S P OT L I G H T :
AEROSPACE CLUB MICHAEL MASSA Staff Writer
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The George Mason Aerospace Engineering Club, or the Aero Club for short, is a student organization that will be open this coming Fall semester to any student interested. Several events have been pre-planned, with opportunities designed to involve students in any facet of their interest. There is the yearly Design-Build-Fly competition. Taking a step further into the field of flying machines, autonomous quadcopters rely on ever-changing computer programming to function and improve. For those looking for a shoe-in to the industry, there are several East Coast aviation conferences that also provide insight into the ongoing trends and challenges facing the aerospace engineering 14 | Freshman Focus
industry. Do not be daunted by the seemingly complex tasks, though: the only requirement to join is a motivation to learn and understand the aeronautical systems we are dealing with today.
Photo courtesy of Michael Massa
o you ever look up to the sky and watch airplanes streak across? At George Mason University it’s a common sight to see contrails from planes traveling to the nearby Dulles International Airport, crisscrossing the sky throughout the day. One new student organization hopes to give the university something more to look to the skies for: not airliners 35,000 feet above, but instead, autonomous flying vehicles that inspire and interest others in a rapidly advancing industry.
MY EXPERIENCE: "I started thinking of beginning a new club only after participating in other engineering clubs at Mason. They’re amazing organizations, but when a quarter of my 100-student Mechanical Engineering 151 class said they desired an Aerospace career more than mechanical, I knew there was huge potential for a new student organization.” u @GMU_AERO_CLUB
Professional experience and networking can be obtained through the several East Coast aviation conferences that provide insight into the ongoing trends and challenges faced by the industry, as well as a shoein for students looking to penetrate the business contract system of the aerospace world. Don’t be daunted, though: the only requirement to join is a motivation to learn and understand the technologies we deal with. Finally, the most important feature of the Aero Club is friends! It’s inspiring to be surrounded by those interested in the same developments and ideas as you. Amongst our members, we have a diverse range of experience, from freshmen to seniors and Electrical Engineering to Astronomy. Participating in the club’s engaging activities is a surefire way to meet others with contagious passions and to in turn build networks of respect, trust, and enthusiasm for the bright futures ahead.