He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run. One cannot fly into flying. And N R Mohanty, Chairman, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has his foot firmly placed on solid rock and his dreams high up above the sky. A man who has come a long way through his sheer determination and gumption, Mohanty's achievement is well etched in the annals of HAL. Having worked with aviation industry for several years, Mohanty carries with him diverse and rich experience in aviation management. A man who believes in earthly realities and grounding the day-to-day hurdles with a knocking speed, Mohanty has helped the HAL reach the height of professional excellence.

HAL is one of the largest public sector undertakings under the Department of Defence Production and Supplies. It has 16 production units and 9 research and design centres in different parts of the country and has to its credit 12 types of aircraft and 13 types by license production. The credit of making HAL one of the pioneers in the field of aeronautics production goes to people like Mohanty who have worked day in and day out to bring HAL where it is today. The HAL so far has produced more than 3352 aircraft including 11 types of indigenous design, 3583 engines and overhauled over 8141 aircraft and 27267 engines.

At a time when there is a tough competition in the aviation sector, HAL is diversifying and redefining its strategies to garner the maximum benefits, both in the domestic and international market. And the man behind HAL's new vision is none other than Mohanty. As a result of his and his predecessor's dynamic leadership, HAL has been successfully carrying out research and development programmes for both the military and civil aviation sectors. It has made considerable progress in some key areas like Tejas-Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Dhruv -Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and various other upgrades.

Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have already incorporated the Dhruv range in its armoury. Few people know that HAL has been playing a vital strategic role in India's space programmes also. It has contributed significantly by playing a major role in the manufacturing of satellite launch vehicles like GSLV (Geo Stationary Launch Vehicle), IRS (Indian Remote Satellite), PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and INSAT (Indian National Satellite). The track record of HAL's achievement is unparallel, so is of Mohanty, who has now become almost synonymous with giving new operations a successful take off. With Mohanty who is also president of Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) at the cockpit, the future of HAL is secured in an experienced hand.