The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary federal regulator for air travel. Their goal is to ensure that aviation safety and security standards are upheld by all of the airlines, airports and related entities. They do this by issuing and maintaining the rules for the operation and certification of airlines, aircraft manufacturers and other individuals who perform aviation work.
The FAA has several programs in place to help facilitate their goals, including a Designated Employer Representative program. It requires that a designated employer representative be present at any commercial airport where flight crew must undergo physicals or drug tests in order to work. Check out DER training courses here.
In this post, we will take a closer look at the requirements and qualifications needed to become a designated employer representative. We will also discuss the benefits of becoming a DER and some of the key roles and responsibilities involved with this important job. So, if you are interested in working in aviation safety, read on to learn more about how to become a designated employer representative!
Qualification Requirements
To become a designated employer representative, you must first meet the minimum qualification requirements established by the FAA.
In order to be eligible for this program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S citizen or permanent resident with no felony convictions or other criminal record that would prevent them from obtaining an airport security badge.
- Have at least 1 year of relevant experience in occupational health and safety, human resources, labor relations, or another related field.
- Complete the FAA training and certification program for DERs, which typically involves taking online or in-person courses on aviation safety regulations and procedures.
Benefits of Becoming a DER
There are many benefits to becoming a designated employer representative. For one, this position provides an opportunity to make a real impact on aviation safety and security by ensuring that all airlines and employees at commercial airports are following the rules set forth by the FAA.
Additionally, being a DER can be quite rewarding from a professional standpoint as well. You will gain valuable experience working with different types of employers and employees across the aviation industry, and you may have opportunities for advancement or career growth within the FAA.
If you are interested in working in aviation safety and would like to become a designated employer representative, start by researching the requirements and training programs available through the FAA.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
As a designated employer representative, you will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of FAA regulations and procedures at commercial airports. This may include conducting workplace inspections, reviewing employee records, performing physicals or drug tests, and responding to complaints from employees or employers. Let’s break each process down in more detail.
First, you will need to conduct workplace inspections at different airport locations to ensure compliance with FAA regulations. This may involve reviewing safety plans, assessing hazardous materials, and ensuring that proper equipment is being used for flight crew physicals or drug testing.
Next, you will need to review employee records to check for compliance with FAA requirements and oversee any changes or updates that are needed. For example, you may be responsible for updating medical certificates after a physical exam or making sure that all employees have undergone the required drug tests and screenings before starting work at the airport.
Finally, as a designated employer representative you will also need to respond to complaints from employers or employees by providing them with guidance on relevant FAA regulations and procedures. This may involve resolving disputes or helping employees navigate the appeals process for violations of FAA rules.
FAQs
1. What is a designated employer representative (DER), and how do I become one?
A designated employer representative, or DER, is an individual who oversees the implementation of FAA regulations and procedures at commercial airports. To become a DER, you must meet the minimum qualification requirements set by the FAA and complete their training and certification program for DERs. This typically involves taking online or in-person courses on aviation safety regulations and procedures.
2. What are some key roles and responsibilities associated with being a DER?
As a DER, your primary responsibility will be to conduct workplace inspections at different airport locations to ensure compliance with FAA regulations. You will also need to review employee records for any changes or updates, and respond to complaints from employers or employees by providing guidance and resolving disputes as needed.
3. What are the benefits of becoming a DER?
There are many benefits to becoming a designated employer representative. For one, this position provides an opportunity to make a real impact on aviation safety and security by ensuring that all airlines and employees at commercial airports are following the rules set forth by the FAA. Additionally, being a DER can be quite rewarding from a professional standpoint as well, giving you valuable experience working with different types of employers and employees across the aviation industry. If you are interested in working in aviation safety, then becoming a DER can be an excellent career choice.
4. What qualifications or skills should I have to become a DER?
To pursue a career as a designated employer representative, you will need strong organizational and communication skills, as well as an understanding of federal aviation regulations, policies, and procedures. Additionally, having experience in occupational health and safety or quality management can be very helpful for this position. If you are interested in becoming a DER and think that you meet these requirements, then start researching training programs and certification requirements through the FAA today.
Conclusion
Overall, becoming a designated employer representative is an exciting opportunity to help promote air safety and security across the aviation industry. If you are interested in pursuing this role, we encourage you to do your research on the qualifications and training needed to become a DER, and reach out to experienced professionals in this field for guidance along the way. Good luck!
