Designated Engineering Representatives (DER)
Engineering and Flight Test designees are responsible for finding that engineering data complies with the appropriate airworthiness standards. These designees are called Designated Engineering Representatives, or DERs.
A DER is an individual, appointed in accordance with 14 CFR section 183.29, who holds an engineering degree or equivalent, possesses technical knowledge and experience, and meets the qualification requirements of FAA Order 8000.95.
A DER may be appointed to act as a Company DER and/or Consultant DER.
- Company DERs can act as DER for their employer and may only approve, or recommend approval, of technical data to the FAA for the company.
- Consultant DERs are individuals appointed to act as an independent DER to approve or recommend approval of technical data to the FAA.
DERs are appointed by the FAA engineering field office responsible for the geographic area in which they reside. These designees have an Advisor at their managing office who is their point of contact at the FAA. An Advisor will be assigned who has the same technical discipline as the DER.
DER Technical Disciplines:
- Acoustical Engineering
- Engine Engineering
- Flight Analyst
- Flight Test Pilot
- Power Plant Engineering
- Propeller Engineering
- Radio Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Systems and Equipment Engineering
The FAA DER Directory provides a list of Consultant DERs, by state and technical discipline.