore, the ability to generate comprehensive reports simplifies audits and inspections, allowing operators to demonstrate their commitment to safety with ease. This is not just specific to CAMO either. The captain can evaluate the recent history concerning airworthiness and view the up-to-date aircraft status, while the MCC can quickly determine which aircraft are available for service. In this way, the eTechlog is simply a CAMO document.??

Additionally, an eTechlog system that integrates with the aircraft's MEL to report defects, can empower CAMO teams to monitor maintenance requirements and spot potential issues before they become critical. This mitigates the risk of missed or delayed maintenance that can lead to expensive downtime or safety incidents.?

??

Taking Control of the Data?

For small to mid-sized air operators, adopting an electronic technical logbook can be a game-changer for CAMO management. By offering increased control and visibility of data, streamlined line maintenance procedures, and improved compliance and safety, these solutions can revolutionise the way an operator performs. As a SaaS provider, we understand the importance of implementing cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. By embracing electronic tech logs, operators can not only enhance their CAMO management, but also position themselves for long-term success in the ever-changing aviation industry.?