DER Evaluation Panel Review
DER Evaluation Panel Review
(OP)
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
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





RE: DER Evaluation Panel Review
good luck !
RE: DER Evaluation Panel Review
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..."
RE: DER Evaluation Panel Review