Bruce Campbell, an innovative Oregon man, has redefined the concept of home by transforming a retired Boeing 727 jetliner into a fully functional living space nestled in the forest outside Portland. His passion for aerospace engineering began at the age of 15 after seeing a report on aircraft graveyards, sparking a lifelong fascination with aviation. In a December 2022 CNBC Make It feature, Campbell shared how his unusual yet heartfelt project came to life, describing the experience as both dignified and deeply satisfying, particularly for those who appreciate the artistry of aircraft design.

After completing college, Campbell purchased ten acres of wooded land with a clear vision of using it as the foundation for his aircraft home. Acquiring the Boeing 727, however, was not without complications. Initially estimating the cost at $30,000, he ultimately spent around $100,000 due to hiring what he called the wrong salvage company. Despite the financial hurdles, Campbell stayed committed to the project, seeing it not just as a place to live, but as a symbol of sustainable and imaginative housing.

The interior of the jetliner maintains many of its original elements, giving it a distinctly nostalgic and industrial aesthetic. Campbell sleeps on a futon and uses an electric blanket for warmth, while technological limitations inside the metal structure required creative solutions, such as placing his phone near a window to get a signal. His minimalist lifestyle includes a microwave oven for meals, a washing machine, a simple indoor shower, and a repurposed airplane lavatory for guests. He keeps his living expenses modest, with property taxes at the time of the interview totaling just $220 per month.

Adding historical intrigue to his home, Campbell discovered that his Boeing 727 had once been owned by Olympic Airways and was the aircraft used by Aristotle Onassis on his final flight. Onassis, a prominent Greek shipping magnate, was famously married to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis after the death of President John F. Kennedy. For Campbell, this detail only deepened the personal and cultural significance of his unconventional residence. Despite its eccentricity, he views his jetliner home as fun and practical, and he hopes others will consider repurposing decommissioned aircraft in similar ways.

Though Campbell has found joy and purpose in his Oregon aircraft home, his ambitions extend beyond the United States. With close personal ties in Japan, he plans to replicate his airplane home model there, aiming to create another aviation-inspired living space in the country where many of his friends reside. This next chapter reflects not only Campbell’s adventurous spirit but also his commitment to sustainable living and the imaginative reuse of retired technology.