What is a DER?

DER stands for Designated Engineering Representative. A DER is an individual that has been appointed by the FAA to find compliance with various engineering data.  Most commonly, DERs are used to approve major repairs.  As a result, the term “DER” is often used to mean “a major repair that has been approved by a DER.”

What is a Major Repair?

A major repair is a repair

(1) That, if improperly done, might appreciably affect weight, balance, structural strength, performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics, or other qualities affecting airworthiness; or

(2) That is not done according to accepted practices or cannot be done by elementary operations.

All major repairs must be performed in accordance with FAA approved data. An appropriately authorized DER can approve the data on behalf of the FAA.

What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

A Safety Management System is a set of policies, procedures, and practices that identify hazards and control safety risks within an organization. It is made up of four parts: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Promotion, and Safety Assurance.

What is a PMA?

PMA stands for Parts Manufacturing Approval. It is a combination of design and production approval for replacement and modification articles. It allows a manufacturer to produce and sell their articles for installation on an aircraft. a DER can assist with PMA projects by making findings of compliance within the applicant’s data package.