As sunset approaches, MTSU aerospace students and certified flight instructors Ryan Patterson, partially hidden left. Cole Ferraro and Copher Kashif perform their final checks and unloading after flying in two new Diamond Aircraft on Friday, June 19, from Michigan near the Canadian border. MTSU purchased six new planes and is having 13 planes refurbished. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

Already off the ground, the newest MTSU student organization takes flight this week with its first in-person meeting.

The Tennessee Aerospace Professionals Society, which incorporated in February and already enjoying more than 30 members, gathers for the first time at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in Business and Aerospace Building Room S126. New members are welcome.

The purpose of the Tennessee Aerospace Professionals Society, or TAPS, is to further the career development of students and professionals in all aerospace pathways through education, comradery and outreach.

To learn more about the organization, which is one of more than 370 on the MTSU campus, go here on myMT or email club President Atley Henderson at agh4q@mtmail.mtsu.edu. Updates are available on Instagram @mtsutaps and their website under development.

“We started TAPS because we wanted to have an organization that would promote all careers within aviation and the aerospace industry,” Henderson said. “Everything from pilots and dispatchers to air traffic controllers and even flight attendants — we wanted to make sure everyone had a place to call home.”

Atley Henderson

“We also want to promote 21^st century business skills that will ensure our members have an easier time pursuing a career after college,” added Henderson. “Ultimately, we want to provide a place for all aviation pre-professionals, regardless of the job they hope to have, where they can network, learn valuable skills and build friendships to last a lifetime.”

Ivy Adams

Organization Vice President Ivy Adams said it is “a brilliant opportunity to engage with other passionate young adults and connect with inspiring mentors.”

Adams said the organization’s motto is “Education, Camaraderie, Outreach.”

“Through service learning and professional development, Tennessee Aerospace Professionals Society strives to unite, motivate and equip the membership with the leadership and citizenship skills necessary to pursue a career in aerospace,” she said. “We prioritize personal development by exhibiting our (core) values.”

Adams, who is from Sumner County, Tennessee, and pursuing an aviation management degree with minors in business administration and University Honors, said TAPS “represents the diverse population of the Aerospace Department. We encourage everyone to participate and contribute their unique perspective to the development of the organization.”

In addition to Henderson and Adams, others on the Executive Council include Secretary Brielle Walmsley and Treasurer Tarak Patel. Associate professor Andrea Georgiou is faculty adviser.

—Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)