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Stop scrapping high-value rotables. Leverage DER repairs approved by an FAA designated engineering representative to cut lead times, reduce TCO, and keep legacy fleets flying.
If you manage aircraft components long enough, you will inevitably hit a wall: A high-value part fails, the manual offers no repair limit, and the OEM recommendation is a costly "Replace Only."
For many operators, this is a dead end that drains the maintenance budget. For strategic operators, this is an opportunity.
By leveraging a Designated Engineering Representative (DER), you can unlock safe, compliant repair paths that the OEM manuals don't cover. In practical terms, DER approval is the difference between scrapping a $50,000 asset and restoring it for a fraction of the cost.
Below, we break down why shifting to a DER repair in aviation strategy is essential for modern fleet management, and how APAS carries a repair from engineering evaluation to final FAA certification.
It is no longer enough to just "fix" parts; you must engineer your supply chain. Shifting from a "Replace default" to a "Repair strategy" offers three distinct commercial advantages:
First, let’s clarify the roles to ensure compliance confidence.
A Designated Engineering Representative is a highly specialized engineer authorized by the FAA to approve technical data for repairs and alterations.
Keeping this line clear is vital. The DER evaluates the physics and safety of the repair scheme to ensure it meets airworthiness standards. Once endorsed, the execution belongs to a certificated Part 145 organization (like APAS), and the return-to-service is documented via an FAA 8130-3 or EASA Form 1.
Think of this as a strategic decision matrix. You should choose the path that offers the best lifecycle value while maintaining strict safety margins.
Choose a DER repair in aviation when:
Lean toward OEM replacement when:
Transparancy is the key to confidence. Here is how APAS runs a DER repair in aviation end-to-end, ensuring you have an audit-ready file at the finish line.
These are the "Sweet Spots" where an engineering approach routinely beats the "replace" mentality:
Regulators and operators care about evidence. At APAS, we emphasize full traceability. Every DER repair in aviation includes an audit-ready file identifying the article, citing the approved data, and recording the as-run process. You receive a component that is not just fixed, but fully certified with an FAA 8130-3 or EASA Form 1.
What does OEM stand for in aviation? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer (e.g., Boeing, Honeywell). While OEM replacement is the standard path, it is often the most expensive and slowest option for out-of-warranty components.
Are DER-approved repairs as good as OEM replacement parts? Yes, and from a business standpoint, often better. A repair approved by an FAA designated engineering representative must meet all regulatory airworthiness standards. Commercially, it is superior because it reduces cost and lead time while delivering a fully compliant, safe component.
How do DER repairs affect lead time and cost? They significantly cut Turnaround Time (TAT) by eliminating the wait for new manufacturing. They reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by salvaging assets you would otherwise scrap.
Which components are the best candidates? High-value rotables with long lead times, such as actuators, heat exchangers, pneumatic valves, and landing gear sub-assemblies.
APAS delivers FAA & EASA-approved solutions designed to extend component life and cut downtime. We integrate the capabilities of a Designated Engineering Representative with a robust Part 145 execution engine, producing consistent, certifiable outcomes—without the high cost or delays of OEM replacement.
Strategic Maintenance Starts Here
Optimizing your component lifecycle through engineering is just one lever for cost control; the next step is aligning with partners who can scale these technical solutions across your entire operation. To learn how to streamline your supply chain further, read our guide on Fleet Planning with Vendor Consolidation in Mind: Strategic MRO Partnership Optimization.
Ready to see which specific components we can restore for your fleet? Explore our full engineering capabilities on our DER Repairs page.
