FAA Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training

Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Aviation Operations

Aviation safety depends on strict compliance with drug and alcohol testing regulations. Employers regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are required to maintain comprehensive testing programs for safety-sensitive employees whose performance directly impacts public safety.

The FAA Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training Course provides the knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively administer FAA drug and alcohol testing programs under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40.

Designed specifically for aviation employers, this training prepares DERs to manage testing events, respond to violations, coordinate with service agents, and maintain compliance with FAA regulatory requirements. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of their responsibilities as the employer's authorized representative for all drug and alcohol testing matters.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Designated Employer Representatives (DERs)

• Airline and Air Carrier Managers

• Aviation Safety Professionals

• Human Resource Personnel

• Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO) Managers

• Charter and Corporate Flight Department Managers

• Compliance Officers

• Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)

• Drug and Alcohol Program Managers

What You Will Learn

• FAA Regulatory Requirements
• Overview of FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations
• Covered Employers and Covered Employees
• Safety-Sensitive Position Determinations
• Employer Compliance Obligations

Types of FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing

* Pre-Employment Testing

* Random Testing Programs

* Reasonable Cause Testing

* Post-Accident Testing

* Return-to-Duty Testing

* Follow-Up Testing

Managing Program Violations

* Positive Drug Test Procedures

* Alcohol Misuse Violations

* Refusals to Test

* Immediate Removal Requirements

* Return-to-Duty Processes

Working with Service Agents

* Medical Review Officers (MROs)

* Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs)

* Collection Sites

* Laboratories

* Consortium and TPA Relationships

Recordkeeping and Compliance

* FAA Documentation Requirements

* Record Retention Rules

* Confidentiality Standards

* Preparing for FAA Audits and Inspections

Real-World Aviation Compliance Scenarios

* Handling Regulatory Investigations

* Managing Accident Testing Events

* Responding to Employee Violations

* Maintaining Program Integrity

Benefits of Attending

Upon completion, participants will have the confidence and knowledge necessary to administer an FAA-compliant drug and alcohol testing program, reduce regulatory risk, and contribute to a safer aviation environment.

Whether you operate a commercial airline, repair station, charter operation, cargo carrier, or aviation support company, this course provides the tools needed to effectively manage compliance while supporting the highest standards of aviation safety.

Why FAA DER Training Matters

FAA-regulated employers face significant penalties and operational risks when testing programs are not administered properly. A trained DER helps ensure compliance, protects the organization's operating authority, and promotes a culture of safety throughout the aviation workplace.

Become the aviation compliance professional your organization relies upon by mastering the responsibilities of the FAA Designated Employer Representative.