My name is Kishan Vahalia, and I am a junior at the University of Nebraska Omaha studying Professional Flight and Aviation Management. In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) counted 138,960 active piston aircraft flying more than 16 million hours in the United States. Many of these aircraft still rely on leaded aviation gasoline, or avgas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that piston aircraft emitted approximately 470 tons of lead in 2017, accounting for around 70 percent of the lead released into the nation’s air that year. Meanwhile, global aviation emitted roughly 882 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023. Aviation gives people the freedom of flight and connects communities, but these benefits come with environmental costs we can’t ignore. Aviation’s environmental impact is the issue within the industry that frustrates me most. Though aviation connects communities, industries, and people around the world, these benefits can be overshadowed by each flight’s environmental impact. Learning about carbon and lead emissions has made me more aware and cautious about the future of our environment. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change, while lead emissions can affect air quality and the health of communities near airports. According to the EPA, even low lead levels in blood can affect a child’s IQ, attention, and academic achievement. Because aviation is the field in which I hope to build my career, I feel a personal responsibility to understand these consequences and help address them. As I researched this issue, I began to think differently about the future I wanted in aviation. From a young age, I was drawn to flying as a career. Today, I am pursuing my instrument rating as I work toward a career as a professional corporate pilot with a background in aviation management. However, understanding that our future depends on the actions we take now pushed me to figure out what I could realistically do to help shed light on this topic. This past summer, I took the initiative to create Project Owl, an independent research project that examined practical ways to reduce the environmental and public-health effects of general aviation. I studied electric propulsion, hybrid-electric propulsion, aircraft performance, and the challenges involved in developing cleaner aircraft that are capable of meeting real-world operational and training requirements. I believe progress begins with understanding a problem accurately. Clear, evidence-backed information better equips people to make informed decisions and support new ideas. My education will help me continue addressing this issue. Studying aviation operations, safety, aircraft performance, and management will strengthen my understanding of the technical causes of emissions and the operational realities that shape the industry today. That knowledge will help me pursue realistic solutions that account for both environmental concerns and the practical needs of aviation. Though I may not personally design a new aircraft or develop an alternative fuel, I can still make a difference as an informed aviation professional who advocates for environmental responsibility within aviation. I can support efficient operating practices, stay informed about cleaner technologies, and help make environmental performance a regular part of industry conversations. I want Project Owl to become research that people can actually use when thinking about cleaner aviation. Aviation has given me a future to work toward, but it has also given me a responsibility to think beyond my own career. Through my education, future career, and Project Owl, I want to bring greater attention to the environmental and public-health consequences of aviation’s carbon and lead emissions, and help turn awareness into meaningful progress. Thank you for your consideration.

1.) So far I am accruing hours for my Private Pilot License, so far having around 30 hours. I have passed the FAA written test, flown my first solo, hold a first class medical certificate, flown my first solo, and have earned over 30 college credits at Metropolitan State University of Denver for their flight program, as a senior in high school. 2.) Aviation has always captivated me – the idea of conquering the skies, and exploring the world from a unique perspective. Now, I stand on the precipice of my college career, eager to transform this childhood dream into a reality, pursuing a degree in aviation with the goal of becoming an airline pilot. This fascination began when I was six years old, during my first commercial flight from Chicago to Denver. As I stepped on that plane, the pilot invited me to sit in his chair and explore the cockpit. Its intricate array of instruments and controls looked like a futuristic spaceship to my young eyes. This moment sparked a curiosity. This is when I knew I wanted to experience the thrill of flying. So far, my senior year has been a testament to the multifaceted nature of my pursuits, from college applications, to managing the rigor of AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP US Government, and other dual enrollment classes, posing a desired challenge to prepare for my future. Outside of school, I spend most of my time at the airport, accruing flight hours to earn my private pilot license. When I’m not flying, I work as a lifeguard, I’m an editor and column writer for my high school’s newspaper, I’m a member of my school’s Eco Club, and I continue to practice my shooting skills and serve as a captain of the Colorado State Air Rifle Team. I've recently developed a passion for astronomy, spending countless nights exploring the cosmos through my telescope. These nights I’ve spent observing celestial bodies have not only expanded my understanding of the universe but have also fostered a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for our world, qualities that will continue to fuel my passion for exploration, which aviation would allow me to do. Prior to my senior year, I completed ground school and began my flight training, with the goal of achieving my private pilot license before starting college. My first flights were exhilarating, where the steep turns and stalls felt similar to an endless roller coaster full of twists and turns at 10,000 feet up in the air. Now, as I navigate traffic patterns and communicate with Air Traffic Control, I'm experiencing the growing confidence of flying, as I inch my way closer to my oral exam and my check-ride. My aspiration to become a Professional Airline Pilot extends beyond personal ambition. I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with full dedication. I strive to demonstrate that pursuing one's passions, even those that may seem unconventional, can lead to inner-fulfillment and achievement. As an aspiring pilot, I envision contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation, advocating for environmentally responsible practices such as exploring alternative fuels and optimizing flight routes to minimize our environmental impact. I am eager to contribute to an industry that connects people and cultures while minimizing its footprint on our planet. This scholarship would not only provide valuable financial support to finish pursuing my private pilot license, but also serve as a testament to my commitment to pursue aviation in college.