For Designated Engineering Representative (DER) applicants wishing to substitute a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Airworthiness Engineering for 1 year of experience.

The FAA expects accepted MS degree programs to consist of the following:

• A minimum of 30 credit hours of Master's level course work
• Course work in-person, online, or a combination of both
• General courses related to Airworthiness that include:
• Airworthiness Engineering Principles, Fundamentals, and Procedures
• Continued/Continuing Airworthiness
• System Safety
• Certification Procedures
• Aircraft Certification Regulations
• Other topics relevant to Compliance Finding and Airworthiness Certification
• Technical courses that include topics appropriate for one or more of the following DER disciplines:
• Acoustical
• Electrical Systems and Equipment
• Engine
• Flight Analyst
• Flight Test Pilot
• Mechanical Systems and Equipment
• Power Plant
• Propeller
• Structural

Note: Specific technical areas applicable to each DER discipline are detailed in FAA Order 8100.8D, section 404 and Appendix A, and on the technical criteria forms listed on Become a DER.

More Information

• Universities can find more information about FAA Acceptance of a Master of Science Degree in Airworthiness Engineering Program
• List of FAA-Accepted MS-AWE Programs