EUROAVIA
The European Association of Aerospace Students (EUROAVIA) is a European based students’ initiative and its main fields of activity are aerospace, engineering and the adjacent fields. EUROAVIA was founded in 1959[1] and is governed by Dutch law[2]. At this moment, the association comprises 42 Local Groups (Affiliated Societies) in 18 countries from all over Europe, counting over 2000 members in total[3].
The main goal of all the activities that are organized from EUROAVIA is the strengthening of the connection between the students and the aerospace industry and also to stimulate its members to become aware and familiarize themselves with the traditions and the culture of the countries that compose the association[4].
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 the 16th of March in 1959. EUROAVIA began its work officially on the 1st of 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.
The 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 2000 members[3].
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. Participants are given the unique chance to improve their knowledge and expertise of the topic the symposium focuses on.
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
- UIA
- IT Aerea
- CEAS
- UKSEDS
- NEREUS
References
- ^ "Statute_intro" (PDF). Official statutes of the association - introduction.
- ^ "Statute_article_2" (PDF). Official statutes of the association - article 2.
- ^ a b "Local Groups". Official website - About Us - Affiliated Societies - Local Groups.
- ^ "Statute_article_3" (PDF). Official statutes of the association - article 3.
- ^ "Official website - About Us - Our History". Official website - About Us - Our History.
- ^ "Official website - For members - Statutes and Bylaws of EUROAVIA". Official website - For members - Statutes and Bylaws of EUROAVIA.
- ^ "Official website - About Us - Working Groups". Official website - About Us - Working Groups.
- ^ "IFISO patners". IFISO website.