2026 CMH-17 Spring Joint Coordination Meeting
 

Registration is now closed.

May 11, 2026 – May 15, 2026, Denver CO

The Coordination Meeting Quick Reference Guide includes: 
- Parking information
- Check-in information
- Meeting schedule
- Facility map

Held In-Person at Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202 
(303) 592-1000

The room block is closed at this time. 

Schedule
Please view the schedule below. Please note that the schedule is subject to change

Exec Meeting will be held virtually after Coordination

What is a Mini Tutorial? 

We are hosting mini tutorials at our CMH-17 coordination meeting along with our working group and task group sessions, FAA sponsored research presentations, and our regular all-day tutorials. 

The mini tutorial topic for Spring Coordination is on Crashworthiness.

These mini tutorials are a great way to get additional benefits from attending our spring coordination. We can't wait to see you there! 

Crashworthiness Mini-Tutorial Module: Summary

Drawing from CMH-17 guidelines, we begin with Part 25 regulatory requirements for composite transport aircraft, fundamental crash terminologies, and the physics of composite failure mechanisms during impact.

The core strategy focuses on the Building Block approach , highlighting calibration, verification, and validation using Boeing 787-8 crashworthiness case studies. We explore energy absorption design and evaluate Progressive Damage Failure Analysis (PDFA) capabilities against coupon and element test data, defining predictive capabilities, limitations, and industry best practices.

The PDFA options exercised by the CWG target lower-level structures, such as subfloor stanchions or composite helicopter seat crush tubes. While this work represents ongoing research, anchoring these simulations in robust, physics-based mechanics—rather than narrow empirical calibrations—gives practitioners a head start in validating mid- to high-level platforms.

Establishing these CMH-17 best practices accelerates the learning curve, prevents common errors, and builds a reliable foundation for formal certification protocols while minimizing the need for costly full-scale testing.

What Research is being Presented? 

Panel Discussion

The Spring 2026 Panel Topic will be on Thermoplastic Structures

Thermoplastic composites have been explored for aerospace applications since the 1970’s and are seeing slowly increasing use, yet widespread use is not common. There must be reasons or development ventures that suggest more work is needed for applications having product value, which are leading the continuation of thermoplastic composite research. This panel will examine the broad topic of thermoplastic composite best industry practices. Material and process selection depends on the product type, scale, and economic product design/value considerations.

Panelists will draw from their experience on lessons learned from past design development, product challenges, and all aspects of thermoplastic lifecycle usage. Their insights, along with audience participation will guide CMH-17 in future handbook content development and create opportunities for continued discussion on thermoplastic composite best practices. This session aims to provide practical knowledge, highlight gaps and challenges with thermoplastic usage, and help the industry in the pursuit of thermoplastic composite aerospace applications.

• Panelists will be announced soon

Tuesday Night Awards Dinner 

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver Co 80230

Menu: Braised Colorado Bison Short Rib, Crispy Colorado Trout, Acorn Squash and Black Rice Salad, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, and Dessert 

Please join us in celebrating our award winners. 

Tutorials

See our Tutorial Documents page to learn more about our three tutorial offerings for Spring 2026: Bonding Processes, Design IPT's, and Statistics

Meetings Costs 

The registration fee includes the welcome happy hour, mid-morning and afternoon breaks with refreshments, and all-day coffee. The registration fee also covers the cost of attending the meeting and sessions, conference planning services including the venue facility and support staff, registration services, and event advertising.

*Email CMH-17 if you are a FAA Employee or WG/TG Chair for additional discounted registration code or need to be invoiced for your registration.

Registration is now closed

Event Parking
Parking is Valet parking at the Embassy Suites. 

• Registrants receive a Valet Parking Price of $48 for overnight/all day parking
• In/Out privileges are granted for our Registrants
• Self Parking is not available

As the event is close to the convention center, other parking is available nearby such as the Denver Performing Arts Complex Garage. 

Navigation

The hotel is easily accessible using the Denver Light Rail 

1. Take the A line from the Denver Airport Station to Union Station
2. Get on the Free 16th St Mall Ride Shuttle 
3. This will drop you off at the Convention Center next to the hotel (16th and Stout)
4. This trip takes about 45 minutes

The Museum is easily accessible using the Denver Bus System from the Hotel

1. From Hotel - walk to 17th and California (1 block) 
2. Get onto the Number 6 bus which will take you to Lowry Blvd and Fairmount Dr 
3. Walk 1 block North to the Museum
4. This trip takes about 35 minutes

See the RTD website for more information on fares and routes: Fares & Passes | RTD-Denver 

Registration Questions? – Email the Secretariat at info@cmh17.org