South African press is reporting the story of an unemployed 35-year old man who had a dream of controlling a helicopter and he decided to build one.
Originally from Eastern Cape, Vusimuzi Mbatha said he became fascinated with helicopters after seeing one during a strike on the platinum belt in North West in 2014.
“I dreamt I was controlling a helicopter. That was in January last year, during the strike in the platinum mines. The dream continued and I decided to follow it. It was easy to build this helicopter because I have a vision of what I wanted to do,” he said.
He said he started to buy parts, bit by bit, and used scrap metal to build his helicopter.
The giant helicopter stands proud in front of his shack, attracting locals to take a look at the metal giant with a roaring engine.
“We thought he was playing when he started to assemble it. We did not see it until today [18 June]. All we heard was the roar of an engine and rotating rotor,” said Kgositsile Lumko.
“We are surprised. We never expected something like this to come from our area. This guy is talented. [The] government needs to help him to take his dream further.”
The helicopter sports a television set, a clock on the back of a seat, and a two way- radio. It has a green and a red light on its tail that flash at night. Its engine is powered by petrol and a motorbike battery is used to propel the rotor. The rotor hub is housed in an old cold drink crate.
The cockpit is also built out of cold drink crates. A fire extinguisher is located on the left side of the helicopter. It stands on a four-wheeled trolley built out of scrap metal.
“The clock helps me to know what time the flight took place and what time I return.”
The steering wheel is made from a PlayStation control. There is also a clutch and an accelerator.
The question now is – will the aircraft (ever) get cleared for take off – and who will trust him enough to get on that aircraft?
