Considering the intense research potentials and rapid growth in the field of aviation at that time, it was decided to establish the faculty of Aeronautical Engineering at IIT Kanpur.

A Rohini glider, designed and developed at Technical Center of Civil Aviation Department and manufactured at HAL, was the jewel in the crown of the Flight Lab.

The open cockpit, side-by-side seating, fabric covered wooden structure glider became very popular among students and used extensively for research work.

swung into action and the gliders were aero-towed to desired heights with students on board for the complex studies of aerodynamics and flight mechanics.

The excitement of positive- and negative- 'G's, long soaring flights or a first solo provided a special thrill and were keenly awaited.