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Training

Advanced Spectrum & DTA Applications Course

This course is for the engineering professional currently working on aircraft structures damage tolerance evaluations for civil or military aircraft.

Upcoming Course

June 1–5, 2026

San Antonio, TX · Virtual attendance available

Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk 123 N. Saint Marys St., San Antonio, Texas, 78205

$2,500 per attendee · 25 attendee limit

Register Now

Course Highlights

  • 40-hour comprehensive course
  • Trial access to Aspec Loadsgen Spectrum Program
  • Detailed review of example problems
  • Overview of damage tolerance analysis process
  • 25 attendee limit per session
  • In-person and virtual (Zoom) attendance options
Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Aerospace engineering training session

Recommended Experience

  • Degree in Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering
  • Knowledge in aircraft structures
  • Experience with crack growth software (AFGROW, NASGRO, Cracks2000, or similar)

Instructors

James Burd

James Burd

FAA DER — Structures and Damage Tolerance

President, Aeronautica LLC

James Burd has over 36 years of experience in the aircraft industry as a structures, stress, and damage tolerance engineer. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1987 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. James started his career in the USAF where he served as the C-5 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) Manager. Upon leaving the USAF, James worked on several DOD related programs at L-3 Systems and Northrop Grumman including the full scale fatigue test of the USN E-6A Milstar radome and the E-8C JStars ASIP program. Subsequently, James worked at Gulfstream Aerospace and later at Lockheed Martin on the L-1011 aging aircraft program. From 1998 until 2004, James served as a participating member on the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) for Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD) and the Aging Airplane Safety rule. In 1998, James became an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) for Structures and Fatigue/Damage Tolerance. He presently retains delegations for Part 23, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27 and Part 29 regulations.

Dr. Scott Fawaz

Dr. Scott Fawaz

FAA RS-DER — Structures and Damage Tolerance

Dr. Scott Fawaz graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987 having obtained an Engineering Mechanics degree. In 1988, he received his Master of Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. In 1997, he received his doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University Delft, The Netherlands. He served 23 years in the United States Air Force working in aircraft structural integrity of new and aging aircraft. He had assignments at the San Antonio Air Logistics Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). At USAFA he was on the teaching faculty and directed the Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension (CAStLE) from 2003–2010. After leaving the USAF, he led the fatigue and damage tolerance group for the Gulfstream G650. Dr. Fawaz is an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) for Structures and Damage Tolerance with Repair Specification authority.

Virtual Attendance

Aeronautica may offer virtual attendance to certain course offerings via Zoom. Students attending virtually will not be able to see the instructor pointing to items on the screen or the whiteboard. In-person attendance is always recommended for the best experience.

Course Registration

Complete the form below to register for the course. You can pay securely online or request an invoice for your organization.

Primary Contact

Attendees

1 attendee × $2,500 $2,500
Total $2,500

Payment Method

Next Course

June 1–5, 2026

San Antonio, TX

Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk 123 N. Saint Marys St., San Antonio, Texas, 78205

Cost Per Attendee

$2,500

Does not include travel, lodging, or food

Group Discount

10% off with 3+ participants

Automatically applied at checkout.

DER Discount

15% off for FAA DERs

Single-attendee registration only.

Participant Limit

25 Attendees

Questions?

Contact us or call +1 864.349.1645 .

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Participant Cancellation

  • Submit cancellation requests at least 45 days prior to the scheduled course date to receive a full refund.
  • No-shows will incur the full cost of registration.
  • Late cancellation requests incur a $200 cancellation fee plus any applicable credit card handling fees (3%).
  • Participants may choose to apply registration fees towards a future training course within one year of the original class date.
  • Submit all cancellation requests via our contact form.

Cancellation by Training Provider

  • If a course is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, natural disaster), the customer may reschedule for a future course.
  • Aeronautica is not responsible for expenses incurred by the customer if a course is canceled.
  • Aeronautica reserves the right to cancel any course due to insufficient enrollment at least 30 calendar days in advance, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Training course registrations will not be confirmed until registration is complete and billing information is received in full.