During my childhood days, a visit to my hometown's small airport on weekends was

a regular chore. I was always fascinated by what I saw. Though the noise made by
the aircrafts while taking off and landing was deafening to others present there, it
was merely a melody to my ears. I was amazed about how a giant machine could
soar so swiftly in the air. This was the fuel that lighted up the fire inside me.
Frankly, I always wanted to be a pilot. And not just any pilot, I wanted to be a
Research Test Pilot. As a kid, I always used to watch programs like Wings and
Wheels on Discovery Channel. Unfortunately, at a very early age, this precious
dream of mine was cut short by a visit to the family optometrist. But I was not going
to let this disappointment distance me from airplanes; the one thing that I love
unconditionally. Thus I decided to pursue my studies in the field of
Aerospace/Aeronautics.
All men share one dream deeply; having made one machine which they can credit
to themselves. Fortunately, I have had the pleasure and honor of creating two
machines. In my second year, I was part of Team Jaabaz, VIT University's SAE Mini
Baja team, where we designed and fabricated a Mini Baja ATV. The team won the
national level design award for its design. In my third year, I wanted to further my
passion of aircrafts, thus I started and captained VIT University's first team for SAE
Aero Design West called Assailing Falcons. I took to aeromodeling and have a flying
experience of 2 years to my credit.
During my time with Assailing Falcons, I had to take up studying the basics of
Aerospace/Aeronautics as this was not a part of the regular curriculum at VIT
University. I was reminded of my childhood days of schooling. One particular
experiment that is performed by almost all the teachers teaching the physics class
in third or fourth grade "how a wing reacts when subjected to wind" It was then that
I realized the true beauty of airplanes. So many laws of physics govern the flight of
an airplane, but still it beats one major law; the law of gravity.
Having learnt the basics strongly, I decided to test myself to know how much I really
understood the subject. Thus for my Design Project, I chose to study Selig 1223RTL
Airfoil under various flight conditions as compared to the conventional airfoils. I was
amazed to actually see how a simple change in geometry of an airfoil could change
its flight characteristics significantly. My passion for airplanes just grew.
I decided to play a strong gamble. For my final year project, which has the highest
number of credits, I chose a topic never plodded by any students. I decided to take
up five unsymmetrical airfoils with high camber and test them experimentally and
by simulations. Then from the two airfoils with the most promising results, generate
my own airfoil and compare it to the conventional airfoils. The result was NG7206,
an airfoil that has proven both experimentally and by simulation; its prowess in the
skies.
I don't believe that learning should be limited to classroom teaching. From my
experience that I have gained I believe that research is necessary to acquire data
and formulate theories, but it is just as important to know how to apply those

theories and use that data in the real world.

Though my grades might not reflect as shiny and bright as the next student's; they
belong to me truly, as I have earned them, not produce photocopies of textbook on
my answer sheet. I guess what I am trying to convey here is that I have tried really
hard to grow as an engineer at my university by getting my hands dirty be it on the
race track during the SAE Mini Baja competition or on the airfield during SAE Aero
Design West competition.
I know that graduate school means a serious commitment towards what one really
loves doing and I am ready for that. My goal in life has always been and will be
developing the Indian aviation scenario. I want to work towards greener aircrafts,
cheaper aviation travels and an advanced Indian Aviation sector.
To achieve the goals that I have set for myself and to work in the sector of industry
that I am truly dedicated to, I feel that the best choice for me is Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University. One of the professors who have inspired me is Professor
Snorri Gudmundsson, who comes directly from the industry. From reading about
him, I feel that my graduate studies at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University can
really benefit by working under him for his research.
Yours Sincerely,
Niket Ghelani.
Thanking you in advance for your help.