Military Aviation Authority approval for Sea Kings
The first Military Part M Sub Part G Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) approval for a military helicopter has been issued by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA). This represents a significant milestone in the way in which continuing airworthiness is managed across the Military Air Environment.
The concept of CAMO has been well established within the civilian aviation community for a number of years, and is enshrined within Civil Aviation Authority regulations. But it is only recently that these organisations within the military have become apparent.
Following the loss of the Nimrod XV230 over Afghanistan in 2006, Charles Hadden-Cave QC was tasked by the MOD to undertake an independent review of the loss of the aircraft. A key recommendation from the review was for the MoD to establish a CAMO for each aircraft type which would answer to the relevant Duty Holder within their chain of command. In addition it was directed that in order for a CAMO to be considered to be at Full Operational Capability, (FOC) it would require assessment and approval by the MAA.
On 5th March 2013 the Royal Navy HU Mark 5 and ASaC Mark 7 Sea Kings gained full MAA approval after two years of hard work and co-operation between the MAA and the regulated community.
On hand to handover the certificate on behalf of the Military Aviation Authority to the Commanding Officer of RNAS Culdrose Captain Mark Garratt, was Mr Peter Young from the MAA.