The Rochester Institute of Technology Aviation Club was originally started as the General Aviation Ground School Association around 1965. The purpose of the group was to provide ground school instruction, as well as to organize social activities for those interested aviation. Robert Tompkins, an instructor in RIT's printing department, served as the ground school teacher. The course was designed to help members earn their private pilot certification. Some of the social events included aviation films and lectures by experts in aircraft and flight technology. The club also helped members stay informed of developments in both military and commercial aviation. In 1974, the group revised its constitution with its new stated purposes being: to promote general aviation in accordance with the Federal Aviation Agency; to better acquaint the members with general aviation rules and regulations; to introduce new instructional materials to private and commercial pilots; and to teach the student pilot pertinent information about flying. Another goal mentioned in the club's constitution was to "eventually have our own aircraft for the members to use." This suggestion had been made as early as 1969. It is unclear whether this goal ever came to fruition. As of 2011, the Rochester Institute of Technology still had an Aviation and Pilot Club for "future pilots" and "aviation enthusiasts."
From the description of RIT Aviation Club records 1967-1981 (RIT Library). WorldCat record id: 756932902
