ALAPPUZHA: Just like assembling bicycle parts at home, Ashok Thamarakshan, a resident of Alappuzha, has built a four-seater plane in Britain and flown in it with his wife and two young children. He has named the flight after his younger daughter-G-Diya. The G in the name symbolizes Great Britain.

Ashok, an automobile engineer at Ford Company, is the son of RSP leader and former MLA Prof AV Thamarakshan and Dr Sukritha Latha.

The aircraft was built during the lockdown with the support of Abhilasha Dubey, her insurance company official wife, who hails from North India. He did a one-and-a-half-year pilot course to fly the plane. Though he tried for a second-hand plane, it failed. Then he decided to make one by buying a kit.

Machine parts were imported from South Africa. The engine belongs to the Rotax company of Austria. Avionics equipment was also purchased from Garmin Company of America. He started the works in April 2020 after constructing a shed near to the house.

At each stage, there was inspection by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The final stage of construction took place in a hangar in Britain. It flew for the first time last February after three months of continuous testing.

It is also allowed to fly to the US, Canada and France. In order to bring it to India, there is a need for special permission. The rule is to fly at least 100 hours a year. Therefore, trips are made with at least three pilots who are friends. The aircraft can fly for 7 hours continuously.

Ashok is now at his family house near the Alappuzha Collectorate with his wife and children. He will return to the UK after celerating Onam.

Total cost-Rs 1.75 crores

Speed-250 km

Weight-520 kg

Can carry 950 kg weight