DER Evaluation Panel Review 1

[Sabre40]

Hello all...and Happy New Year,

After submitting my application in hopes of becoming a Candidate Company DER (structures) to the FAA about 6 months ago, I finally got word back from them that they've reviewed all my paperwork, have called all my character & technical references and would like to invite me up to their office in N.Y. for an "Evaluation Panel Review", with 3 or 4 of their engineers/staff to discuss my technical qualifications a little bit more in-depth.

I was just wondering if there are any DER's out here that have been through one of these review panels. I've gotten some feedback from a co-worker DER of mine, but was hoping to get another perspective, as to the type of questions they might ask (is it purely technical, or is it more informal). I'm slightly nervous, and feel like I should be preparing/studying somehow for all this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

 

[rb1957]

i'm abit surprised you have to go to "head office", rather than your local region; are yo applying for 571 ? i'd expect technical questions, also take some of your work that shows you understand how to apply the FARs ... the ones that obviously apply to your analysis (loads, etc) and the ones that you have to think about (!!??) applying (does my primary design intent affect other things ? maybe aisle access, maintenance, etc)

good luck !

 

[der8110]

Nothing to be nervous about. The drive to the NYACO will be more stressful.

First thing to understand is why they do these things, it is to avoid the appearance of the 'old boys network' and that they are being thorough. The primary reason we are filling out annual tracking forms is that DER's were being renewed, after being dead. For many years. Congress was not too impressed with that. So more forms. Being a DER is still an individual appointment, which is highly dependent on relationships, but how do you document "I trust him".

So, assuming you are not deceased, they will be going over your application forms, quizzing you on a few things out of the orders, giving you a few 'what if' situations. I had a panel interview a few years ago, been a DER a dozen years or more, but with a different ACO. Very collegial. Just remember, the FAA hates confrontation and controversy. And, you are the person who will be delegated to do the tasks they would otherwise have to do. They are not going to appoint someone they can't rely on or will fall apart (or can't handle the heat in the first place).

Today the big hurdle is even getting the candidacy approved, the panel interview can be looked at as a formality or more properly as just one last final check.

Good luck, and after you get the wall certificate, be sure to read it: "Reposing special trust..."

 

[Sabre40]

Thank you very much for the information der8110! It is very helpful. I've heard many of the same things that you talked about from another DER, so I feel much better now. I was just hoping to become a Candidate DER initially (which may still be the case), but who knows, maybe they'll just go ahead and delegate me with DER authority in the areas that I'm applying in. Thanks again.