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The airplane was inspired by a Japanese World War II design.

After years of saving money, watching YouTube videos and collecting recycled materials, a Cambodian man has built his own airplane.

Despite having never been on a plane in his life, Paen Long has held a passion for aviation since he was a little boy.

But it wasn't until later in life when the car mechanic had saved up some money that he decided to build his own one-seater plane based on a World War II plane design.

"I started building a plane, making it in secret," Long, who lives on the side of a highway, told the BBC.

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"I was afraid that people would make fun of me, so sometimes I worked at night."

It took the 30-year-old three years to finish the plane that comes complete with a plastic chair as the pilot's seat and a gas-container fuselage.

However, despite his determination and hard work, Long only managed to reach a height of 50 metres on his inaugural test flight in March.

"I was standing there and tears came down [my cheeks]. I felt emotional, because I couldn't bear all the things they were saying to me," Long told the website about his failed attempt in front of neighbours.

Nevertheless, the father of two has decided to take on a new challenge and plans to build a seaplane.

The amateur engineer said he spent more than US$10,000 (NZ$13,870) on the plane and has already spent $3,000 on his next model. 

"I never thought about spending money on other things," he says. "I never feel regret about spending all this money."

 - Stuff