The CAM Program comprises five domains:
- Domain I: Leadership
- Domain II: Human Resources
- Domain III: Operations
- Domain IV: Aircraft Maintenance and Facilities Operations
- Domain V: Business Management
The CAM exam includes questions in each of the five domains.
Exam applicants are encouraged to review and study all five domains and their detailed itemizations, which are provided in this section. The five domains are separated into tasks; each task is further divided into knowledge and skill statements. Each knowledge and skill statement focuses on a measurable aspect of the required task.
Applicants familiar with the information covered by the knowledge and skill statements in each task of the five domains should be well prepared for the CAM exam, because every question on the exam is directly linked to one of the knowledge or skill factors within the five domains.
Domain I: Leadership
This domain covers issues related to vision, strategic planning, team building, decision-making, communication and currency with professional knowledge (23 percent of the exam; 34 items).
(L1) Objective 1: Develop and ensure the strategic direction of the aviation department through the development of appropriate vision, mission, and/or values statements.
a. Identify general components of vision, mission and/or values statements
b. Recognize the elements of the overall company vision, mission and/or values statements
c. Develop strategies for writing, aligning and revising department vision, mission and/or values statements
d. Integrate aviation department business plan and mission statement to coincide with the overall company vision, mission and/or values statements
e. Identify techniques to communicate aviation department vision, mission and/or values statements that are understood by internal and external stakeholders
f. Develop a plan to implement the vision, mission and/or values statements
g. Review and revise the vision, mission and/or values statement to meet the changing needs of the business
(L2) Objective 2: Develop and implement goals that align with the aviation department vision, mission and/or values.
a. Identify components of the goal setting process and strategies for writing goals (e.g., Specific Measureable Attainable Realistic Timely [SMART] goals, collaborative effort)
b. Develop and document the department goals
c. Measure and interpret results against established criteria
(L3) Objective 3: Exercise effective leadership to achieve aviation department goals and company objectives.
a. Recognize characteristics of an effective leader (e.g., leadership styles and strategies)
b. Recognize and apply motivational theories and techniques
c. Recognize and apply mentoring strategies
d. Recognize sources of expertise within the department, company and industry
e. Assemble effective teams and recognize group dynamics (e.g., meeting management, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, trust building, decision making)
f. Integrate diversity principles to maximize individual and group potential
g. Employ a Just Culture to maximize performance
h. Practice ethical, moral and legal behavior, both internally and externally to the company
i. Practice effective communication techniques (e.g., listening, speaking, correspondence, feedback, 360-degree communication)
(L4) Objective 4: Enhance personal and professional knowledge.
a. Employ strategies to increase professional expertise in the aviation department (e.g., technical, educational and professional certifications; conferences; publications; local, regional, and national associations; and legislation)
b. Practice lifelong learning concepts to improve expertise
c. Recognize Individual employee needs
d. Develop personal growth plan
(L5) Objective 5: Prepare for and lead the aviation department through changing circumstances.
a. Recognize changes in the business climate and company business plan
b. Identify sources of information concerning evolving technologies, regulatory issues, and best practices
c. Identify strategies to advocate for change to evolve the aviation department
d. Formulate plans to manage the aviation department through a business crisis, including prioritization and demonstration of personal courage (e.g., Business Continuity Plan)
e. Manage a network of support contacts inside the company and industry
Domain II: Human Resources
This domain covers issues related to staffing, training, performance, compensation, human factors and compliance with Human Resources (HR) requirements (18 percent of the exam; 27 items).
(HR1) Objective 1: Determine the level of staffing needed for the aviation department.
a. Identify optimum staffing levels for mission and/or fleet changes
b. Identify methods, resources, and qualification requirements to assess workload activity
c. Identify role and responsibilities for position (e.g., job description)
d. Evaluate use of direct employees and independent contractors
e. Utilize effective succession planning strategies
(HR2) Objective 2: Determine and assess job-related and professional development training for all personnel.
a. Identify regulatory requirements (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], state and local regulation)
b. Recognize company requirements
c. Determine additional training and professional development needs (e.g., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR] and First Aid, Safety Management System [SMS], HAZMAT, upset recovery, cabin safety)
d. Select training programs\methods to meet and maintain requirements
e. Evaluate effectiveness of training
f. Define training record retention and tracking requirements
(HR3) Objective 3: Fill positions identified during staffing analysis.
a. Determine recruitment strategies
b. Develop screening criteria
c. Recognize interview and selection techniques, processes and restriction
d. Identify key elements of new employee orientation program
(HR4) Objective 4: Develop and conduct effective employee performance reviews.
a. Recognize appropriate performance indicators based on job description, company goals, and other applicable criteria
b. Compare employee achievement results to defined performance indicators
c. Employ techniques and guidelines to conduct employee performance review
d. Develop and implement follow-up plan and monitor progress
(HR5) Objective 5: Evaluate compensation levels in the aviation department using accepted tools to attract and retain employees.
a. Identify and evaluate key elements of compensation norms in the industry (e.g., salary, bonus, benefits)
b. Identify company policy on compensation and budgets
c. Recognize applicable federal, state, and local compensation regulations (e.g., Department of Labor [DOL], Internal Revenue Service [IRS], exempt v. non-exempt, Fair Labor Standards Act [FLSA], state)
d. Recognize the importance of using industry benchmarks when selecting compensation elements
e. Select compensation elements
(HR6) Objective 6: Respond to employee performance by rewarding or disciplining.
a. Recognize the need to promote equity among team members
b. Identify performance level guidelines
c. Utilize parameters of company’s employee reward programs and disciplinary procedures (e.g., pay increase, promotions, appeals, termination)
d. Identify and communicate performance expectations and outcomes/results to employees
e. Employ effective performance feedback communication
(HR7) Objective 7: Ensure compliance with additional HR regulatory requirements and company policies.
a. Recognize applicable federal, state, and local regulations, policies, and guidelines (e.g., Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC], Family and Medical Leave Act [FMLA], Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA], Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act [USERRA])
b. Recognize signs and symptoms of substance abuse and remediation techniques
c. Recognize symptoms of and response to discrimination, harassment, and violence in the workplace (e.g., age, retirement issues, hostile environment)
d. Employ industry-accepted practices regarding time off for all employees (e.g., hard days off, duty rest, vacation)
(HR8) Objective 8: Recognize and comprehend how Human Factors (HF) affect performance in the workplace.
a. Employ policies and procedures to support effective human performance
b. Identify the effect of ergonomic design in the work environment (e.g., illumination, noise, vibration, external and internal operating conditions)
c. Recognize signs and causes of degraded human performance (e.g., individual stress, workload, circadian rhythm and other physiological factors)
d. Identify mitigation strategies and countermeasures for degraded human performance
e. Recognize signs and causes of fatigue and apply fatigue management countermeasures
f. Identify performance and communication issues related to diversity in the workplace (e.g., multi-generational, cultural, language, interpersonal)
Domain III: Operations
This domain covers issues related to the operations management of aircraft to ensure safe and efficient service (21 percent of the exam; 32 items).
(OPS) Objective 1: Create and manage a set of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents.
a. Identify applicable topics and sources of information (e.g., Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM] handbooks, Aeronautical Information Manual, Safety Management System [SMS], company and regulatory requirements)
b. Compose and implement applicable SOP with stakeholder support
c. Review operational results for compliance with SOP and identification of needed revisions
(OPS2) Objective 2: Ensure that procedures are in place to plan and conduct safe and efficient flight.
a. Manage practices to optimize aircraft and crew utilization (e.g., duty time/crew fatigue, positioning legs, crew augmentation, supplemental lift options, aircraft availability status)
b. Prepare trip plan and related documents (e.g., National Airspace System [NAS] considerations, weather, fuel, Fixed Base Operator [FBO] selection, Customs, special airspace and airports, international trip requirements, special corporate events, electronic flight devices)
c. Review and explain operational control designation for the leg(s)
d. Interpret and apply company policies for trip plan (e.g., insurance, training, business continuity, noise abatement)
e. Predict basic issues of passenger and customer satisfaction (e.g., trip purpose, catering, ground transportation, medical issues, special needs passengers)
f. Produce a trip confirmation for affected stakeholders (e.g., trip times, NAS restrictions, ground logistics)
g. Employ flight scheduling resources to maintain trip, passenger, aircraft availability, and crew records
h. Recognize pilot-in-command (PIC) authority to commence and conduct flight (e.g., aircraft performance standards, Minimum Equipment List [MEL] usage, flight crew attentiveness/distractions, fitness for duty, passenger safety briefing)
i. Employ strategies to ensure the safe storage and handling of food and cabin service items in compliance with applicable regulations
j. Employ techniques to measure and promote service excellence (e.g., surveys, debriefings, training)
(OPS3) Objective 3: Develop, implement, and manage an effective record-keeping system.
a. Identify the information needed to report on applicable international and federal tax requirements (e.g., international value added taxes, federal fringe benefit rules, expense disallowance rules and characterization of employee for tax calculations)
b. Recognize applicable state and local tax implications (e.g., registration fees, property taxes, sales and use taxes)
c. Collect the information needed to meet record-keeping and reporting requirements (e.g., regulatory and tax requirements for agencies such as Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Internal Revenue Service [IRS], Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC], Customs and Border Protection [CBP], Department of Labor [DOL], and Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], including state and local agencies as applicable)
d. Implement and manage record-keeping systems (e.g., data analysis techniques, audit requirements, regulatory compliance, and non-compliance resolution) and provide required information to management
e. Evaluate the record-keeping system for intended results
(OPS4) Objective 4: Recognize the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO).
a. Determine benefit and applicability of IS-BAO to the aviation department
b. Identify the registration process and levels
c. Identify elements of the standard (e.g., Safety Management System [SMS], training and proficiency, flight operations, organization and personnel requirements)
d. Prepare for initial and subsequent audits (e.g., documentation, protocol checklist, selection of auditor, application package)
(OPS5) Objective 5: Develop aviation emergency response plans (ERP).
a. Identify elements of an aviation ERP (e.g., notifications, hazardous materials, response teams’ action items, local coordination, regulatory requirements)
b. Identify and integrate corporate and department procedures
c. Identify strategies for developing and implementing ERP
d. Identify strategies to test and exercise ERP (e.g., training, tabletop exercise)
e. Review and revise ERP
(OPS6) Objective 6: Develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS).
a. Identify regulatory requirements related to SMS
b. Formulate safety policy and objectives (e.g., management commitment, safety accountability, appointment of key safety personnel, SMS documentation)
c. Practice safety risk management (e.g., hazard identification, safety risk assessment and mitigation)
d. Evaluate safety assurance (e.g., safety performance, monitor, measurement, change management, review and revision of the SMS)
e. Practice safety promotion (e.g., safety culture survey, communication, training, education)
(OPS7) Objective 7: Recognize and operate within the National Airspace System (NAS) and international Flight Information Regions (FIR).
a. Recognize the structure of the NAS and Traffic Flow Management (TFM) principles
b. Apply strategies to effectively integrate with airspace constraints to minimize operational impact (e.g., weather, high density airspace, Temporary Flight Restrictions [TFR])
c. Utilize appropriate principles for operations in domestic and international airspace
(OPS8) Objective 8: Apply procedures to conduct operations in a secure manner.
a. Identify security procedures for operations at the home base and transient locations (e.g., passengers and crew, aircraft and cabin, food, communication, ground transportation, luggage, facility and airport)
b. Apply and evaluate security procedures
c. Recognize and integrate corporate risk management and security procedures
d. Recognize international security issues related to equipment, vendors, and personnel
e. Identify applicable regulatory security programs (e.g., DCA Access Standard Security Program [DASSP], Twelve-Five Standard Security Program [TFSSP], Private Charter Standard Security Program [PCSSP], airport and Fixed Base Operator [FBO] security)
(OPS9) Objective 9: Apply resource management techniques.
a. Identify principles of resource management techniques (Crew/Cockpit Resource Management [CRM], Dispatch Resource Management [DRM], and Maintenance Resource Management [MRM])
b. Recognize similarities and differences among CRM, DRM and MRM
c. Develop policies and procedures which utilize available human, technical and communication resources safely and effectively
Domain IV: Aircraft Maintenance and Facilities Operations
This domain covers issues related to aircraft, facilities and ground support equipment (19 percent of the exam; 28 items).
(AF1) Objective 1: Implement a system of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for aviation department facilities and maintenance operations.
a. Develop aviation department maintenance manual (e.g., regulations, Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM] manuals, ground handling and servicing, duty times, fatigue management)
b. Identify, develop and communicate key elements of relevant SOPs
c. Identify hazards, associated risks and mitigation techniques (e.g., Job Safety Analysis)
d. Use established SOPs and maintenance manual procedures
e. Audit internal procedures for relevance and compliance (e.g., regulations, OEM procedures)
(AF2) Objective 2: Maintain aircraft and components in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and pertinent regulations.
a. Identify applicable regulatory requirements and documents (e.g., Federal Aviation Regulations [FAR], Airworthiness Directives [AD], Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM] manuals, Return to Service, and Minimum Equipment List [MEL] procedures)
b. Determine appropriate airworthiness program
c. Comply with manufacturer’s specifications and standard practices (e.g., maintenance control programs, procedures for inspections, repairs, prevention)
d. Manage contract aircraft/engine maintenance and parts programs
e. Recognize the importance of evaluating, selecting and incorporating pertinent technical data (e.g., service bulletins, Supplemental Type Certificate [STC], field approval)
f. Identify components of effective tool control program
(AF3) Objective 3: Ensure facility emergency preparedness to ensure effective service and responsiveness in an emergency.
a. Identify and develop key elements of facility emergency preparedness plan and equipment (e.g., general health, safety and emergency equipment and systems)
b. Identify and communicate hazards, associated risks and appropriate responses (e.g., fire, weather, medical, security)
c. Identify strategies to test and exercise the plan (e.g., training, tabletop exercise)
d. Use established plan procedures
e. Comply with relevant regulations and guidelines for tracking and maintaining emergency equipment (e.g., Critical Safety Devices in facility)
(AF4) Objective 4: Maintain cabin information systems and passenger service items to ensure reliability, comfort, and effective service.
a. Identify characteristics and expectations of the end users
b. Identify relevant regulations, security protocols and guidelines
c. Identify and train the operational capabilities of the equipment and aircraft limitations
d. Explain the capabilities of available communication and information systems and cabin service components (e.g., Wi-Fi, video conferencing, Internet)
(AF5) Objective 5: Maintain availability of spares and supplies.
a. Determine maintenance inventory levels and control procedures
b. Identify procurement resources (e.g., manufacturers, repair facilities and aftermarket vendors, quality, costs)
c. Maintain applicable aircraft maintenance documents, specifications and records
d. Select appropriate methods and carriers for shipping, receiving and storage of materials within regulations and guidelines (e.g., HAZMAT, Uniform Commercial Code [UCC], compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], Environmental Protection Agency [EPA])
(AF6) Objective 6: Apply procedures to provide a secure facility for passengers, employees, and assets.
a. Identify key elements of facility security (e.g., Transportation Security Administration [TSA] and airport regulations, corporate policies, Fixed Base Operator [FBO] practices, airport security and access)
b. Analyze and communicate hazards, associated risks and appropriate mitigation techniques (e.g., access control, badging, surveillance, lighting)
c. Identify strategies for training the facility security procedures
d. Manage facility security in accordance with established procedures (e.g., monitor, review and modify)
Domain V: Business Management
This domain covers issues related to financial matters of the aviation department, to include contracting, confidentiality and community relations (18 percent of the exam; 27 items).
(BM1) Objective 1: Communicate strategic value of business aviation.
a. Identify unique capabilities of business aviation to achieve company goals
b. Apply various communication techniques and tools to convey message of value to a broad audience (e.g., community, peers, team members, executives)
c. Facilitate ongoing discussion regarding key issues (e.g., appropriate operational structure, security, compliance, safety, tax requirements)
(BM2) Objective 2: Implement the appropriate aircraft ownership and operational structure.
a. Recognize applicable Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements and issues (e.g., cost sharing, operational control)
b. Recognize applicable international and federal tax implications (e.g., international value added taxes, federal fringe benefit rules, expense disallowance rules, characterization of employee for tax calculations)
c. Recognize applicable state and local tax implications (e.g., registration fees, property taxes, sales and use taxes)
d. Recognize risk management considerations (e.g., applicable liability, property and worker’s compensation insurance coverages, acceptable risk tolerances and mitigation, principles of valuation, business continuity)
e. Identify components necessary to develop and implement corporate policies and strategies
f. Describe to company subject matter experts the applicable aviation authority, tax and risk management considerations
(BM3) Objective 3: Create, implement and manage budgeting and financial process.
a. Recognize and apply generally accepted accounting principles (e.g., valuation and depreciation, use of general ledger)
b. Identify aviation department budget components including immediate and forecasted (e.g., life cycle, maintenance, training, depreciation, fixed and variable costs)
c. Create budget based on accounting principles and budget components
d. Implement strategies to align the aviation department budget into the overall company budget and financial systems
e. Utilize periodic financial and accounting reports to monitor budget progress (e.g., budget vs. actual, run rate, profit & loss, balance sheet) and implement strategies for controlling revenues and expenses
f. Identify permitted cost allocation and recovery plans (e.g., charge backs, warranty)
g. Determine applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [FCPA])
h. Determine and apply internal controls and audits using expertise within department and company
(BM4) Objective 4: Manage aviation department processes in line with strategic and tactical goals, consistent with data gathered within and outside the company.
a. Identify necessary elements and strategies for implementing aviation department goals
b. Execute a series of tactical plans to achieve strategic goals
c. Apply principles of benchmarking for goal and business plan achievement
d. Compare department results to goals and benchmarking data
e. Identify any required modifications to tactical plans
(BM5) Objective 5: Implement procedures using company policies to safeguard information and intellectual property of the company.
a. Recognize necessity for maintaining a high degree of integrity and personal accountability (e.g., code of conduct, ethics, discretion, social media)
b. Identify key elements and intent of confidentiality requirements (e.g., nondisclosure agreements, contractual obligations, personal electronic devices)
c. Apply internal and external policies and procedures regarding safeguarding relevant information (e.g., record retention, document security)
d. Identify legal requirements and protections governing intellectual property and proprietary information
(BM6) Objective 6: Employ methods to optimize overall aviation department asset utilization and efficiency.
a. Identify principles of cost-benefit analysis (e.g., net present value, internal rate of return, capital investments)
b. Conduct travel analysis (e.g., company-owned aircraft, airline, charter, fractional ownership programs)
c. Measure, evaluate and report on use of assets (e.g., aircraft, personnel, facilities, equipment, technology)
d. Identify principles in a comprehensive asset utilization audit (e.g., tax, corporate governance, fleet analysis)
e. Recognize benefits of utilizing applicable transaction and business resources (e.g., brokers, tax and regulatory counsel, maintenance representation at pre-purchase inspection)
f. Identify applicable contract terms, conditions and clauses in support of vendor negotiation strategies
g. Integrate effective supply chain resources to optimize working capital and parts availability
(BM7) Objective 7: Manage the aviation department in a socially responsible manner.
a. Identify environmental impact and abatement (e.g., emissions, noise, hazardous materials)
b. Recognize importance of managing community relations (e.g., educate, advocate, communicate, volunteerism, charity, careers in business aviation)
c. Identify the value of engagement with local/regional aviation groups and airport authorities
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.