From
Outlook India
Police stop Baghpat villager's 'test-flight'
MEERUT (UP), MAY 4 (PTI)
He wanted to fly high, but the hand of law stopped his take-off.
Mustkeem, a vegetable seller of Ratool village in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, claims to have made a 3.5 metre-long two-seater helicopter using parts of tractor, scooter and autorickshaw.
As the 24-year-old prepared to fly the 'home-made helicopter' from an open ground at the village yesterday, police arrived at the spot and took him into custody. He was later freed following requests by villagers, but only after giving an undertaking that he would not fly the machine.
District Magistrate G D Tripathi today said Mustkeem has not taken permission for the 'test-flying' and has been asked to approach the Civil Aviation Ministry to present his case. "Only after some experts checking and okaying the machine he may be allowed to fly," the DM said.
Mustkeem claims he has spent Rs 50,000 to prepare the copter, fitted with two engines. But he also admits that it might have some shortcomings which will be known only after flying it.
Meanwhile, people from the neighbouring areas are thronging the village to have a look at Mustkeem's 'dream machine'.
and from
NDTV.com
Experts meet copter innovator
NDTV Correspondent
Sunday, May 7, 2006 (Baghpat):
A two-member team of the National Innovation Foundation today visited Mustakeen, a college drop out in Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh who made a helicopter for Rs one lakh.
The foundation will now approach the National Aeronautical Laboratory in Bangalore for expert opinion on whether the helicopter is actually airworthy.
For the moment Mustakeen has not been allowed to fly the helicopter as he does not have a pilot's license.