WHILE it's theoretically impossible to live in the skies, one man has gotten as close as humanly possible. Jon Kotwicki, a former pilot and previous owner of a flight school in Florida, has turned jet planes into homes . The flying enthusiast owns FLY8MA Pilot Lounge , a flight school that offers flying lessons, scenic views of Alaska, and hands-on pilot training.
The school grounds include over 100 acres of land, which initially began as a runway. Once the business gained traction, the former pilot was able to add cabins to accommodate students and tourists. On-site at FLY8MA are two converted planes, a McDonnell Douglas DC-6 and a McDonnell Douglass DC-9, that Kotwicki has transformed into homes, wings and all.
Read More on Travel His first plane-to-home project, the DC-6 in the past, used to fly fuel to villages in Alaska. After heavy renovations, the plane's inner body boasts two bedrooms, a bathroom, and even a fire pit on the wing deck. Interested travelers can even rent the place out for a nice on Airbnb.
Kotwicki recently opened bookings for the DHL DC-9, accommodating larger groups with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Most read in Travel Fancy upgrades added a sauna, hot tub, and heated floors, accommodating up to seven guests for a first-class experience. Travelers can book a stay, but it's not cheap—it'll cost $899 a night.
However, the inclusions, such as an outdoor shower, lake access, ski lifts, a BBQ grill, and pets allowed on the grounds, may make the stay worthwhile. Guests can sit in the plane's cockpit for a unique "private jet" experience. The DC-9 also comes stocked with complimentary snacks and firewood for all guests' wood-burning needs in Alaska's chilly climate.
Kotwicki added that his line of aerial shelters doesn't stop there, with plans for additions to his Mile High Club. He revealed that he's working on renovating a Boeing 727, which will be turned into a lodge space for guests. In an interview with CNN , he explained that there'll “be a big kitchen in there, big dining room table.
People can have meals together." "We’ll have a hot tub on the wings, couches. The tail of it, I’m really excited for because that’ll be a rooftop deck.
" The deck, he added, will include a “nice little fire pit to hang out and everything.” Read More on The US Sun Kotwicki has also purchased a fourth plane, the military-grade Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. His long-term plans, he explained to CNN, is to create his "own little airport amusement park.
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