Unemployed Indian’s Home-Made Aircraft Runs On Aa Maruti Omni Engine

The 26-year old built the aircraft out of sheer frustration that he could not secure a job all these years. He first used two bike engines, but later used the engine out of a Maruti Suzuki Omni which he bought from a scrap dealer. The single-seater aircraft weighs around 350 kg and measures a meter in length. It is supported by a sturdy steel frame. For reference, the Maruti Omni is powered by an 800 cc three-cylinder unit capable of 34.7 PS and 59 Nm of torque.

Wajid built the aircraft based on his past training in aero-modeling while he was with the NCC (National Cadet Corps). Equipped with a 25 liter fuel tank, the home-made aircraft runs on petrol and can sustain in air for 10 km, claims Wajid. It costed him INR 5 lakhs to build it.

When asked about the safety equipment on-board, Wajid said that he would keep a parachute with him once he received the necessary permission to fly it. While a permission is required to fly the aircraft, his village’s additional district magistrate stated that only the civil aviation ministry (DGCA) could grant a permission.

The aircraft, as seen in the video, has working flap elements, a tail rudder and a pivotable nose wheel. While it may look crude from the outside, one has to certainly appreciate the Wajid’s self-belief and can-do attitude.

“All I want is to show to 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”, Wajid told a newspaper.