This Man Single-Handedly Built a Plane in His Village Using a Second-Hand Maruti Van Engine
After spending years trying unsuccessfully to get a job, Abdul Wajid set out to prove his worth by single-handedly building a plane.
Getting a job in this day and age can be a gruelling and taxing experience. Not only is it tough to find job opportunities in your area of interest, but it is tougher still to set yourself apart from the ever-increasing number of applicants. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities coming his way, Abdul Wajid of Muzaffarnagar District set out to gain an edge over his competition. His solution? To build a plane – from scratch!
After completing his schooling in his hometown of Kaserva village, Wajid made his way to Delhi University to pursue his graduation. It was during his days as an NCC cadet that Wajid first developed a keen interest in aeronautics. He began to explore the world of aero-modelling during camps like the Vayu Sena camp organised by the group. He even went on to get a C-Certificate from the NCC’s Air Force Wing.
Wajid was also given the opportunity to train in aero-modelling at the Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi, an experience that only cemented his love for aeronautics.
After his graduation, Wajid began the dreaded job hunt. With every unsuccessful attempt, his frustration only grew. Days turned to weeks, months and years. With no job in sight, Wajid’s frustration soon turned to anger and a fierce determination to prove his worth.
He set himself a daunting task: to channel his love for aeronautics and aero-modelling into building a plane.
Today, the 26-year-old is the proud creator of a one-metre long plane that he has built from scratch. The plane weighs around 350 kgs. The wooden structure of the plane is supported by a sturdy steel frame.
Image for representation only. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Wajid has also fitted the plane with a second-hand Maruti van engine he purchased from a scrap shop. The plane can sustain itself in the air for 10 kms with its 25 litre fuel tank.
Building the plane cost Wajid around Rs. 5 lakh, a cost that his family, friends and generous villagers helped him bear.
Wajid told The Times of India: “All I wanted to do was to show all those who have found me worthless what I can do. I do not want anything more. The day this plane makes its first sortie, I am sure aviation industry will take note of it. Someone may employ me, train me further and utilise my services. At least the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister might provide me some monetary assistance as he has done in several other cases in the past.”
Says village head Mohammad Akhlaq, “This will be a historic moment for the village. Earlier, we used to think it was some kind of a joke, but this boy actually made a small plane ready to fly. Now, he has the support of the entire village.”
Wajid is currently waiting to get the requisite permissions to fly the plane and is even planning to meet the civil aviation minister for the same: “If I can construct an aircraft in a remote village of UP, I can also secure permission to fly it,” he says with pride.
Featured image source: India.com
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