As a new EUROAVIA challenge has been set out, local group AS Rzeszów mobilised. As of now, our most challenging task turned out to be the assembly of a new team, capable of at least surpassing last year’s achievements in the EUROAVIA competition. More than half of the members, whose great dedication and innovation played a leading role in the coherent functioning of the AS Rzeszów team, became unavailable due to their successful completion of academic education. This way, a substantial gap was created, the closing of which has been set as our first priority.
The recruitment process, which was carried out as a result, consisted of two main elements. Firstly, it was necessary to promote our local AS Rzeszów group, thus raising awareness and building interest among potential new members. This was achieved by organising events such as setting up promotional stands and giving lectures. Overall, a group of 33 potential newcomers gathered, and the necessary recruitment process could be started. The team set out with the mindset that everyone has the capability to play a meaningful role in our team. In new candidates, we were mostly seeking the willingness to put their full effort into carrying out tasks. Other than that, every skill can be learned. Therefore, a thorough training programme was organised, during which more experienced members shared knowledge and skills and discussed all the steps necessary for the creation of a successful aircraft capable of rising to the EUROAVIA challenge. In the course of only a few weeks, every present recruit gained a great deal of specialised knowledge. During theoretical lectures, as well as hands-on groundwork, the first integration between regular members and newcomers took place. As everyone started to connect, certain soft skills and character traits of recruits became visible, which helped in further optimisation of our work as a team. However, because of the amount of time and effort required to reconcile academic responsibilities with participation in the AS Rzeszów team, only five people emerged from the initial extensive group. Now, our new members are set to develop not only our new aircraft but also themselves, gaining valuable experience and skills.
This way, we gained momentum. With the skilled hands of the experienced and the willingness of the new, the AS Rzeszów team is currently on the verge of completing the first prototype of our new aircraft. Our newly expanded team is now more determined than ever to rise to, and hopefully surpass, the achievements of the preceding team. AS Rzeszów believes that through careful planning, innovation and great effort, no challenge is impossible.
At the beginning of the academic year, AS Rzeszów embarked on the ambitious task of assembling a new team in preparation for the upcoming international competition in Texas. For the first time in our history, we committed to competing in both the Micro and Regular categories, which significantly raised the complexity and scope of our efforts. To meet these challenges, we launched a rigorous and carefully planned recruitment process, open to all students interested in aviation, engineering and team-based project work.
The response exceeded our expectations, over 40 candidates expressed their willingness to join. However, we were determined to focus not only on enthusiasm but also on long-term commitment and reliability. Through technical tasks, interviews and group evaluations, we aimed to identify individuals capable of working under pressure, learning quickly and contributing meaningfully. Eventually, five people were selected from the initial group. Despite the potential shown by all, only three of them became fully involved in our activities and remained active throughout the entire preparation process. These three recruits quickly proved to be excellent additions to the team. Their adaptability, technical background and strong motivation allowed them to take on significant responsibilities early on. They integrated seamlessly into our workflow, supporting both the design and construction phases with professionalism and enthusiasm.
In parallel with recruitment, AS Rzeszów intensified its promotional and outreach efforts. Throughout the year, we participated in a wide range of events from university open days and engineering fairs to city-level science festivals. These activities helped us raise awareness of our work, engage with the local community and present our group as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.
Another crucial aspect of our preparations was an extensive sponsorship campaign. Aware of the financial demands of designing and constructing two aircraft, as well as transporting them overseas, we reached out to numerous companies and institutions. Thanks to the team’s professionalism and the growing reputation of AS Rzeszów, we secured valuable partnerships that enabled us to proceed confidently with our plans.
By December, we finalised the aircraft designs, allowing us to move into the construction phase. After three months of intensive work, we completed our first Regular-category prototype, followed closely by the Micro-class aircraft. These achievements reflected not only technical progress but also the strong collaboration between experienced and new members.
Our efforts culminated in our participation in SAE Aero Design East, where we proudly represented both our university and our city. In the Regular class, we achieved an outstanding 3rd place in the Design category, while in the Micro class, we secured 4th place in the same category.
Looking ahead, we carry the lessons, experience and motivation gained during this season into the future. With our growing team and unwavering spirit, AS Rzeszów is ready to aim even higher because for us, the sky is never the limit, only the beginning.
