Bookings Now Open For the Plane-turned-Scenic-Cabins

In Big Lake, Alaska, a former commercial pilot is turning out-of-service jets into the Four Seasons of Aviation. Two accommodations are currently on site, including a McDonnell Douglas DC-6 and DC-9.

The man behind the plan is Jon Kotwicki, a previous Floridian flight school owner and commercial pilot. In 2018, he founded a flight and ground school called FLY8MA. Their programs help over 10,000 students earn their licenses each year.

Realizing student’s need for nearby housing, Kotwicki decided to construct cabins on site. It started with studio-style housing, but he later decided to go big or go home.

The first jet conversion was a 1956 McDonnell Douglas DC-6. It has a two-bed and one-bath design, featuring a pullout couch for extra guests, a spacious kitchen, and even a walkout wing deck with a grill.

Kotwicki and his construction team recently finished fixing up their second aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9. It has all the bells and whistles, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna and hot tub, and heated floors. Now, they’re beginning conversion on a Boeing 727, which will be turned into a central social area for guests to hang out. They also plan to put a rooftop deck on the tail.

As if these three projects weren’t enough, Kotwicki just purchased a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. This is a retired military transport aircraft produced in the early 1950s.

“It’s fun, whether it’s grown adults just in awe of the place, or it’s kids running up and down the whole length of the airplane, going crazy and running to the cockpit,” he told CNN. “It’s frustrating and stressful and overwhelming and expensive to do these things – but it’s rewarding.”

The rest of the site is just as unique, with 2 runways, various engine and propeller artifacts, cross-country skiing trails, and plans for a frisbee golf course and volleyball court.

“I have a tendency to go a little overboard,” Kotwicki commented.

Bookings for the jet-homes are available on Airbnb or as add-ons for FLY8MA students. Rental goes for around $800 a night.

FMI: www.fly8ma.com