In the heart of Turkey’s capital, AS Ankara has steadily grown into a vibrant center of innovation, collaboration and opportunity for students passionate about aerospace engineering. Over the 2024–2025 business year, our Local Group channeled its energy into creating meaningful experiences connecting students not only to technical knowledge but also to each other and the broader EUROAVIA family. This year was more than a calendar of events. It ignited the enthusiasm and teamwork of our members, who brought their visions to life and embraced every challenge as a chance to grow.
After the election of our new board members in December, we started to work hard and plan our business year. Our main aim was to make aviation enthusiasts enjoy this business year with as many events as possible.
Our first event of the business year took place on the 4th of March with a screening of Top Gun. More than just a movie night, this gathering was designed to bring our members together around the shared excitement of aviation. By revisiting one of the most iconic films in aerospace pop culture, we created a relaxed atmosphere where new and returning members could connect, exchange stories and kick off the year with a shared sense of inspiration. The event set the tone for a year grounded in community, passion and high-flying ambition.
Following our screening of the first Top Gun movie, which sparked nostalgia and admiration for the golden age of aviation cinema, we continued the excitement with Top Gun: Maverick on the 15th of May. The sequel brought a fresh wave of energy, blending cutting-edge aerial sequences with the legacy of the first film. Held on campus, the screening drew an even larger crowd, uniting both long-time fans and newcomers. As the jets thundered across the screen, the room buzzed with excitement and admiration for the evolution of aviation. The film not only thrilled us but also led to engaging discussions about modern flight technology and pilot training. It was more than just a follow-up event. It was a powerful reminder of how aerospace continues to inspire across generations.
One of the most joyful highlights of our year was having a stand at the annual METU Spring Festival from the 22nd to the 24th of May. Surrounded by the vibrant energy of campus life, we set up an engaging stand featuring a paper plane corner. Students from all departments stopped by to fold, decorate and fly their own creations, sparking spontaneous competitions and lots of laughter. It was a heartwarming reminder that the spirit of aerospace can be as playful as it is technical. Sharing our passion in such an accessible and fun way allowed us to connect with the wider student community, and we genuinely enjoyed every minute of it.
Last but not least, we had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring TeaTalk event with former EUROAVIA member and experienced captain pilot Ümit Ergin on the 28th of May. Gathering in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, our members had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about his journey from being a student at METU and a EUROAVIA member to becoming a commercial airline captain. Captain Ergin shared valuable insights into the aviation industry, flight training and the daily life of a pilot, while also reflecting on how his EUROAVIA experience helped shape his career path. The session was filled with engaging stories, practical advice and plenty of questions from curious attendees. It was a truly motivating evening that reminded us how far passion and dedication can take you and how deeply connected our community remains, even across years and careers.
Moreover, AS Ankara proudly marked a strong presence in EUROAVIA’s international events, showcasing our commitment to active participation and cross-cultural exchange this year. Three of our members attended the EMEAC, gaining firsthand experience in the inner workings of the association and contributing to key decisions shaping EUROAVIA’s future. Meanwhile, three others represented us at the Symposium in Stuttgart, engaging with students and professionals from across Europe on the latest developments in aerospace. Additionally, three of our members took part in PACE Days, collaborating on innovative projects and expanding their technical skills in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. Each of these events offered invaluable experiences and as a community, we are incredibly proud to be part of EUROAVIA. The friendships, knowledge and inspiration our members brought back continue to fuel our local spirit and remind us of the strength and unity of this amazing network.
Looking back on the 2024–2025 business year, we can confidently say it was a journey filled with joy, experience and personal growth. From our campus events to international adventures, each step brought new challenges, unforgettable memories and countless learning moments. For the local board especially, this year was a powerful teacher, offering lessons in leadership, communication and the true value of teamwork. These experiences have not only shaped us as individuals but also brought our entire LG closer together. As we now channel our energy into organizing our highly anticipated Aviation Days, we do so with excitement, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. This year has reminded us why we do what we do and just how high we can soar when we do it together.
ABOUT AS ANKARA
Aviation and Space Society (HUT) locally aims to gather students interested in aviation and space under a single roof. Established within the Middle East Technical University, a prestigious and diverse Turkish institution, AS Ankara counts twenty years of history. AS Ankara creates opportunities for students to improve themselves both technically and socially while having lots of fun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beren Damacı First year Aerospace Engineering student at the Middle East Technical University. She is a member of EUROAVIA since 2023 and the member of HR WG since 2024.She joined the Local Board of Ankara as the ICM at the end of 2024. Her passions are spending time with her beloved friends and family. She is also a movie enthusiast. And she adores meeting new people.
