EUROAVIA

The European Association of Aerospace Students (EUROAVIA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1959^[1] by a group of European students and governed by Dutch law.^[2] The main goal of the activities organized by EUROAVIA is to create connections between students and the Aerospace Industry and to stimulate its members to familiarize themselves with the different cultures of the countries^[3] that are part of the association in the fields of aerospace and engineering. As of 2023, EUROAVIA counts 43 Local Groups (Affiliated Societies) in 17 different countries from all over Europe, India and Africa, reaching up to more than 2000 members in total. ^[4] By the end of the 90’s, EUROAVIA became an affiliated member of the European Space Agency (ESA), which opened a lot of opportunities to its members. The Local Groups host a series of events; some examples are the Air Cargo Challenge, the Rocket Workshop, the Leadership Workshop, and the Train New Trainers (TNT).

History

In 1956, a group of students in Aachen, Germany, was inspired by the idea of founding an association that could gather all the European Aerospace students together. In 1958, they came together with students from Delft, Paris and Pisa and decided to make a call for other students for a general meeting. In this meeting, there were 30 students from 10 universities in 4 different countries. The official statutes were presented and accepted on 16 March in 1959. EUROAVIA began its work officially on 1 May in 1959.^[5]

1960 marked the first business year of the association, under the guidance of the first International Board represented by the Local Group of Aachen. The first president, Jean Roeder saw his dream brought to life with the birth of EUROAVIA. The first year brought together students from several countries in Europe and managed to bridge a gap with the industry.

In 2013, EUROAVIA geographically expanded its borders outside Europe when Adjunct Member Kourou joined the association. Furthermore, in September 2016, the association welcomed a new Prospective Adjunct Member from Egypt, Zewail City, connecting Aerospace engineering students from all over the world.

Structure

EUROAVIA today is composed of three fundamental pylons: the International Board, the Affiliated Societies and the Working Groups.

International Board

The International Board (IB) is the board of directors of EUROAVIA, elected every year during a congress. They represent the association at the international level and are responsible for the general functioning of the association. The IB is formed by at least 3 members: President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Members. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the International Board are defined in the EUROAVIA Statutes and Bylaws.^[6]

Affiliated societies

EUROAVIA is an international student association with multiple Local Groups across Europe that spread and live the EUROAVIA spirit, a set of common values based upon hard work, innovation, cultural awareness, team work and international networking. Today, EUROAVIA counts 43 local groups, in 19 countries for a total of more than 2,000 members.^[4]

Working Groups

Working Groups are formed by volunteering members from local groups and are responsible for accomplishing and maintaining international projects in benefit of all EUROAVIA members. In the 2018 business year, there are 10 Working Groups:^[7] Affiliated Societies, Communication, Company Relations, Design, Human Resources, Information Technology, Innovation & Development, International Events, Statues & Bylaws, EUROAVIA Training System.

International Events

The International Events of EUROAVIA are generally organized by a Local Group in coordination with the other organs of the association. All members are invited.

Air Cargo Challenge (ACC)

The Air Cargo Challenge is an aeronautical engineering competition that is held every two years. The main objective is to design and build a radio-controlled aircraft that is able to fly with the highest possible payload according with the rules established in the competition regulations. This event allows participants to improve both their technical and soft skills.

Congresses

The Congresses are EUROAVIA's legislative body. Their aim is to present the plans for the next business year, to set goals as well as elect the future representatives. Two mandatory meetings are held every year: the EMEAC (Electoral Meeting of the EUROAVIA Congress) and the AMEAC (Annual Meeting of the EUROAVIA Congress). Any other supplementary meeting is called ExMEAC (Extra Meeting of the EUROAVIA Congress).

Fly-in

Fly-in are non-technical events during which the hosting Affiliated Society shows and promote the aerospace culture of its area. People from different local groups get together and take part in several activities, sharing their culture and spirit.

Symposia

Symposia are technical events that, through lectures, workshops, visits to laboratories and companies, aim at developing one specific topic.

Train New Trainers (TNT)

Train New Trainers is a genuine EUROAVIA project which aims to implement the Internal Training System of EUROAVIA. It is the product of the Innovation and Development WG and the IE WG will support the organization of the event.

Formation Workshop (FoWo)

Formation Workshop is EUROAVIA's internal training event with the main goal to increase the quality of EUROAVIAn operations. The Formation Workshop shall take place in the first half of every business year and is exclusively for EUROAVIA members.

Rocket Workshop (RoWo)

Rocket Workshop is an international event that focuses on enhancing the technical abilities of the participants, whilst stimulating teamwork. Contestants learn to communicate efficiently, to deal with a time limit, with the ultimate goal of designing and building a rocket.

Partners

• Airbus
• IFISO^[8]
• UIA
• IT Aerea
• CEAS
• UKSEDS
• NEREUS

References