JN and Stephanie, with creativity, turned retired planes into a unique living space in Alaska, creating an exceptional blend of a flight school and overnight stay. The airplane house stands out with its wing deck, cockpit, and functional cargo door.
Originally planning traditional facilities, the couple shifted focus during construction, choosing a cost-effective approach by repurposing retired aircraft. The Boeing 727 and DC9 were acquired as scrap metal for under $100,000 each, though transport costs exceeded $100,000 per plane.
To secure the structure against earthquakes and winds, they anchored it by driving 7-inch piles 20 feet into the ground, welding and bolting the planes to them. The 700-square-foot interior features a mudroom, mechanical space, and living area, preserving the original cargo door and a flight-sim equipped cockpit. Plans include integrating the flight controls with Microsoft’s simulator. JN describes their creation as “a work in progress,” emphasizing the ongoing transformation.
