Events

ATLAS Composites and Innovation Summit (ACIS)

When: Oct. 1-3
Where: Wichita, KS

Hosted by the Advanced Technologies Lab of Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) at NIAR, this summit brings industry leaders together to showcase the future of today's cutting-edge innovations and Industry 4.0. Immerse yourself in industry-leading smart manufacturing technology designed to revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.

 

Executive-in-Residence Keynote with Maggie Topping (Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation's Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and the Transformation of Work)

When: Oct. 7 @ 9:30 a.m.
Where: 110 Woosley Hall - Frank A. Boettger Auditorium

Maggie Topping, Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation and the Fall 2025 J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, will headline a keynote fireside chat with Luke Pankey, Chief Information Officer at Textron Aviation, as part of the James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series. Together, they will discuss how Textron Aviation is steering global workforce, technology, and organizational change. This event is complimentary and open to the public.

 

 RTCA's DO-160G, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment

When: Oct. 13-17
Where: Virtual

RTCA has teamed with NIAR to offer high quality training covering RTCA’s DO-160G, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. The course will provide an understanding of the use of DO-160G and how it fits in with the greater picture of requirements, design, certification and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs).

 

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) Analysis

When: Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21
Where: NIAR's Advanced Machining and Prototyping (AMP) Lab

This four day course provides mathematical procedures in determining the allowable dimensional variations and geometric tolerances specified by ASME standards. Through analysis of GD&T and this class, you can reduce the cost and time it takes to manufacture. Simultaneously, you will ensure that manufactured parts meet the specified tolerance and functional requirements outlined in engineering drawings.

 

NIAR Composities Hands-On Training

When: Oct. 21-24
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. Objective of this course is to expose the attendees to various aspects of composite manufacturing, inspections, repair and testing. Course content and registration can be found in the link below.

 

WSU-NIAR Manufacturing Day 2025

When: Oct. 23
Where: National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)
4004 N. Webb Rd
Wichita, KS 67226

NIAR is celebrating Manufacturing Day this year in collaboration with the Manufacturing Institute. Join industry figures, NIAR representatives and manufacturing gurus alike for a special event held at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) facility on the Wichita State campus. Speakers will present the latest advancements in automated metrology, artifical intelligence, aerospace manufacturing and more, as well as a preview of the new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research (HAMR) funded by the EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

 

Composite Structural Engineering Technology (CSET) Course (CSET-B)

When: Oct. 27 - Dec. 7
Where: Wichita, KS

This course covers the essential topics pertaining to composites engineering and the certification process. Its contents provide students with an awareness of the composites engineering process framework through course materials and practical applications through online discussions. Topics include engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and certification of composite materials associated with civil aircraft structures. The course content is in accordance with FAA AC 20-107B (Composite Aircraft Structure). The six-week module, CSET-B, follows CSET-A in a similar teaching format. Students may take CSET-B immediately after CSET-A, or as an option, delay CSET-B enrollment until a later offering for schedule flexibility.

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) Concepts and Application

When: Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17
Where: NIAR's Advanced Machining and Prototyping (AMP) Lab

This course covers the principles, concepts, and applications of GD&T in manufacturing.  Topics include defining geometric tolerances, interpreting engineering drawings, understanding datum references, and applying GD&T in manufacturing processes.  GD&T is widely used in various industries, including Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, Space, and Agriculture to ensure part quality and interchangeability. GD&T simplifies communication between all levels of manufacturing, ultimately contributing to the production of high-quality parts and assemblies.

 

AFP Training Series: Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programming Class

When: Nov. 17-21, 2025
Where: National Institute for Aviation Research, Wichita, KS

Learn to program Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) parts using the VERICUT Composites Programming (VCP) software. This third-party software can be used to program a wide variety of AFP machines. The 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.

RTCA's DO-160G, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment

When: Dec. 8-12
Where: Virtual

RTCA has teamed with NIAR to offer high quality training covering RTCA’s DO-160G, Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. The course will provide an understanding of the use of DO-160G and how it fits in with the greater picture of requirements, design, certification and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs).