No ‘plane’ sailing but his jet is almost ready for take-off  

After overcoming many challenges, Zephanias Sithole from Windmill Park has now literally set the sky as the limit by building his own private jet, a project he has dubbed Fly Pootezeff Aerospace ZX.

The 25-year-old, who was born and raised in the community, explained that he has always been good with his hands.

This skill led him to leave school and attend Jeppe College, where he received a certificate in AutoCAD (computer-aided design software).

Now there is a beautiful jet in Zephanias’s backyard, adorned with an image of late President Nelson Mandela and with seats already installed.

Regarding the project, he said it all started with a vision he had.

“I didn’t have any financial support but I fought for my dream and began building the jet in 2019.”

He designed the jet himself and is constructing it with his own hands, using aluminum and fibreglass.

“I’ve spent countless hours working on the jet. It has space for 15 passengers and will be capable of flying across the country. I don’t have any aspirations of becoming a pilot. I just wanted to build the jet.”

Challenges

However, getting the project off the ground wasn’t easy; financial constraints made the journey difficult. Money from the family’s spaza shop helped fund the project.

Additionally, space in the backyard poses a challenge as it is too small for Zephanias to be able to attach the jet’s wings.

“I’m also in need of funds for an engine and assistance with the legalities to get the plane in the air.

“I hope the government can get involved and connect me with the right people. We need to empower people in South Africa.”

Zephanias hopes to share his jet’s design with other companies, and dreams of eventually building a larger aeroplane capable of flying internationally.

The community has been intrigued by the jet, and locals frequently ask him about the project.

“I’m also handing out T-shirts with my logo to help promote it,” Zephanias said.

Advice

Zephanias’s advice to young people looking to take on similar projects is simple: “Leave behind bad habits and focus on big things. Make things happen for yourself.”

Anyone who would like to become involved with Zephanias’s project can contact him on 071 593 2871.

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