Knowing what a Designated Airworthiness Representative is and what one does can be useful for anyone with an aircraft or product that needs certification.

To some people outside the aviation industry, the initials "DAR" might bring to mind the Daughters of the American Revolution. But to those of us in aviation (and perhaps not blessed with such illustrious colonial ancestry), DAR may be understood as the abbreviation for Designated Airworthiness Representatives. "Designation" is the process by which the Federal Aviation Administration authorizes specific individuals who are not agency employees to perform certain functions on behalf of the FAA.

Many technicians and maintenance managers have been directly or indirectly involved with the more commonly known Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) in the course of gaining approval of engineering modifications or major repair schemes not previously approved by the manufacturer.

Other mechanics have been tested (and hopefully approved) by Designated License Examiners in the course of obtaining their airframe and powerplant mechanic certificates. The FAA has also appointed Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representatives (DMIRs) to perform certain required inspections within their respective employer's facilities. Unfortunately, however, the authorities and responsibilities of appointed Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) are not well understood by many of us.

In 1983, FAR Part 183 was amended to provide for the appointment of private individuals to act as representatives of the FAA Administrator, FAA is regularly bombarded with requests for certification and approval services, and the expansion of the designee program was needed to help process these requests.

FAA Order 8100.8 details the qualifications and specialized experience required for an individual to be appointed as a DAR. This document also covers the procedures for application and appointment, and the limitations of the DAR's authority.

Applications for appointment must be initiated by a letter to the Manager, Aircraft Certification Division (for manufacturing and engineering functions), or to the Manager, Flight Standards Division (for maintenance functions), located in the geographical area in which the applicant expects to perform his DAR duties.

Detailed procedures, sample forms, and addresses of appropriate offices to which the applications should be submitted are included in AC 183-33A.

According to FAA's published requirements, any qualified individual can apply for appointment as a DAR. In actual practice, however, many of these designees are retired FAA inspectors who wish to continue working in a limited capacity under the designee program.

One application requirement, in addition to the routine forms and qualification statements, is that of "three letters attesting to the DAR applicants integrity and technical qualifications to perform the function(s) on products of the type and complexity as those for which authorization is being sought. At least one of the letters must be from the manager of an FAA office with whom the applicant has had a direct working relationship."

FAA does not take its designation responsibilities lightly. The agency tries to really know the applicant and his credentials before issuing DAR authorization.  In general, DARs are authorized to make airworthiness determination (i.e., certification) for aircraft, related new or used products, and installations that may affect the airworthiness of the product, within the limits of the specific authorization under which they are issued.

This authorization can be very broad or extremely restrictive depending upon the individual's qualification and the demand for such designees.

A DAR can issue airworthiness certification the same as any regular FAA inspector, within the stated limits of his authorization. Airworthiness certification issued by a DAR is recognized by any FAA office and is fully acceptable for any type or level of operation. As a mechanic, you need only be sure that the DAR you are dealing with does hold authorization covering the proper function and appropriate aircraft types.

Each DAR operates under the supervision and direction of the managing office that issued his authority. His performance will be monitored by the managing office.The DAR is required to attend periodic training, and must maintain his currency by performing a reasonable amount of DAR work in order to qualify for annual renewal of his DAR authority. One difference you will find in dealing with a DAR rather than FAA is that of cost. Whereas a regular FAA office does not charge for its certification services, a DAR (being a private individual) will charge a fee for his services.

In dealing with a DAR, you should be sure that you understand the fee structure up front. The DAR will be charging for his time and services in evaluating your submittal. Remember, however, that payment of a fee does not guarantee that you will be issued the certification you request.

In reviewing the article or aircraft submitted, the DAR is responsible to the FAA to uphold the agency's standards. He is not obligated to certify anything that does not meet the requirements of the appropriate FARs. Payment of a fee to secure the services of a DAR does have one advantage, however. It usually allows you to establish the time and place of the inspection, since you are not at the mercy of other demands on the regular FAA field offices.

If you have ever had problems in obtaining timely response to requests for airworthiness certification from your local FAA office, it may well be worthwhile for you to evaluate using the services of a DAR.

Key Function Code Definitions

FUNCTION CODE 08:   Issue Original standard airworthiness certificates for US –registered aircraft and original airworthiness approvals for engines , propellers, 14 CFR parts and appliances that conform to the approved design requirements and are in a condition for safe operation.  Limitations: None

FUNCTION CODE 19:   Issue Original export airworthiness approvals for Class II products (i.e., major components of a Class I product) that are manufactured and located in the U.S. in accordance with the provisions of 14 CFR Part 21, subpart L. Limitations: None

FUNCTION CODE 20:   Issue Original export airworthiness approval for class III products that manufactured and located in the U.S. in accordance with 14 CFR part 21 , subpart L . When this function is delegated to an individual DAR, its application is limited to exporting of Class III products only when employed by an applicant who is the PAH of the product being exported. Limitations: None

FUNCTION CODE 21:   Make conformity determinations on aircraft ,engines, propellers, and 14 CFR parts thereof (including prototype aircraft, test articles and installations) to be used for design evaluation programs , (e.g.,TC and supplemental type certification (STC) programs) , and complete all necessary reports. Limitations: None.

FUNCTION CODE 22:   Issue conformity certifications on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for components manufactured by U.S. suppliers for non-U.S. product manufacturers. Determinations of conformity to the design, test, and quality requirements may be accomplished by a DAR only after the FAA has received notification from the CAA of the country in which the product is located. Limitations: None

What is AS9100?

AS9100 is the US version of a globally harmonized quality management system standard, based upon the internationally renowned ISO 9001:2000 quality management system. It supplements ISO 9001:2000, focusing upon the unique, complex, and highly regulated nature of the aerospace industry. Specifically, it emphasizes the critical aspects of key characteristics and the need to satisfy internal, governmental and regulatory requirements. The global nature of the standard allows commonality throughout the industry, allowing increased trade and co-operation.

The standard, which is supported by the leading global aerospace organizations, is based around organizational processes. As with ISO 9001:2000, the core concept is the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, which focuses the organization on its key processes. The model also builds in the ideas of planning, and reviewing, and that organizations should continually improve.

What are AS9110 & AS9120?

The AS9110 quality management systems standard sets out the specific requirements that are critical for the maintenance of aerospace vehicles including commercial, private, and military. Like AS9100, it includes the ISO 9001:2000 requirements, and supplements these with aerospace specific requirements. AS9110 is for companies that maintain and repair aerospace vehicles for the commercial or military sectors, or those that manufacture aircraft parts under FAA PMA regulations.

AS9120, is a further aerospace QMS specific standard that supplements ISO 9001:2001. The focus of this standard is stockist distributors.