An automated variable amplitude fatigue crack growth system has been developed using digital signal processing (DSP) technology to provide waveform generation, command-feedback verification, and crack growth monitoring. The system is designed to interface with existing analog or digital closed-loop servo-hydraulic mechanical test systems. An important parameter in the control of variable amplitude testing is the effect of loading errors on the fatigue crack growth rate response. A damage parameter (г) has been incorporated to quantify the magnitude and effect of loading errors. In this paper, a FALSTAFF, Mini-TWIST, and truncated Mini-TWIST aircraft spectrum were applied to an M(T) crack growth sample to demonstrate the correlation between the damage parameter and fatigue life.