Wu Zhongyuan, a farmer from China’s Henan province, has built himself a helicopter using steel pipes, a motorcycle engine, and wood from an Elm tree—all for around $1,600.

The 20-year-old has had no formal training in aviation or aeronautics. He says he built the aircraft relying on what he remembers of middle school Physics lessons and some information he got from the internet using his cell phone.

Wu claims his creation can get him as high as 800 feet. Unfortunately, he cannot fly his helicopter anymore, because the provincial government has stopped the flight for safety reasons.

What a shame!

Well, the aircraft doesn’t look exceptional, but you try building a helicopter with your own hands. I can’t even make a small kite with mine.

WATCH:

[Ananova via Inventor Spot]