About Aeronautica
A team of aeronautical experts
Aeronautica was started by industry veteran James Burd who has worked at multiple OEMS and numerous projects as an Aerospace Structures engineer and FAA DER. From day, one James Burd has lead an all-star team with key engineering personnel handpicked from leading aerospace companies. With offices in South Carolina, Aeronautica has a well-rounded, highly technical engineering team, including specialists in structural design and analysis as well as certification.
James Burd—Founder/Owner
James Burd, President – James has over 36 years of experience in the aircraft industry as a structures, stress and damage tolerance engineer. He has been an FAA DER since 1998 with delegations for full airframe structural design, static strength, fatigue and damage tolerance and process specifications for FAR’s Part 23, 25, 26 and 27. James started his career in the USAF where he served as the ASIP manager for the C-5 aircraft. Since then, he has worked at L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin. James graduated from North Carolina State University in 1987 with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. He has worked on numerous military and commercial aircraft programs including both type certification efforts as well as modifications.
“I’ve been working in the aerospace industry for 35 years, and I am still excited by new projects”
– James Burd, Founder of Aeronautica
Chris Mazur
Chris Mazur, Principal Structural Engineer – Chris has 38 years commercial and military airplane engineering and project management experience with an emphasis on damage tolerance. During his career he has been exposed to a broad range of aircraft structure including; wing, fuselage, empennage, flaps, engine struts. Chris has developed damage tolerance methods manuals and material allowables: Fracture toughness and crack growth rate allowables testing and component damage tolerance testing. Chris also has eight years supervisory experience leading integrated product teams. He is a proven leader with a broad background in project/business management, aircraft certifications, structural integrity, fatigue, damage tolerance, and maintenance planning.
Greg Robben
Greg Robben, Principal Structural Engineer – Greg has 39 years of experience as a stress engineer performing static, fatigue and damage tolerance stress analysis of both metallic and composite aircraft primary structure. He has worked both military and commercial aircraft programs at several major aircraft companies. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
David Wiles
David Wiles, Senior Structures Engineer – David graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, brings over a decade of experience to the aviation industry. His career has been marked by successful contributions to both general aviation and military platforms, spanning projects such as complete restorations, modifications, continued airworthiness, and production support. As a member of the Aeronautica team he leads with a passion for innovation and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the field.
Anna Carley
Anna Carley, Business Manager – Anna graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Marketing. She has 17 years of experience in business management. She enjoys collaborating with customers and making the business side of Aeronautica run smoothly.
