A rekindled campus fraternity is getting students involved with aviation and aerospace in a professional atmosphere.

Alpha Eta Rho is an aviation fraternity at BGSU where students learn about the different aspects of flying.

The chapter was founded on April 10, 1929 at the University of Southern California, making it the oldest aviation fraternity. There are over 60 active chapters in the United States and around the world.

At the University, Alpha Eta Rho disbanded a couple years ago, but sophomores Joseph Spaulding, Carson Blaisdell and Nathan Charter-Harris started it back up again this year. The result has been very positive.

“Alpha Eta Rho gives students a chance to learn about aviation with friends instead of in the classroom,” Spaulding said.

One new way is by visiting an airport’s traffic control tower to see how communication between the pilot and traffic control works. Students also can see who the pilot is talking to while in the air.

“Another way we get involved with aviation is by taking field trips to aviation museums, events and even an airport visit,” Spaulding said.

Members learn about the safety of flying when participating, which builds confidence in future professionals of aviation.

Alpha Eta Rho and the flying school at the University are closely connected. BGSU Aviation plans trips for the fraternity and gives special projects to help the flight center. They are a resource for the fraternity.

Alpha Eta Rho is also involved with the BG Flight Team. The Flight Team competes against many other schools in timing events and flying events.

The fraternity helps the BG Flight Team by keeping everything in order, setting up whatever they need and working concessions and getting active within the flying community.

Alpha Eta Rho is not just about the aviation aspect. It opens doors for new friends in a professional setting and allows networking within the members.

Joining Alpha Eta Rho lets students meet people in the professional field. They can easily get to know and ask questions about aviation to the different people they meet.

Students can also learn about potential pilot careers and other types of jobs within an airport setting.

Alpha Eta Rho is open to anyone who is a student at BGSU and is coed.

A passion for aviation is the only requirement. Any kind of major can become involved. Contact Spaulding at [email protected] for more information about joining.