Your aircraft is in perfect condition, but it’s grounded. The cause? A single avionics component has failed, and you’ve just been told by the manufacturer that it’s no longer supported and considered “obsolete.” This is a common and frustrating problem for owners of legacy aircraft. Before you consider a costly full-panel upgrade, there is another solution you need to know about: the DER repair.
Understanding the Challenge of Obsolescence As technology evolves, manufacturers eventually cease production and support for older products. In aviation, this means that when a component on an older aircraft fails, a direct replacement may not be available. This can force operators into expensive, system-wide upgrades that may not be necessary for their mission.
The Power of a DER Repair A DER (Designated Engineering Representative) is a private individual authorized by the FAA to approve technical data. A DER repair specification is a set of proprietary, FAA-approved engineering data that allows a certified repair station to safely and legally repair or overhaul a component when the original manufacturer’s data is unavailable.
This process is a cornerstone of our service for older and outdated avionics. Addison Avionics has developed several DER Repair specs over the years, allowing us to service units that other facilities must turn away.
The Benefits of a DER Solution
- Cost Savings: A DER repair is almost always significantly more cost-effective than a forced upgrade, saving you thousands in the process.
- Extended Aircraft Life: It allows you to continue operating your trusted, reliable aircraft without being forced into a modernization you don’t need.
- Exclusive Solutions: In some cases, Addison Avionics is the only repair facility in the continental US to offer repair for these specific units thanks to our DER capabilities.
How Addison Avionics Can Help Our FAA ratings allow us to develop DER specs on virtually any piece of electronics used on aircraft. If you have an issue finding a repair facility to fix older or outdated avionics, look no further than Addison Avionics.
Before you replace, ask us if we can repair. Contact our team to see if a DER solution is right for you.
