FAA DAR and FAA DER

General Information

An FAA DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) and an FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative) are private persons who have been given authorizations to perform certain certification functions on behalf of the FAA. These authorizations are granted based on a persons knowledge and experience in a particular field of aviation, such as aircraft manufacturing, aircraft engineering, or aircraft maintenance.

The FAA delegates matters related to the examination, testing, and inspection of aircraft or aircraft parts for the purpose of issuing airworthiness approvals.

FAA designees are responsible for determining that aircraft, aircraft engines or parts presented to them conform to the approved type design, are in a condition for safe operation, and meet any other specified requirements. They also are responsible for the completeness, accuracy, and processing of all official documents and paperwork.

FAA DAR

Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) - Maintenance.
This is an individual who holds a mechanic’s certificate with an airframe and powerplant (A&P) rating, or a person who holds a repairman certificate and is employed at a repair station, who meets specific qualification requirements. Maintenance DAR's perform recurrent airworthiness certifications for used aircraft.

Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) - Manufacturing.
This is an individual who possesses aeronautical knowledge and experience in the area of aircraft manufacturing, and meets specific qualification requirements. Manufacturing DAR's perform original airworthiness certifications for new aircraft or aircraft that have never had an airworthiness certificate issued.

If you need to contact a DAR, there is a directory published by the FAA that lists DARs by their location and also shows what they are authorized to do. Click here to find a FAA DAR

FAA DER

Designated Engineering Representative (DER).
This is an individual who holds an engineering degree or equivalent, possesses the necessary technical knowledge and experience, and meets specific qualification requirements. DER's are very specialized and are given authorizations to perform approvals of the data (instructions) used to make certain modifications or repairs to aircraft.

If you need to contact a DER, there is a directory published by the FAA that lists DERs by their location and also shows what they are authorized to do. Click here to find a FAA DER

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