FAA DER Aircraft Certification Consulting
Certification Built Into the Program, Not Bolted On After.
We support manufacturers, operators, and emerging aircraft developers through every phase of FAA and international type certification — with direct DER authority behind our findings. Our engineers have deep, hands-on experience in every standard and discipline we support, so the work is done by practitioners, not just advisors.
Direct DER Authority
FAA Designated Engineering Representative authority for software (Level A), airborne electronic hardware (Level A), electrical systems, and HIRF/lightning — the reviewer is also the practitioner.
Hands-On in Every Discipline
Deep, hands-on experience across DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A/4761, DO-160, HIRF/lightning, and aircraft cyber security — not advisors working from checklists.
Engaged at Planning
We help set the certification basis and means of compliance before engineering starts, when changes are cheapest.
Staffing Behind the Plan
When the plan needs people to execute it, the same firm can staff the engineers or run a managed SOW team.
What We Deliver
Certification Planning & Strategy
Certification basis development, means-of-compliance planning, project-specific certification plans, and FAA/ EASA coordination strategy from program kickoff.
Learn more →DO-178C Software Compliance
Software planning, development, and verification artifacts across DAL A-E, plus tool qualification support and software conformity review.
Learn more →DO-254 Complex Hardware
Hardware design assurance planning, verification, and conformity for complex electronic hardware at all design assurance levels.
Learn more →System Safety (ARP4754A / ARP4761)
Functional hazard assessments, PSSA, SSA, and fault tree analysis integrated with the overall system development process.
HIRF, Lightning & DO-160 Qualification
Environmental qualification test planning and analysis for HIRF, lightning direct/indirect effects, and full DO-160 equipment qualification.
Learn more →DER Review & FAA Coordination
Direct Designated Engineering Representative review, findings, and coordination with the FAA on behalf of your program.
Learn more →TSO Compliance
Technical Standard Order authorization support for equipment manufacturers: applicable TSO and MPS analysis, deviation requests, article compliance data, and the DO-178C / DO-254 / DO-160 evidence a TSOA submittal rests on.
Aligned to the SOI Sequence
Engage us at any stage. Earlier is better — most findings at SOI-3 were decided at SOI-1.
- Kickoff
Certification basis & strategy
Applicable parts and amendment level, DAL assignment, TC / STC / ATC / TSO path, and the authority coordination plan.
- SOI-1
Planning review
PSAC / PHAC and supporting plans and standards written or reviewed against DO-178C / DO-254 objectives and AC 20-115D / AC 20-152A.
- SOI-2
Development review
Requirements, design, code or HDL, and traceability evaluated for compliance with the approved plans.
- SOI-3
Verification review
Reviews, analyses, test cases and procedures, results, and structural coverage evaluated for completeness.
- SOI-4
Final certification review
Configuration index, accomplishment summary, open problem reports, and conformity closed out for the compliance finding.
Engagement Options
Certification Planning
Certification plans, means-of-compliance strategy, and authority coordination from program kickoff.
SOI Audits & Readiness Reviews
Independent SOI audits and pre-audit readiness reviews that surface findings before the authority does.
DER Findings & FAA Liaison
DER review and compliance findings within delegated authority, plus coordination with the FAA on your behalf.
Ongoing Program Support
A standing certification resource through the program — plans, reviews, problem reports, and closure.
Need the artifacts produced, not just reviewed? See Managed SOW Teams →
Aircraft & Vehicle Programs We Support
Bring Us In at Certification Planning.
Tell us the aircraft or equipment, certification basis, DALs, and where you are in the SOI sequence. We’ll follow up within one business day.