A DER is a person designated by the FAA to approve major repairs and major alterations on behalf of the agency. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) are FAA-appointed designees who approve major aircraft repairs and alterations, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards.
DER repairs offer crucial, cost-effective, and timely alternatives to unavailable, expensive, or long-lead-time OEM parts, directly addressing supply chain challenges in the aerospace industry.
These engineered solutions are developed out of necessity to maintain operational aircraft and are increasingly vital for the aftermarket's efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental sustainability through component reuse.
I was at the Wall Street Deli in Greensboro, North Carolina, about to tuck into a lovely Souvlaki platter when my phone buzzed on the counter before me. Yes, I answered it. Business always comes first when you are in aviation. It was my customer, Josh Brien, then procurement manager at Genesis Aviation, and he was hyperventilating.
“Rick,” he said, “We have a problem.”
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Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.
