Couple detail how they converted a retired cargo plane into a two-bedroom Airbnb where stays costs $349 PER NIGHT

This house is quite fly in more ways than one.

Stephanie Blanchard and Jon Kotwicki of Alaska were converting a retired 1956 Douglas DC-6 cargo plane into a livable space, with the plane now rented for $349 per night. Airbnb.

In a YouTube interview with Tiny House Giant Journeythe couple – who both work as pilots and flight instructors – detail the step-by-step DIY process.

Jon estimates that the renovation has cost more than $500,000 so far, with the plane making about $100,000 and costing a similar amount to take it apart and bring it on trailers from Fairbanks to Wasilla.

Footage from the short film shows the aircraft now resting on sturdy pillars, with one of the wings converted into balcony space, while a staircase and veranda extension provide a more traditional approach.

From the beginning of how the ambitious project came together, Jon tells viewers: ‘So the idea of ​​buying an airplane and turning it into a small house came about more or less by accident.

“Stephanie and I were looking for ways to run a flight school here in Alaska [and we were looking at] how we could accommodate students in the area.

“We decided to build our own runways, build our own hangars and build small cabins on this site, which is just over 100 hectares, where students can come and stay and train with us.”

While thinking about the building process, Jon said he suddenly thought about buying an airplane and turning it into a house to “create the most unique, amazing experience for our students and for our guests.”

After months of research, Jon found and picked up the retired cargo plane measuring 100 feet long and 115 feet wide.

Starting out as an empty shell, YouTube shows how Stephanie and Jon converted the plane into a spectacular two-bedroom home.

Jon shows how they have retained many of the original features, including the cockpit with all controls and the cargo door so guests can load oversized luggage.

Other aviation-themed objects in the home include a propeller from a smaller plane and a side table made from Boeing 727 tires with a sheet of glass on top.

All rooms have curved walls and partitions have been installed to divide the layout.

In addition to a master bedroom and a smaller bedroom, other areas include a large bathroom with shower and a dining room-cum-kitchen-cum-lounge area.

In total, the aircraft can accommodate six people, while the sofa in the living room can be folded out into a bed.

Moving outside, there is also a balcony space off one of the wings, complete with a freestanding bath.

Jon says he is ‘pretty happy’ with the outcome of the wing deck, as it was a ‘huge challenge’ to build a flat deck on a ‘cambered curved wing surface’.

When it comes to converting an airplane into a house, Jon says some of the biggest concerns are installing good insulation and trying to control condensation.

He says: ‘The aircraft has been sprayed with foam to ensure there is sufficient insulation.

‘[Then]condensation is probably the biggest concern we have here because you’re in an aluminum beer can and you’re cooking here [and] shower.’

Jon and Stephanie’s plane stay currently has a rating of 4.97 out of 5 on Airbnb, with many guests raving about the unusual structure.

A previous guest wrote: ‘My family had a fantastic time at this unique location. My son (and I) loved taking imaginary flights in the cockpit. The view from the wing patio was amazing!’

Another former visitor says: ‘Sleeping in the DC6 is an experience. Drinking a beer in the cockpit with that view of the mountains, priceless! The place is super clean and everything you need is there.’

Jon and Stephanie say they’ve met pilots who previously flew the plane and found the new interior much more comfortable.

Their next job includes landscaping and they have another aircraft conversion project in the pipeline.