While tiny homes, renovated buses, and houseboats are gaining popularity as unconventional living spaces, one of the most fascinating trends is the decision to live in an airplane. It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but for a few individuals, the idea of transforming a plane into a cozy, functional home has become a reality.
A Creative Solution to Life’s Setbacks
Jo Ann Ussery, an esthetician from Mississippi, is one of the most notable figures to have embraced this extraordinary lifestyle. Her journey into airplane living began in the 1990s after tragedy struck. Her home was destroyed in a fire, leaving her with nothing but the wreckage of her past life. But rather than giving in to despair, she had an unusual idea: why not live in an airplane?
Jo Ann purchased an old Boeing 727 that was slated for the junkyard. Once she became its owner, she had it transported to a piece of land she owned, where she would spend the next six months transforming it into a functional home. Jo Ann, not having any prior experience in aviation or construction, took on most of the renovation work herself, turning the plane into a three-bedroom home complete with two bathrooms, a jacuzzi, and a living area that was surprisingly comfortable. All of this came at a cost of under $30,000 — a modest price for such a unique living space.
An Inspirational Story That Led to a New Lifestyle
Jo Ann’s choice to live in an airplane wasn’t based on any professional ties to aviation. The idea came to her after a casual conversation with her brother-in-law, who was an air traffic controller at the time. It was this moment that set her on the path to creating one of the most unconventional living spaces anyone could imagine.
She lived in her Boeing 727 from 1995 to 1999, but unfortunately, the plane was severely damaged in an accident while being transported to a new location. Despite this, Jo Ann’s story sparked something in others. One of those people was Bruce Campbell, an electrical engineer who heard about Jo Ann’s journey on the radio and immediately felt inspired.
Bruce Campbell’s Unique Home
Bruce, inspired by Jo Ann’s innovative approach, decided to follow in her footsteps. By the late 1990s, he had found his own Boeing 727, which he would later turn into his home. Bruce settled in the Hillsboro forest in Oregon, where he continues to live in his airplane to this day. When asked about his unconventional lifestyle, Bruce expressed deep gratitude for Jo Ann’s inspiration, saying, “I would never live in a conventional house.”
Like Jo Ann, Bruce has found peace and satisfaction in living in a space that is truly his own, even if that space happens to be an aircraft. For both of them, it’s not about following societal norms — it’s about creating a space where they feel comfortable and free.
A New Kind of Freedom
Jo Ann and Bruce are just two examples of people who have turned an airplane into a sanctuary. Their stories challenge the conventional notion of “home” and demonstrate how creativity and resilience can lead to a more personalized, satisfying way of life. Living in an airplane may sound bizarre, but for those who take this leap, it’s a lifestyle choice that brings a sense of independence and freedom that few other living spaces could offer.
While the idea of living in an airplane might seem unthinkable to some, it’s a testament to the fact that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finding a home. Whether it’s a cozy tiny home, a converted bus, or a repurposed airplane, the possibilities for creating a space that feels like home are endless.
For Jo Ann and Bruce, the airplane is more than just a place to live — it’s a symbol of resilience, a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected decisions can lead to the most fulfilling journeys.
