The present embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use in reinforcing access door apertures and other apertures formed in fairings. Some embodiments provide an apparatus that includes a door aperture formed in a facesheet and a first load deflector having a length, wherein the first load deflector is curved along at least a portion of its length. The first load deflector is secured with the facesheet proximate the aperture such that the first load deflector deflects a load. In some embodiments the first curved load deflector comprises a majority of layers having orientations along the load to be deflected. The apparatus can further include a patch bonded with the facesheet proximate the aperture such that the patch surrounds the door aperture.