Local helicopter maker to lead K-P’s aircraft production

Locally built ultralight aircraft to be used for tourism, rescue

PESHAWAR:

A man, who had built an ultralight helicopter in his backyard along with his brother, will now lead a provincial project to build ultralight aircraft which will be used for tourism and rescue purposes.

Last year, Qazi Sajjad, a former air force employee from the Landi Arbab area of Peshawar, had gained fame after a video showing him build his helicopter from scavenged and repurposed parts became viral.

He has now been nominated by the provincial government as the research and development coordinator for local production of aircraft and helicopters.

Adviser to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister on Science and Information Technology (IT) Zia Bangash on Monday said that researchers, engineers, and scientists of the province will be facilitated in creating indigenous solutions.

The adviser disclosed this while addressing a meeting of local researchers.

He said that 60-year-old Sajjad had over four decades of expertise in the sector and had built helicopters and light aircraft together with his brother and nephews. Not only did he built them, but he also demonstrated their viability through successful flights, Bangash added.

The official said that the provincial government will provide Sajjad with all possible support to establish a research workshop along with assistance in coordination with local and international companies.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2020.