At the Pilot Lodge, guests don’t just stay in airplanes; they embark on a true adventure. The experience begins with the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the region’s spectacular glaciers. For those who dream of flying, Fly8ma offers pilot lessons where visitors can take control of an aircraft or even start formal training to become a pilot.
But the true crown jewel of Fly8ma is the exclusive lodging inside two types of jets: a McDonnell Douglas DC-6 and a McDonnell Douglas DC-9. These planes, still displaying the colors of express courier company DHL, have been meticulously converted into charming and comfortable accommodations. Inside the aircraft, guests will find a spacious living room, a cozy bedroom, an outdoor deck to enjoy the views, a full bathroom, and even a laundry room, offering all the conveniences of a modern home in an extraordinary setting.
This project is the vision of Jon Kotwicki, founder of Fly8ma, who brought his extensive experience as a commercial pilot and former aviation school owner in Florida to create something truly innovative. Upon deciding to settle in Alaska, Jon saw an opportunity to transform his passion for aviation into a unique tourism experience, allowing adventurers from around the world to explore the beauty of the most untamed state in the U.S. in an unforgettable way.
“Flying for airlines is a well-paid job, but incredibly monotonous,” admits Jon Kotwicki, founder of Fly8ma. “Driving an Uber is more interesting because you get to talk to your passengers.” These words reveal Jon’s adventurous spirit, who found the perfect setting in Alaska to turn his love for aviation into a one-of-a-kind experience.
His enchantment with southern Alaska began during a vacation, where he hiked through stunning trails, fished in crystal-clear waters, and observed grizzly bears in their natural habitat. This fascination led him to choose the region as a home for himself, his team, and his inseparable companion, a Pomeranian named Foxtrot. The idea was simple but ambitious: acquire a vast piece of land, possibly build his own airport, and run a business based on his aviation expertise.
Today, that dream is becoming a reality on a 100-acre property. The site, which started as a modest airstrip, quickly evolved. First, Jon built cabins to house students from his aviation school. Then, these cabins began welcoming tourists eager for scenic flights over Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.
However, these cabins are far from ordinary. Each one is equipped with heated floors, towel warmers, and every luxury amenity imaginable. But Jon wanted more. He envisioned a new challenge: transforming old airplanes into extraordinary accommodations. “We thought: let’s take it a step further. Wouldn’t it be amazing to take an old plane and convert it into a home? Let’s do it in style—put a hot tub on the wing, a barbecue… and why stop there? Let’s get two more planes and turn them all into unique lodgings.”
Thus, the project came to life, turning the initial airstrip into an expanding aviation-themed playground, where tourists and aviation enthusiasts can enjoy an experience that blends adventure, luxury, and the majestic natural beauty of Alaska.
As the project continues to grow, Jon Kotwicki and his team haven’t stopped dreaming big. They built a second airstrip and a hangar, further expanding what he calls a “playground” in the heart of Alaska. “I have a tendency to go a little overboard,” Jon admits with a laugh, acknowledging the grand scale of his vision.
But for him, the effort is worth it. “It’s fun. After all, adults are just as fascinated by the place as kids, who run all over the plane, go crazy, and rush into the cockpit,” Jon says. “Of course, it’s frustrating, stressful, overwhelming, and expensive to do these things—but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The first plane to be transformed into lodging was the DC-6, an American aircraft from the 1950s that once transported cargo and fuel to remote villages in Alaska. Now reimagined as a one-of-a-kind accommodation, the DC-6 offers two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fire pit installed on one of its wings, creating a truly unique guest experience. A stay in this airplane is available on Airbnb for approximately $448 per night (about R$2,422).
Recently, reservations opened for the DC-9, an even more spacious and luxurious aircraft. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna, a hot tub, and heated floors, the DC-9 can accommodate up to seven people. Spending the night in this plane costs around $849 per night (about R$4,590).
And the expansion doesn’t stop there. The Fly8ma team is working to unveil its next major project: transforming a Boeing 727 into a unique accommodation. This new space will be designed as a lodge, where guests can gather and share stories of their Alaskan adventures, surrounded by the stunning landscape that makes this place so special.
Jon Kotwicki is making each new project even more grand and unique. Speaking about the Boeing 727, which is currently being prepared as the next lodging, he can’t hide his excitement: “There will be a big kitchen and a large dining table. People will be able to enjoy meals together,” explains Kotwicki. “We’ll install a hot tub on the wings, along with cozy sofas. We’re also planning a deck on the tail of the plane, which I’m really excited about.” To make the setting even cozier, he plans to include a “nice fire pit for relaxation” in the surrounding area.
But Kotwicki’s vision doesn’t stop there. Recently, he added another aircraft to his impressive collection: a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, a military transport plane manufactured between 1949 and 1955. Although it lacks conventional beauty, Kotwicki is fascinated by its unique charm, describing it as “so ugly, it’s cool.”
One of the most anticipated features under construction is an 18.3-meter-tall (60 feet) control tower, topped with a geodesic glass dome. This space will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind Airbnb lodging, where guests can lie in bed and marvel at the breathtaking Northern Lights, one of Alaska’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Over time, Kotwicki and his team are creating what he calls “a small aviation amusement park.” The combination of innovation, nostalgia, and Alaska’s imposing scenery makes this project a must-visit destination for adventurers and aviation enthusiasts, offering experiences that go beyond the ordinary—where the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.
Guests at Pilot Lodge have the opportunity to explore the property and discover a fascinating collection of vintage aircraft, engines, and propellers scattered throughout the site. Additionally, the area offers cross-country skiing trails, providing full immersion in Alaska’s pristine wilderness. And Kotwicki’s vision goes even further—he plans to create a disc golf course and a volleyball court, adding new layers of fun to the already impressive “aviation playground” he’s building.
Finding new planes to expand this experience is a challenge Kotwicki faces with determination. He describes the process as taking eight to nine months, from the first phone calls to finally securing an available aircraft and, most importantly, transporting it to Wasilla. The logistics of moving these giant aircraft along Alaska’s roads remain one of his biggest obstacles.
Luckily, Wasilla’s remote location has its advantages. “Fortunately, where we are in Alaska, there are no zoning laws. We can do whatever we want with the property we bought, thanks to its size,” Kotwicki explains. This lack of zoning restrictions makes converting the aircraft into accommodations much simpler than it would be in more densely populated areas.
“The biggest challenge was moving the planes by road. But once they’re here, the conversion is relatively simple,” Kotwicki concludes. This freedom to shape his property into a unique aviation destination has allowed him to bring his vision to life, where classic aviation charm meets the wild, untamed beauty of The Last Frontier.
