Jo Ann Ussery’s unique home conversion began after her house in Benoit, Mississippi, was destroyed in 1993. With her husband deceased and limited funds, she considered buying a trailer but found it too small for her family. Her in-law Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested living in a retired plane. Ussery was intrigued and purchased a Boeing 727 for $2,000.

The major renovation cost her less than $30,000. She landed the plane with the nose over the lake and secured the tail with concrete. The 1,500 square foot plane had 76 windows. Ussery installed air conditioning, new flooring, and insulation. She kept one airplane bathroom and the overhead bins.
Ussery’s home featured three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a laundry room. The cockpit became a luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub and a view of the lake. She completed the entire refurbishment herself, living in the plane from 1995 to 1999 before converting it into a public museum. Unfortunately, the plane was destroyed during transportation.