As the semester continued to unfold, the METU Aerospace Society (ODTÜ HUT) carried on its tradition of shaping the university’s aerospace culture through two of its most celebrated traditional events: AeroNight and the 17th Aviation Days. This year, both events not only lived up to their well established legacy but exceeded expectations with their scale, participation, and impact.
The excitement took off with AeroNight, ODTÜ HUT’s traditional social event that unites aviation enthusiasts, engineers, and students from all departments. As every year, active members began selling tickets one week before the event, and the response was extraordinary, the tickets sold out quickly as demand surged, proving once again the strong reputation AeroNight has earned over time.
On the night of the event, the energy was unmatched. The stage featured remarkable performances, including Foltergeist, the rock band founded by the esteemed professors of our Aerospace Engineering Department, and Sprout, one of METU’s most talented and beloved student bands. Their dynamic performances elevated the atmosphere, turning the night into an unforgettable celebration filled with music, excitement, and community spirit.
More than just a party, AeroNight showcased HUT’s ability to blend its technical identity with an engaging social culture. It was a lively gathering where members and newcomers connected, shared their enthusiasm for aviation, and enjoyed a well earned break from academic life, all within the energetic spirit of ODTÜ HUT.
Only 11 days later, attention turned to the HUT’s most prestigious annual event: the 17th Aviation Days, held on November 12th and 13th. Spanning two full days, this year’s program featured eight sessions in total, each designed to bring students closer to the leading figures of today’s aerospace and defense sectors. The esteemed speakers included CEOs, chief engineers, project managers, and senior executives from major companies across defense, commercial aviation, and emerging aerospace technologies. Their presentations offered deep insights into cutting edge developments, the future of the industry, and the personal experiences of the speakers, inspiring students to pursue their own paths within aerospace.
It is also important to highlight the remarkable support of the leading organizations in Turkey’s aerospace sector, which played a significant role in elevating the impact of this year’s event. Supported by the Main Sponsor, Turkish Aerospace (TAI), the Platinum Sponsors, TRMotor and Roketsan, and the Gold Sponsors, TEI and ASELSAN, along with the participation of major institutions such as GE Aerospace and Turkish Airlines, Aviation Days this year drew exceptional industry attention and further strengthened the bridge between students and the aerospace world.
The event’s vibrant exhibition area took place in the large foyer of the METU Culture and Convention Center, where companies and organizations set up stands to interact directly with students. Attendees explored career opportunities, asked questions, and engaged in meaningful conversations with industry professionals. Throughout the event, visitors were welcomed with refreshments and treats, creating a warm and inviting environment that encouraged dialogue and networking.
With each successful edition, Aviation Days reinforces its reputation as one of Turkey’s most influential student organized aerospace events. From the insightful sessions to the bustling exhibition space, the 17th edition once again proved that ODTÜ HUT acts as an important bridge connecting students with the industry, passion with knowledge, and ambition with real opportunity.
Through the overwhelming success of both AeroNight and the 17th Aviation Days, the METU Aerospace Society demonstrated once again its dedication to cultivating a vibrant, knowledgeable, and united aerospace community. These events stand not only as traditions, but as symbols of the Society’s mission: to inspire, to connect, and to continually reach beyond the horizon.