How to Become a Designated Airworthiness Representative

Becoming a DAR can have tremendous benefits for anyone involved in aviation.

Becoming a Designated Airworthiness Representative, also known as a DAR, involves more than just getting a certification. With required prerequisite certificates, a 39-page application paper, a three-day training program and an evaluation before a panel, becoming a certified DAR is anything but easy. But if you are involved in any way with the construction or sale of private aircraft, it is vital to meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that each craft be certified by a DAR. So this certification is a must for those who want to get their aircraft business off the ground.

Instructions

1. Acquire the necessary prerequisites. Prerequisites vary depending on which specific kind of DAR you are trying to attain. For a maintenance DAR, applicants must be either a certified mechanic or a certified repairman. Applicants to become manufacturing DARs aren't required to have any specific certifications, but they must have "aeronautical knowledge and experience," the depth and breadth of which typically requires the completion of aeronautics-related certification programs. Upon receiving a Manufacturing or Maintenance DAR, you can also receive an Amateur-Built or Light-Sport DAR, so long as you meet additional FAA requirements (see Resources).

2. Send in a DAR application to the FAA. This application is notoriously challenging and will test your knowledge specific to the type of DAR you are trying to attain.The application requires three or more character references and tests your proficiency in the English language. The application usually takes several weeks to complete, and the National Examiner Board (NEB) meets only quarterly for reviews, so a poorly timed application could lead to long waits and frustration.

3. Complete the DAR training program. This program takes three days and costs $250. It focuses primarily on meeting the requirements of function codes 46, 47 and 48, which allow trainees to issue airworthiness certificates to amateur-built and light sport aircraft, and to issue special flight permits for flight testing of light sport aircraft. The training program also emphasizes practical aspects of being a DAR, requiring that students understand FAA regulations and paperwork as well as practical problems that can emerge in the field.

4. Attend an evaluation panel held by your local Manufacturing Inspection District Office. Your qualification for this panel is determined by your successful completion of the DAR application and training course, as well as the need for DARs at the time of your submission. If you qualify, you will be called in for an interview, and, if all goes well, you will be awarded your DAR.

References

• Federal Aviation Administration: Designated Airworthiness Representative
• Precision Windsports: The Reluctant DAR
• Federal Aviation Administration: National Examiner Board
• FAA.gov: SAN ANTONIO FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE - DESIGNATED AIRWORTHINESS REPRESENTATIVES (DAR)
• FAA.gov: Locate an Office

Resources

• Precision Windsports: The Reluctant DAR
• Federal Aviation Administration: Order Information