Undergraduates
Current Students
Organizations
American Helicopter Society
The American Helicopter Society (AHS) student chapter is the Department's newest organization, having received its charter from the parent organization in July 1980. The Penn State AHS student chapter is now one of the largest and most active chapters in the country. Interested students in joining the AHS may contact either Prof. Edward C. Smith (231D Hammond Bldg.), the faculty advisor to the Student Branch.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the largest American technical society devoted to science and engineering in the fields of space, technology, rocket systems, aerodynamics and marine systems. Students are encouraged to join the Penn State Chapter of the AIAA. Membership applications and information on the benefits of belonging to this organization may be obtained from the AIAA faculty advisor. Meetings and social events (including picnics) are held regularly during the academic year. Members can also attend the annual student conference for the Mid-Atlantic Region each April. Prof. Robert G. Melton (229 Hammond Bldg.) is the faculty advisor to the Student Branch of the AIAA.
Sigma Gamma Tau
- Sigma Gamma Tau is the National Honor Society in Aerospace Engineering. The Sigma Gamma Tau Society is established to recognize and honor those individuals in the field of aeronautics who have through scholarship, integrity, and outstanding achievement been a credit to their profession. The Society seeks to foster a high standard of ethics and professional practices and to create a spirit of loyalty and fellowship, particularly among students of Aerospace Engineering.
- The students eligible for membership include undergraduate aerospace engineering students in the upper one-quarter of their junior class and the upper one-third of their senior class. Each Spring Semester qualified students will be notified of their eligibility to join Sigma Gamma Tau.
- The faculty advisor of Sigma Gamma Tau is Prof. Jacob (Jack) Langelaan (229 Hammond Bldg.).
Tau Beta Pi
Tau Beta Pi is an engineering honor society, highly regarded in the field. The Pennsylvania Beta Chapter of Tan Beta Pi was founded at the Pennsylvania State University on May 4, 1912, as the twenty-sixth collegiate chapter. The National Organization was founded in 1885 at Lehigh University. It has since grown to include over 200 collegiate chapters, and nearly 60 alumnus chapters.
Penn State Soaring Club
- The Penn State Soaring Club is an organization open to all members of the University community. It exists to promote the sport of soaring and to give its members an opportunity to fly inexpensively on a regular basis.
- The club currently operates one club sailplane, an L-13 Blanik. the soaring season begins in the Spring when the weather begins to clear and generally runs through the end of December, or until snow covers the ground. The club operates on a three semester per year basis (Spring, Summer and Fall). Club dues for each semester are due at the beginning of each term. The club flies out of Keystone Gliderport, located in Julian, PA (about 20 minutes from campus).
- Prof. Mark Maughmer (233F Hammond Bldg.) is the Soaring Club's advisor and can be contacted for more information.