Bangladeshi Youth Builds and Flies His Own Aircraft, Defying All Odds

Manikganj, Bangladesh – March 4, 2025: In a groundbreaking achievement that stunned locals and officials alike, a young man from Manikganj has successfully built and flown his own aircraft, proving that passion and determination can turn even the most ambitious dreams into reality.

Julhas Molla, a 28-year-old electronic mechanic from Shaitghar Teota village in Shibaloy upazila, took to the skies in an ultralight aircraft that he built with his own hands. The historic flight took place on the banks of the Jamuna River in the Jafarganj area, where thousands of curious spectators gathered to witness the event. Senior district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, were also present to see this rare feat.

From Dream to Reality

Julhas's journey to this moment was anything but easy. Growing up in a financially struggling family, he could not pursue higher education despite excelling in his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams. However, his passion for aviation never faded. Working as an electrician in Dhaka, he spent his weekly holidays researching and working on his dream project.

His fascination with flight began four years ago when he started building radio-controlled (RC) aircraft. Watching aviation videos online fueled his desire to create something much bigger—an aircraft he could pilot himself. After years of research and multiple trial runs, he finally succeeded in constructing a functional, full-scale ultralight aircraft.

The Aircraft and Its Features

Julhas’s aircraft, weighing over 100 kilograms, is built using aluminum, stainless steel, and iron. The wings, covered with durable fabric, span 32 feet, while the body stretches 18 feet in length. Powered by a 7-horsepower water pump engine, the aircraft can take off at 45 km/h and reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h in the air.

The fuel-efficient engine runs on petrol or octane, consuming just one liter of fuel for every 25 to 30 kilometers of flight. Julhas’s maiden flight saw him reach an altitude of 50 feet before making a safe landing, marking a significant milestone in his self-driven aviation journey.

Challenges and Determination

Building the aircraft was no easy task. Financial limitations and a lack of access to advanced engineering knowledge made the process even more challenging. But Julhas remained undeterred. He spent three years on research and another year constructing the aircraft, investing approximately Tk 8 lakh into the project.

His first attempt at flying a manned aircraft in 2024 was a partial success, as it managed to lift only 10 to 12 feet off the ground. Instead of giving up, he dismantled and redesigned the aircraft, refining it for a full year before achieving his successful flight in 2025.

Support and Future Aspirations

The local administration has acknowledged Julhas’s incredible achievement. Deputy Commissioner Manowar Hossain Molla assured that the government would provide financial assistance and technical support to encourage his work.

Julhas envisions a future where locally manufactured ultralight aircraft become a reality. With proper funding and sponsorship, he believes his designs can be further improved, making small, affordable aircraft accessible for training and experimental purposes in Bangladesh.

A Community Effort

Julhas’s success is not his alone—it is a shared victory for his family, friends, and supporters who stood by him. Though initially skeptical, his family eventually rallied behind his ambitious project, providing emotional and moral support throughout his journey.

Beyond his local community, Julhas has also gained recognition through his YouTube channel, RC Life, where he documents his experiments and shares his aviation innovations with a global audience. His channel has not only helped him connect with other aviation enthusiasts but has also inspired many young minds to pursue their own dreams in technology and engineering.

Looking Ahead

While Julhas’s aircraft may not match the technological advancements of modern aviation, his journey is a testament to human perseverance. Without a formal engineering education or access to advanced resources, he built an aircraft from scratch and proved that innovation knows no boundaries.

His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, dreamers, and anyone who dares to think beyond limitations. With the right support, his pioneering work in aviation could be the start of something revolutionary for Bangladesh.