Turning a Plane into a Home: Jo Ann Ussery’s Unique Journey
In recent years, people have started using buses, tiny homes, and even shipping containers as creative alternatives to traditional homes. These options are often affordable and customizable, providing comfort without the high costs. But long before this trend, Jo Ann Ussery took the concept of unique housing to a whole new level.
A New Home After Tragedy
Jo Ann’s story began in 1993, when her home in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed. After losing her husband unexpectedly, she and her two children were left without a place to live. Although she considered buying a trailer, Jo Ann quickly realized that it wasn’t big enough for her family. That’s when her father-in-law, who worked as an air traffic controller, suggested she think about living in a plane.
Intrigued, Jo Ann visited a retired Boeing 727 that was about to be dismantled for parts. She immediately saw its potential and decided to buy it for just $2,000, with shipping costs included. Jo Ann named it “Little Trump,” inspired by the fact that Donald Trump owned a private Boeing 727.
Renovating the Plane into a Home
Jo Ann spent less than $30,000 (about $60,000 today) turning the plane into her home. She made sure the plane stayed in place, using concrete to secure the tail and positioning the nose over a lake on her property. The plane had 76 windows, and although they didn’t open, the air conditioning made it comfortable. Inside, she tore out the old fittings and installed new flooring and insulation.
Living in the Converted Plane
Once the main renovations were done, Jo Ann created a home with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a laundry room. The cockpit was transformed into a luxurious master bathroom with a soaking tub and a view of the lake.
Jo Ann lived in her Boeing 727 from 1995 to 1999, before turning it into a public museum. Sadly, it was destroyed while being transported, but we still have photos to remember this amazing project.
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