CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT BUILDS JET ENGINE FROM SCRATCH

At just 14 years old, Che Jingang is already doing what most aspiring engineers only dream about—building a working turbojet engine from scratch. His fascination with flight began in kindergarten, experimenting with paper planes and questioning how they stayed airborne. That curiosity quickly turned into serious study, with Che dedicating hours each day to aeronautics, teaching himself calculus, aerodynamics, and advanced design software like CAD and SolidWorks before finishing elementary school.

Rather than copying existing designs, Che chose the harder path: creating his own. He meticulously designed each component, ran simulations, and documented his journey online, where a community of enthusiasts offered support and advice. His first prototype failed, revealing issues with fuel systems and alignment—but he treated it as a lesson, not a defeat.

Now, Che is refining his design and preparing for another test. His story is a reminder that persistence and curiosity can take you far—even to the edge of flight.