Zhou Yue is a farmer from Kaiyuan, Liaoning province, China, who built a life-size replica of an Airbus A320 airplane.
Early Influences
Zhou Yue’s fascination with airplanes began in childhood. Growing up near an airport in Kaiyuan, the sight of planes landing and taking off sparked his dream. Aviation expert Dr. Mei Chen says, “Zhou’s passion for aviation from an early age is a perfect example of how exposure to certain environments can ignite lifelong interests.”
Construction
Despite having no formal training in aircraft design or engineering, Zhou relied on determination. He used a toy model of an Airbus A320, online images, and his welding skills to bring his vision to life.
With the help of fellow aircraft enthusiasts, he spent two years and over 375,000 USD (2-6 million Yuan) building the plane. They used more than 60 tons of steel to create the 37-meter-long fuselage, 36-meter-long wings, and a highly detailed cockpit.
Zhou paid meticulous attention to detail. He included features like a replica cockpit with instruments, passenger seating rows, and even a galley area. Although it’s a static model, he transformed the replica into a diner, offering a unique and luxurious dining experience with 36 first-class seats and a red carpet.
Challenges
Building a life-sized airplane replica, even as a static model, came with numerous challenges:
Financial Constraints: Zhou had to sell his car and invest much of his savings to fund the project.
Technical Difficulties: Figuring out the structural design and ensuring stability presented significant engineering challenges.
Logistical Hurdles: Sourcing and transporting materials to the site posed logistical issues.
Aviation engineer Dr. Li Fang comments, “What Zhou accomplished with little technical knowledge is extraordinary. His dedication shows that passion can push the boundaries of what’s possible in personal projects.”
Zhou envisions expanding his efforts by creating a “plane park” with various aircraft models, aiming to further share his passion with the public.
