NBAA CAM study guide
NBAA CAM · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential is awarded by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to individuals who lead business flight departments or aspire to do so. NBAA describes the program as a way to enhance professional credibility and recognize individuals who meet certain educational and management requirements. The NBAA CAM study guide has 6 sections and about 1,985 words.
01Leadership and Management (Human Resources, Personnel, Team Leadership)
This domain tests the human side of a flight department: how you hire, develop, evaluate, and lead the people who deliver safe trips. CAM items often present a department with good equipment and weak retention, or a top pilot promoted into a leadership role who cannot coach.
309 words, about 2 min02Business Aviation Operations (Flight Operations, Scheduling, Dispatch, Operational Control)
This domain covers the operating core: planning, scheduling, dispatch, and who is accountable when a trip changes. CAM questions test operational control, crew legality, international trip logistics, and the boundary between customer service and regulation.
348 words, about 2 min03Safety and Risk Management (SMS, IS-BAO, Emergency Response, Human Factors)
This domain tests safety management as a system, not a binder. Expect questions on SMS pillars, risk scoring, IS-BAO, emergency response, and human factors such as fatigue, complacency, and normalization of deviance.
314 words, about 2 min04Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness
This domain tests whether you can keep aircraft legally airworthy and prove it. CAM items focus on inspection programs, airworthiness directives, deferrals, records, and return-to-service authority under Parts 91 and 135.
345 words, about 2 min05Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues (Part 91, Part 135, International Operations)
This domain tests the line between legal and illegal flight operations, and the international rules that apply when an aircraft leaves the United States. Expect questions on Part 91 compensation, Part 135 OpSpecs, truth-in-leasing, permits, cabotage, and liability conventions.
325 words, about 2 min06Business Management and Finance (Budgeting, Taxes, Aircraft Transactions, Insurance)
This domain tests the financial and transactional side of aviation management: budgets, cost per hour, tax treatment, aircraft purchases, and insurance. CAM questions often ask you to compare options or spot a hidden cost.
344 words, about 2 min