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See a list of current events and training opportunities below:
Composite Structural Engineering Technology (CSET) Course: CSET-B
When: April 20 - May 31
Where: Virtual
This course covers the essential topics pertaining to composites engineering and the certification process. The contents are divided into two modules, CSET-A and CSET-B, and together they provide students with an awareness of the composites engineering process framework through course materials and practical applications through online discussions. CSET-B content continues with Structural Substantiation, Manufacturing and Maintenance, followed by other additional topics. CSET-A is a prerequisite for CSET-B. Upon successfully meeting course requirements for CSET-A and CSET-B you will receive a certificate of completion for each module.
2026 FAA Joint Advanced Materials & Structures Center of Excellence Technical Review
in conjunction with SAMPE
When: April 28-30
Where: Seattle, WA
Industry, government and academic collaborators are invited to attend the 2026 Joint Advanced Materials & Structures Center of Excellence (JAMS) Technical Review held in conjunction with SAMPE. This review allows JAMS researchers and the FAA to focus their research efforts appropriately to the needs of industry. It includes reviews from the Center of Excellence for Composites and Advanced Materials (CECAM) at Wichita State University and the COE for Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures (AMTAS) at the University of Washington.
Please note: To attend the JAMS Technical Review at no charge, register for EXHIBITS ONLY. This provides access to JAMS Technical Review Sessions, Exhibit Hall, Keynote Presentations, and the Welcome Reception. To access full conference programming, you must purchase select FULL CONFERENCE or STUDENT.
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Operations and Maintenance Class
When: May 12-15
Where: Wichita, KS
This four-day, hands-on class allows you to learn how to operate and maintain an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine. It includes instruction on compatible materials, machine limitations and challenges associated with performing a successful layup. Attendees will also learn how to disassemble certain modules and parts on the machine.
Introductory Additive Manufacturing Certificate Program
When: May 13-14
Where: Wichita, KS
Course Learning Objectives:
- Covers the introductory topics pertaining to the background, applications, materials, processes and benefits of Additive Manufacturing (AM).
- Provides fundamental knowledge of additive manufacturing workflows, terminology, and the computer-aided design (CAD) skills required to create a 3D part.
- Get a first-hand experience on how to print a part on a prosumer grade 3D printer by incorporating the 3D printing workflow which comprises of modeling, STL file generation, slicing, printing and post-processing.
- Perform troubleshooting on defective 3D-printed parts and basic maintenance on the 3D printer.
Hands-On Composite Training Course
When: June 9-12
Where: National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)
4004 N. Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67226
National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)
1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260
This introductory course is designed for a wide range of audiences including technicians, engineers, analysts, and inspectors to gain hands-on experience in advanced composite material manufacturing, adhesive bonding, damage surveys, non-destructive inspection techniques, repair techniques, and mechanical testing. Course content includes fabrication of monolithic and sandwich panels, joining composites with adhesive bonding, inspection of composites with various non-destructive techniques, machining and hole drilling, repair of composite structures and more.
Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) Grand Opening
When: June 10
Where: Wichita State University, Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research
1907 Innovation Blvd, Wichita, KS 67208
Join us for the Grand Opening of the National Institute for Aviation Research's new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR)
Intro to Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Manufacturing Class
When: August 19
Where: Wichita, KS
The Intro to Automated Fiber Placement Manufacturing (AFP) course offers knowledge into the world of AFP while providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art Electroimpact AFP systems. At the end of this one-day course, you’ll even get to take home your very own AFP-manufactured sample.
Global Digital Engineering Defense Summit
When: October 5
Where: Wichita, KS
Compressed timelines, complex systems, and rapidly evolving threats demand decisive action — not passive awareness. Hosted in partnership with NIAR at Wichita State University, this invite‑only global forum convenes senior leaders from defense ministries, government agencies, industry and aerospace organizations to examine how digital engineering accelerates decisions, strengthens readiness, and sustains capability across the mission lifecycle.
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programming Class
When: November 2-6
Where: Wichita, KS
Learn to program Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) parts using the VERICUT Composites Programming (VCP) software. This five-day hands-on class covers material specifications, and how to import models, generate courses and plies, link them together, and post process. Attendees will also learn how to export models and programs from VCP into VERICUT Composites Simulation (VCS), which allows users to run the programs through a simulation to make sure the parts are laid up correctly, and find and correct machine over-travels and possible machine collisions.