FAA DER: Consultant Designated Engineering Representative Services
Aries Aero Systems is led by a consultant FAA DER with Software Level A, Electrical, and HIRF & Lightning authority. We find compliance and approve data for avionics suppliers, aircraft manufacturers and STC applicants.
What is an FAA DER?
A Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is an individual engineer appointed by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR 183.29 to act on the FAA's behalf. A DER finds that engineering data complies with the applicable airworthiness standards, then approves that data or recommends it for FAA approval, within a specific technical discipline and a defined scope of authority.
DERs must hold an engineering degree or equivalent, demonstrate experience in their discipline, and meet the qualification requirements of FAA Order 8000.95. Each DER is overseen by an FAA managing specialist in the same discipline, and their appointment is maintained in the FAA Designee Management System (DMS). Approvals are typically documented on FAA Form 8110-3.
The program exists so certification work does not wait on FAA engineering staff for every finding. A qualified DER on your program shortens review cycles and gives your engineers a single, accountable answer on what compliance requires.
Company DER vs. consultant DER
Company DERs act for their employer and may only approve, or recommend approval of, data for that company.
Consultant DERs are independent and can serve any applicant. That makes them the usual route for suppliers, startups and STC applicants that don't hold their own delegation. Aries provides consultant DER services.
The nine FAA DER disciplines
- Acoustical Engineering
- Engine Engineering
- Flight Analyst
- Flight Test Pilot
- Powerplant Engineering
- Propeller Engineering
- Radio Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Systems and Equipment Engineering
Software and electrical authority fall under Systems and Equipment Engineering. Within a discipline, each DER's authority is further limited, for example by software level or system type.
DER authority we bring to your program
FAA Software DER, Level A →
DO-178C planning, Stage of Involvement (SOI) audits, DO-330 tool qualification and approval of software life-cycle data through Level A.
FAA Electrical DER →
Electrical power, wiring (EWIS), load analysis and electrical installations for type certificates, STCs and major alterations.
HIRF & Lightning DER →
HIRF and lightning indirect and direct effects compliance, DO-160 Sections 20, 22 and 23 test planning and system-level findings.
DO-254 Airborne Electronic Hardware →
Hardware planning (PHAC), SOI reviews and verification support for FPGAs, ASICs and complex electronic hardware.
STC Certification Support →
Certification plans, compliance checklists and DER data approval for Supplemental Type Certificates and major alterations.
DER vs. ODA vs. DAR
DER
Designated Engineering Representative
Finds that engineering data complies with airworthiness standards and approves, or recommends approval of, that data within an assigned discipline and authority.
ODA
Organization Designation Authorization
An organization (not an individual) authorized to perform delegated functions, such as issuing STCs, through an ODA unit of qualified members.
DAR
Designated Airworthiness Representative
Performs airworthiness certification functions, such as issuing airworthiness certificates and conformity inspections, rather than engineering data approval.
How to hire an FAA DER
- 01Define the certification basis: TC, amended TC, STC, TSO or major alteration, and the regulations and standards that apply.
- 02Match the discipline and authority. Confirm the DER's appointment covers your system type and level, such as DO-178C Level A software or electrical installations.
- 03Engage at planning. Have the DER review the certification plan and compliance checklist before the plans are submitted.
- 04Track findings to closure in a comment/response matrix through each FAA stage of involvement.
- 05Close out with DER findings of compliance and 8110-3 data approval or recommendation within authority.
Need engineers as well as a DER? Aries also staffs DO-178C, DO-254 and systems engineers screened by the same DER, or runs the work as a managed SOW team.
Certification guides from a working DER
How to Find and Hire an FAA DER →
A practical checklist for applicants who need a consultant Designated Engineering Representative on a TC, STC, TSO or major alteration program.
FAA Form 8110-3: Statement of Compliance with Airworthiness Standards →
The form a DER uses to document findings of compliance, and what applicants should expect to see on it.
DO-178C Stages of Involvement: SOI #1 Through SOI #4 →
How software certification audits are staged, what each review looks at, and how to walk into each one prepared.
FAA DER Frequently Asked Questions
What does FAA DER stand for?
DER stands for Designated Engineering Representative. A DER is a private engineer appointed by the FAA under 14 CFR 183.29 to find that engineering data complies with the applicable airworthiness standards, acting on behalf of the FAA within a defined discipline and authority.
What is the difference between a company DER and a consultant DER?
A company DER acts for their employer and may only approve, or recommend approval of, technical data for that company. A consultant DER is independent and can support any applicant, which is how most suppliers, startups and STC applicants without in-house delegation get DER coverage.
How do I find and hire an FAA DER?
The FAA Designee Locator lists individual designees, including consultant DERs, by discipline and location. Before engaging one, confirm their discipline, the specific authority they hold (for example software level or electrical systems) and that it covers your certification basis. Aries can scope your program and tell you within one conversation whether our authority covers it.
What can a DER approve?
Within their delegated authority, a DER approves or recommends approval of technical data, typically documented on FAA Form 8110-3. The certificate itself (type certificate, STC or TSO authorization) is issued by the FAA or by an ODA holder with that authority; the DER's findings are the data behind it.
Can a DER approve software for DO-178C?
Yes, if they hold software authority. Software DER authority sits within Systems and Equipment Engineering and is limited by software level. Aries' principal holds Software DER authority through Level A, the highest design assurance level.
When should I bring a DER onto a program?
At certification planning, before the plans are frozen. Findings caught at the planning review are document edits; the same findings at the final SOI or certification flight test become rework and schedule slips.
How much does an FAA DER cost?
Consultant DER work is usually billed hourly or as a scoped fixed-price package per audit or deliverable. Cost depends on discipline, software or hardware level, data maturity and how many FAA stages of involvement are required. Aries quotes after a short scoping call.
Where is Aries Aero Systems located?
Aries is based in West Melbourne, Florida, on Florida's Space Coast, and supports avionics suppliers, aircraft manufacturers and certification startups across the United States, on site or remotely.
Ready to move your program forward?
Tell us about your certification basis, aircraft program, or staffing need. We'll follow up within one business day.