Chinese Man Makes Interesting Choice after Being Laid-Off

What would do with your life after getting fired in your 40s? Start a job hunt right away, or give yourself some time to take a rest?

He Qilun, a laid-off worker in Chongqing, Sichuan Province of China presents us his answer in the form of this hybrid animal – a three-wheeler-turned helicopter. The 47-year old who has been studying mechanics and engineering from his teens, has long dreamed of making a helicopter himself. From 2002, he’s begun collecting parts and accessories whilst pondering how to achieve his dream.

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The vehicle caught a lot of attention in He’s community. “I want to apply for a Guinness World Records and a patent for my invention,” He proudly told the reporter, smiling. Nearly all of the parts on it are from some motors he’s repaired. “Its empennage (tail assembly) will only be unfolded during flying,” He explained attentively.

“From Aerodynamics’ point of view, it’s not possible to fly a helicopter by using only airscrew and empennage,” Wei Lin, a deputy dean of the Civil Aviation Flight University of China told the press. He doesn’t seem discouraged by this, and the Xiagang worker (a Chinese euphemism for being unemployed) is determined to take flight soon.

Life is hard these days for laid-off workers like Mr.He, especially as the Consumer Price Index hit 11-year highs in the Middle Kingdom. According to statistics published by a recent issue of the Economist, the unemployment rate in China is 9.5 per cent last year, nearly twice that of the U.S., which reported a rate of 4.8 percent in January of 2008.

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