Rzeszow University of Technology’s history dates from 1951, when the Engineering School was opened following the initiative of the employees of Rzeszow PZL factory, organised into the Association of Polish Engineers and Technicians. Mechanical engineers were educated in evening classes to support operations at PZL, a communications equipment maker. The newly-created polytechnic underwent various developmental phases; in 1952 it was subordinate to the Engineering Evening School in Cracow, and in 1955 its overseer was the Cracow University of Technology. In September of that year the first class of engineers, 24 in all, graduated from the school.In 1960, full-time studies were commenced, with local staff assuming responsibility from its overseer for instruction, administration and operations throughout the decade. During this time, the school blossomed into the Higher Engineering School of Technology and Mechanical Engineering and expanded its range of subjects with the addition of Faculties of Chemical Technology, Civil and Environmental, and Electrical Engineering. In 1972 a significant event in the development of the University took place, as the Department of Aeronautics was founded and the instruction of personnel for the aviation industry began in earnest.