DER Authorization

FAA DESIGNATED ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVE (DER)

Authority to certify structural modifications and alterations to aircraft and rotorcraft

Michael J. Pagnotta has been an FAA Structures DER (CFR Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29) since 1996. New, modified, or repaired aircraft and rotorcraft must comply with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Compliance can be approved by a DER without direct FAA interaction. The DER serves as the “eyes and ears” of the FAA and approves the new, modified, or repaired aircraft or rotorcraft based on the findings of compliance.

DER SERVICES PERFORMED:

• Structural analysis of aircraft and rotorcraft in accordance with the applicable FAR
• Finding compliance with the FAR for new, modified, or repaired aircraft or rotorcraft
• Test witnessing and approval in support of compliance finding
• Issue of 8110-3 forms approving the new, modified, or repaired aircraft or rotorcraft

Recent DER Authorization Projects

NASA HU-25A ACTIVATE Program - Aircraft Crown Modification

NOAA Twin Otter - Drop Chute Modification

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

BAC 1-11 Fuselage Modification

Beechcraft Bonanza A36 - Battery Shelf Redesign

Mount four instrument pylons (three large and one small supporting five instruments total) to the upper fuselage of an HU-25A research aircraft for NASA Langley.
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Design a new drop chute located in the aft baggage compartment for NOAA's fleet of four Twin Otter aircraft
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Pagnotta Engineering holds an IDIQ contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) in Lakeland, Florida
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Redesign battery support shelf for support larger aircraft battery for piston engine to turboprop conversion
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