Schuman Aviation Company’s director of maintenance Travis Shilling has been granted the position of Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T). This means that Shilling has the authority to issue airworthiness certificates, special flight permits and export approvals for a wide variety of aircraft.
“These same approvals can be granted by FAA employees, but that can take three months or longer,” said Shilling, “Whereas I can do the same job in three days or less.”
The designation gives Shilling the authority to grant airworthiness approvals (included amended or replacement certificates), special flight permits and export approvals for turbojet powered aircraft; rotorcraft; aircraft in both the primary and restricted categories; multi-engine and turboprop aircraft; and powered or unpowered gliders.
Shilling also has the authority to issue data approvals in support of major repairs or alterations to rotorcraft. Shilling is the only DAR-T in the State of Hawaii.
“We are understandably proud of Travis’s accomplishment,” said Richard Schuman, president of Schuman Aviation Company, Ltd. “He underwent a significant amount of study and training to gain this designation, and we’re delighted to have that expertise in house. To put his status in perspective, there are several top oncologists and several master sommeliers on Oahu, but Travis’s designation is unique in the State of Hawaii.”
Shilling’s training included the successful completion of Initial Aircraft Certification, Domestic and Export Approvals of Engines and Propellers, Aging Airplane Inspection and Records Review.
“This is a big vote of confidence by the FAA,” continued Schuman. “Travis essentially becomes an extension of their approval authority, and that’s a very good thing.”
Schuman Aviation Company, Ltd., established in 1996, is the parent company of Magnum Helicopters, an Oahu helicopter air tour company; Makani Kai Air, an FAA Part 135 fixed-wing on-demand and scheduled air carrier operating between Oahu, Molokai and Maui; and Hawaii Aviation Services, an FAA certified 145 repair station and Hawaii’s authorized Cessna Service Center.
The company operates three MD-500 helicopters, which are regularly featured on television’s Magnum P.I., one Airbus AStar, six Cessna Grand Caravans and a twin-engine Piper Chieftain.
