Events
Upcoming events!
Events Calendar
Review our calendar for upcoming and previous events.
Professional Photoshoot for AIAA Members
Get ready for your close-up!
Get ready for your close-up!
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is hosting a Professional Portrait Event on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This is your chance to get a high-quality headshot to elevate your professional profile, whether it's for LinkedIn, a resume, or your company's website.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: Sign up for a 10-minute slot between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Location: In front of the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park.
Don't miss this opportunity to capture a polished, professional image. Our photographer will be ready to help you look your best against the backdrop of one of San Diego's most iconic aviation and space museums. Sodas and water will be provided.
How to Participate
Tickets are free for AIAA student members, $5 for AIAA young professional members, and $10 for professional AIAA members. Due to the limited number of spots we are prioritizing AIAA members for this event. First, buy your ticket here https://square.link/u/WPwlXmgi.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we're doing this by appointment only.
Please use this sign-up sheet to reserve your time slot.
Parking is available in front of the Air & Space Museum in the Pan American Plaza parking lot, in the lots on Presidents Way behind the Comic Con Museum, or the Organ Pavilion Parking Lot.
We can't wait to see you there!
October 2025 Technical Lecture
Data-Driven Innovation: Crafting Ideas from Concept to Universe
Featuring Professor Ahmad Bani Younes
San Diego State University
Professor Younes leads SDSU’s SPACE Lab and specializes in gravity modeling, trajectory design, and AI-driven robotics.
How do breakthrough technologies emerge from a simple idea?
Professor Younes will explore the journey from concept to innovation, showing how AI-powered autonomous systems are reshaping space exploration, robotics, and UAVs. His work highlights the power of combining software, hardware, and sensor data to create intelligent, adaptive systems. This talk will feature real-world examples of how data and collaboration are driving the next generation of technology.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and aerospace is redefining what’s possible!
Date & Time: Friday, October 3rd 2025, 6:00 pm
Location: Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Room 372
Parking Permits by Offstreet for this event can be requested here https://www.offstreet.io/events/HU30KEVU
AeroArt @ Aero Club Bar
Join us for a fun night of airplanes and art at San Diego’s finest aerospace-themed bar!
Unleash your hidden artistic talent and join other aero-enthusiasts at this STEAM event where the “A” for ART will be accentuated. Still life drawings by real art students depicting fruit bowls and flower arrangements are so 19th century. We, the AIAA engineering crowd, prefer artistic renderings of 20th and 21st century aircraft!
Assorted aircraft models will be displayed for you to draw and compete for prizes and a chance to have your aero-themed masterpiece displayed at San Diego’s famous Aero Club Bar.
All necessary art supplies will be provided, we just need you to join in on the fun and come out and meet some novice, intermediate, and advanced San Diego Aerospace professionals.
Event Costs (which include one beer or well drink, and pizza):
AIAA Student members: $5
AIAA members: $10
Non-members and guests: $15
Link to RSVP: https://square.link/u/A2XHECtc
AIAA San Diego Section Awards & Scholarship Gala Event at Allen Airways Flying Museum
Join us for our celebratory end of year banquet where we celebrate local achievements and outstanding students.
It’s the time of year again for the annual AIAA San Diego Section Awards and Scholarship Gala. Join us to celebrate outstanding aerospace engineering achievement in San Diego County. Also in attendance will be this year’s winners of the Reuben H. Fleet Scholarship.
Admission includes access to Allen Airways Flying Museum, taco’s by La Taquiza and 2 drink tickets. Attire is business casual. Space is limited, so please RSVP by April 30th, 2025. Pricing is as follows:
Sponsored Table: $300
Includes 8 seats at a reserved table
Non-Member: $30
AIAA Member: $20
Student: $15
Buy your tickets online to secure your spot!
Directions to Allen Airways / Gillespie Field Airport in El Cajon
From the North
Take the 5, 163, or 15 south to 52 east
Go east on 52 to the Cuyamaca Street exit.
At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right on Cuyamaca and go south through the stoplight at Prospect Street to the second stoplight, which will be Marshall Avenue. Turn left at the light, and go east, over the trolley tracks and continue east on Marshall Avenue until you come to the red and blue Cessna sign and airport tower which will be on your left.
Turn left at the red and blue Cessna sign and follow the road that takes you past the airport tower and the Gillespie Field Café; as you follow the road, it will bring you back around to the museum entrance.
The museum is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N Marshall Avenue.
From the West
Take 8 East to the 67 north. Exit at the Bradley Street exit and turn left at the stoplight.
Take Bradley west to the stoplight at Marshall Avenue.
Turn right on Marshall and go north about 1/3 of a mile to the red and blue Cessna sign and turn right.
Follow the road that will take you past the tower and the Gillespie Field Café. It will bring you back to the entrance to the museum.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
From the South
Take 94 East To 125 North
Go North on 125 to the 52 East Freeway
Take the 52 to the Cuyamaca Street Exit
Exit at Cuyamaca St. and turn right on Cuyamaca
Go South on Cuyamaca, through the stoplight at Prospect, to the Second stoplight, which will be Marshall Ave.
Turn left at the light, go over the trolley tracks, and the entrance that takes you to the museum will be on your left.
Enter at the red and blue Cessna sign. Stay on the road that takes you past the airport tower and it will bring you back around to the Museum entrance.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
April 2025 Dinner Meeting
Join us for a dinner meeting and technical lecture!
Join AIAA San Diego for an evening Technical Lecture, from Member Byron Ward of Wayfarer Aircraft Research & Development, on his most recent paper “Flight Testing Instrumentation Development and Integration for a Subscale Integrated High Lift Propulsor Testbed”. Flight and wind tunnel testing was performed to evaluate the performance of the Integrated High Lift Propulsor (IHLP), a novel Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) system.
Abstract:
Recent advancements in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft have sparked interest in Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM), enabling innovative air transport solutions. Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), with its favorable aero-propulsive interactions, is a key focus for advanced aircraft designs, and thus an area of significant interest for academia and industry. Wayfarer Aircraft has developed and patented a novel new form of of blown wing lift augmentation called the Integrated High Lift Propulsor (IHLP), which uses DEP integrated with a Krueger slat or flap. This paper presents the instrumented, reconfigurable subscale IHLP distributed electric propulsion testbed that will be used to parameterize the performance and handling qualities (P&HQ) of IHLP. The subscale aircraft, which was developed from a 35%-scale Cessna 182 R/C scale model aircraft, was instrumented with a custom-integrated flight control and data acquisition system developed to enable this flight research - specifically a Holybro Pixhawk 6X autopilot running custom flight control software coupled with a custom version of the Al Volo FDAQ data acquisition system. The paper presents IHLP including its advantages and performance improvements in high-lift and cruise conditions compared to conventional distributed electric propulsion (DEP) systems. The detailed development of the IHLP subscale testbed are presented, including modifications, instrumentation design, and the integration of the data acquisition and flight control systems. Preliminary results from ground testing are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrumented IHLP testbed.
Aerospace Jeopardy Night!
Join us for a fun Aerospace Jeopardy Night!
Test your aerospace trivia skills and earn some prizes!
Are you ready to test your knowledge of the skies? The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) San Diego Section is excited to invite you to an exhilarating Aerospace Themed Jeopardy Night! Whether you're an engineer, a student, or simply passionate about aviation, join us for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Prepare for an engaging evening filled with questions covering a range of aviation topics, from historical milestones to cutting-edge technology. Challenge your peers, showcase your expertise, and perhaps learn something new along the way!
This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow aviation enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and celebrate our shared passion for aerospace engineering and innovation.
A ticket gets you a fun night of jeopardy, pizza, and one drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at the event.
Link to Tickets: Buy Online!
AeroArt @ Aero Club Bar
Join us for a fun night of airplanes and art at San Diego’s finest aerospace-themed bar!
Unleash your hidden artistic talent and join other aero-enthusiasts at this first of its kind STEAM event where the “A” for ART will be accentuated. Still life drawings by real art students depicting fruit bowls and flower arrangements are so 19th century. We, the AIAA engineering crowd, prefer artistic renderings of 20th and 21st century aircraft!
Assorted aircraft models will be displayed for you to draw and compete for prizes and a chance to have your aero-themed masterpiece displayed at San Diego’s famous Aero Club Bar.
All necessary art supplies will be provided, we just need you to join in on the fun and come out and meet some novice, intermediate, and advanced San Diego Aerospace professionals.
Event Costs (which include one beer or well drink, and pizza):
AIAA Student members: $5
AIAA members: $10
Non-members and guests: $15
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xh3acFb7w2yNypFmBuP4b4ITKZohih18/
Link to RSVP: https://square.link/u/nln1oiJS
AIAA San Diego Section Awards & Scholarship Gala Event at Allen Airways Flying Museum
Join us for our celebratory end of year banquet where we celebrate local achievements and outstanding students.
It’s the time of year again for the annual AIAA San Diego Section Awards and Scholarship Gala. Join us to celebrate outstanding aerospace engineering achievement in San Diego County. Also in attendance will be this year’s winners of the Reuben H. Fleet Scholarship.
Admission includes access to Allen Airways Flying Museum, taco’s by La Taquiza and 2 drink tickets. Attire is business casual. Space is limited, so please RSVP by May 29th, 2024. Pricing is as follows:
Sponsored Table: $300
Includes 8 seats at a reserved table
Non-Member: $25
AIAA Member: $15
Student: $10
Buy your tickets online to secure your spot!
Directions to Allen Airways / Gillespie Field Airport in El Cajon
From the North
Take the 5, 163, or 15 south to 52 east
Go east on 52 to the Cuyamaca Street exit.
At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right on Cuyamaca and go south through the stoplight at Prospect Street to the second stoplight, which will be Marshall Avenue. Turn left at the light, and go east, over the trolley tracks and continue east on Marshall Avenue until you come to the red and blue Cessna sign and airport tower which will be on your left.
Turn left at the red and blue Cessna sign and follow the road that takes you past the airport tower and the Gillespie Field Café; as you follow the road, it will bring you back around to the museum entrance.
The museum is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N Marshall Avenue.
From the West
Take 8 East to the 67 north. Exit at the Bradley Street exit and turn left at the stoplight.
Take Bradley west to the stoplight at Marshall Avenue.
Turn right on Marshall and go north about 1/3 of a mile to the red and blue Cessna sign and turn right.
Follow the road that will take you past the tower and the Gillespie Field Café. It will bring you back to the entrance to the museum.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
From the South
Take 94 East To 125 North
Go North on 125 to the 52 East Freeway
Take the 52 to the Cuyamaca Street Exit
Exit at Cuyamaca St. and turn right on Cuyamaca
Go South on Cuyamaca, through the stoplight at Prospect, to the Second stoplight, which will be Marshall Ave.
Turn left at the light, go over the trolley tracks, and the entrance that takes you to the museum will be on your left.
Enter at the red and blue Cessna sign. Stay on the road that takes you past the airport tower and it will bring you back around to the Museum entrance.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
AIAA Trivia Night!
Join us for a fun Aerospace Trivia Night!
Test your aerospace trivia skills and earn some prizes!
Are you ready to test your knowledge of the skies? The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) San Diego Section is excited to invite you to an exhilarating Aviation Themed Trivia Night! Whether you're an engineer, a student, or simply passionate about aviation, join us for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Prepare for an engaging evening filled with questions covering a range of aviation topics, from historical milestones to cutting-edge technology. Challenge your peers, showcase your expertise, and perhaps learn something new along the way!
This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow aviation enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and celebrate our shared passion for aerospace engineering and innovation.
Refreshments will be available for purchase at Ales Tales Taproom, ensuring a delightful evening of trivia and mingling.
Link to Flyer: XXXXXXX
AIAA-SD Technical Talk: Imaging of Multi-Phase Fluid Dynamics by Evan Pruitt
Join AIAA San Diego Section for an exciting technical talk on imaging of multi-phase fluid dynamics by Evan Pruitt.
Evan Pruitt is an Aerospace Engineering Master’s Student at San Diego State University. After receiving his Bachelor’s in chemical engineering, he had spent nearly the last decade working as a science and mathematics teacher at local private schools. He was inspired by the many recent advances in the commercial space sector to return to school himself and embark on a career change. He is currently working in Professor Xiaofeng Liu’s lab as a graduate research assistant studying multi-phase fluid dynamics. His Master's thesis focuses on the study of impinging jet injectors using high speed imaging. He will be presenting on the image analysis software that he has developed to better study the breakup mechanism of the impinging jet injector. The visualizations generated by this research were recently featured as an award winner at the 2023 Gallery of Fluid motion.
Please RSVP at the link below. The $5 cost includes pizza! https://aiaa-san-diego-section.square.site/product/evan-pruitt-event/50
Joe Katz Lifetime Achievement Award Celebration
Join AIAA San Diego Section and SDSU’s Aerospace Engineering Department as we celebrate the recipient of AIAA San Diego’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023, Dr. Joe Katz, for his remarkable career.
The reception will be held Monday January 22nd, 2024 from 5:30-9:00pm at SDSU’s Scripps Cottage and will include food and beverages. Agenda includes social reception, remarks from AIAA and SDSU and comments by Dr. Katz summarizing his rewarding career.
Link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/cBfb3t5bgkbBuBfD9
AeroArt @ Aero Club Bar
Join us for a fun night of airplanes and art at San Diego’s finest aerospace-themed bar!
Unleash your hidden artistic talent and join other aero-enthusiasts at this first of its kind STEAM event where the “A” for ART will be accentuated. Still life drawings by real art students depicting fruit bowls and flower arrangements are so 19th century. We, the AIAA engineering crowd, prefer artistic renderings of 20th and 21st century aircraft!
Assorted aircraft models will be displayed for you to draw and compete for prizes and a chance to have your aero-themed masterpiece displayed at San Diego’s famous Aero Club Bar.
All necessary art supplies will be provided, we just need you to join in on the fun and come out and meet some novice, intermediate, and advanced San Diego Aerospace professionals.
Event Costs (which include one beer or well drink, and pizza):
AIAA Student members: $5
AIAA members: $10
Non-members and guests: $15
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V7ByKyjCA4PMomdNteI20vLJmVZswIBA/
Link to RSVP: https://square.link/u/9mPlbhRl
AIAA San Diego Section Awards & Scholarship Gala Event at Allen Airways Flying Museum
Join us for our celebratory end of year banquet where we celebrate local achievements and outstanding students.
It’s the time of year again for the annual AIAA San Diego Section Awards and Scholarship Gala. Join us to celebrate outstanding aerospace engineering achievement in San Diego County. Also in attendance will be this year’s winners of the Reuben H. Fleet Scholarship.
Admission includes taco’s by La Taquiza and 2 drink tickets. Attire is business casual. Space is limited, so please RSVP by May 17th, 2023. Pricing is as follows:
Non-Member: $15
AIAA Member: $10
Student: $5
Buy your tickets online to secure your spot!
Directions to Allen Airways / Gillespie Field Airport in El Cajon
From the North
Take the 5, 163, or 15 south to 52 east
Go east on 52 to the Cuyamaca Street exit.
At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right on Cuyamaca and go south through the stoplight at Prospect Street to the second stoplight, which will be Marshall Avenue. Turn left at the light, and go east, over the trolley tracks and continue east on Marshall Avenue until you come to the red and blue Cessna sign and airport tower which will be on your left.
Turn left at the red and blue Cessna sign and follow the road that takes you past the airport tower and the Gillespie Field Café; as you follow the road, it will bring you back around to the museum entrance.
The museum is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N Marshall Avenue.
From the West
Take 8 East to the 67 north. Exit at the Bradley Street exit and turn left at the stoplight.
Take Bradley west to the stoplight at Marshall Avenue.
Turn right on Marshall and go north about 1/3 of a mile to the red and blue Cessna sign and turn right.
Follow the road that will take you past the tower and the Gillespie Field Café. It will bring you back to the entrance to the museum.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
From the South
Take 94 East To 125 North
Go North on 125 to the 52 East Freeway
Take the 52 to the Cuyamaca Street Exit
Exit at Cuyamaca St. and turn right on Cuyamaca
Go South on Cuyamaca, through the stoplight at Prospect, to the Second stoplight, which will be Marshall Ave.
Turn left at the light, go over the trolley tracks, and the entrance that takes you to the museum will be on your left.
Enter at the red and blue Cessna sign. Stay on the road that takes you past the airport tower and it will bring you back around to the Museum entrance.
It is located just west of Sorbi Repairs at 2075 N. Marshall Avenue.
UAS Integration into Commercial Airspace
Join us for a fun and informative lecture on UAS airspace integration!
Join AIAA San Diego Section with like-minded aerospace professionals and students for a night out at Helix Brewing in La Mesa for some fantastic hand-crafted Beers and Sours while hearing from our own AIAA Member, Ms. Laine D’Augustine as she discusses the intricacies and policy decisions associated with uncrewed aircraft systems operating in the commercial airspace.
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gMS8P4dP04UWuYTvUCIiZwzFOYpIsO5s/
Link to Register: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/DH6RRJ06N5K9G/checkout/5I3ZA5QJJ62L7HPU3DT7I2CG
AIAA-SD Tour of San Diego Wind Tunnel
Join us for a fun and informative wind tunnel tour and happy hour!
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) San Diego Section invites you to join us for a tour at the San Diego Low Speed Wind Tunnel. Come learn how the wind tunnel operates and what kinds of testing they perform. Following the tour, there will be a happy hour at the Aero Club (3365 India St, San Diego, CA 92103).
Please note that parking is limited at the wind tunnel, so we recommend carpooling if possible.
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lHdNTvhJRVHYVSH1m3FQYF0V1qXri7Wv/
Link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/FJmBKYUZtSEBWDqt7
2023 SDCEC Engineers Week Banquet
Join AIAA and the SDCEC in celebrating Engineers Week 2023
2023 AIAA SD and Wi3DP Kickoff Event
Join us for a fun and informative evening about additive manufacturing!
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) San Diego Section and Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP) San Diego Chapter invite you to join us at our 2023 kickoff event highlighting novel Additive Manufacturing technologies being used in Aerospace and other DoD manufacturing applications. Come learn how these cutting-edge technologies are transforming manufacturing.
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PVYkQVxi5q3pNqhfQrYCmPjdGESttyOv/view?usp=sharing
Link to RSVP: https://aiaa-san-diego-section.square.site/product/2023-aiaa-sd-and-wi3dp-kickoff-meeting/39
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9hkbMirxbbShaTRC6
AIAA Trivia Night!
Join us for a fun Aerospace Trivia Night!
Test your aerospace trivia skills and earn some prizes!
Join AIAA San Diego for a fun trivia night mixer!
This is also a great opportunity for AIAA student members to meet AIAA professional members!
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZRjy0cGUHGjlyRjyqiuSf42V2pVU0L5R/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ktPQRm743AGwvdQR8
AIAA San Diego Section Awards & Scholarship Gala Event at Allen Airways Flying Museum
Join us as we tour Allen Airway’s Flying Museum at Gilliespie Field Airport and celebrate great engineering projects, persons and Reuben H. Fleet student scholarship winners!
AIAA Trivia Night!
Join us for a fun Aerospace Trivia Night!
Test your aerospace trivia skills and earn some prizes!
Join AIAA San Diego for a fun trivia night mixer!
This is also a great opportunity for AIAA student members to meet AIAA professional members that could be sponsors for the RHF Scholarship!
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CSisqaZDTJLLYxCA4vqk3D-0c8nzTiVh/
AIAA Women in History
Women’s History Month in Aerospace
Mini-Symposium – 3 presentations – 25 minutes each
Join AIAA San Diego for a mini-symposium celebrating women in aerospace. This event will have three presentations with time for Q&A.
This is also a great opportunity for AIAA student members to meet AIAA professional members that could be sponsors for the RHF Scholarship!
Please RSVP using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9aRQlCeIZRvUwUA53pZ7DH_25UomGP5e1JCcyPfXSpQHzYw/viewform?usp=pp_url
Link to Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bue-1KyzY2B2eGmCEUFVIqhN1N5qbIqU/view?usp=sharing
