Hector De Leon

Hector has been leading Airworthiness Worldwide since its inception in 1996. During that time, he has conducted and managed nearly 220 aircraft inspections, records audits, and provided on-site project management for aircraft in work. In his capacity as a private-sector representative of the FAA, his Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) duties also include the issuing of certificates of airworthiness and special flight permits as well as the import and export of aircraft.

Hector's experience as a DAR has led to numerous interesting projects including involvement with the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. The IASA program was created by the FAA to ensure that all foreign air carriers that operate to or from the United States are properly licensed and have safety oversight provided by a competent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in accordance with the international standards and recommended practices established by the United Nation's technical agency for aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Hector was part of a team that brought the nation of Colombia to a Category I status with the FAA’s IASA program.  Hector’s additional certification projects have included involvement in obtaining FAR part 145 repair station certification for a regional airline in Mexico.  He also recently successfully led and completed the FAR part 145 and 129 certification of ACES Airlines of Colombia.

Prior to Airworthiness Worldwide, Hector’s years in the industry include The Boeing Company, major airlines, and major repair stations at which he served in numerous capacities, including directorships in Maintenance Planning and Production Control. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years as a noncommissioned officer in charge of flight-line and powerplants shops. He holds a degree in Business Administration, as well as a FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. He is fluent in English and Spanish.  In 1996, the FAA appointed him as a Designated Airworthiness Representative.