50 Incredible Airplane Conversions

49. Bruce Campbell’s Home

So here’s an awesome one. Bruce is an engineer with a dream. he doesn’t think old jets should go to waste. As such, he restored one and lives inside. Bruce bought the Boeing 727 in 1999 for 100k. He spent another 120k on renovations, including transport and foundation blocking (he used concrete columns). Inside he says there are so many clever lights and switches. He modified the toilet so it is usable and created a working shower. In addition, he added a washer and dryer. However, rather than access the plane from steps leading to a side entrance, Bruce modified the cargo bay so steps lead down from underneath the plane. Currently, he is saving money to buy a fuselage for another house plane project!

48.Party Room at a McDonald’s in Budapest, Hungary

How about this for a playground? Seems like if we were at this McDonald’s in Budapest, Hungary, the little fort with the flag would not get much use. Instead, we would head right for the biplane fort. Actually, this serves as a sort of party room for birthdays and special gatherings. It’s a clever idea and a great use of old military aircraft. It’s amazing what a coat of fresh red paint and yellow accents will do for an old biplane. It instantly goes from trash to treasure. Plus, let’s be honest. Which one of us would not want to eat some chicken nuggets in the cockpit? Seems like we have a new bucket list item now.

47. Cosmic Muffin

Yes, you read this correctly. This is a plane boat known as the “Cosmic muffin. “The backstory for this one is it’s actually an airplane formerly owned by Howard Hughes. In fact, the Boeing B – 307 was his prized possession. However, in 1969 the plane was deemed unflyable and tossed in a landfill where it was rescued by airplane pilot and Fort Lauderdale realtor Kenneth W. London. He spent four years transforming the plane into the world’s most unique houseboat. It’s been featured everywhere from CNN to Ripley’s Believe It or Not and even made music history as part of Jimmy Buffet’s song”Desdemona’s Building a Rocket Ship.” And while the Cosmic Muffin may not be the prettiest houseboat on the water, she is certainly the most unique.

46. Jumbo Stay

You have to admit, this is a pretty clever idea. If you are afraid of flying but still want the experience perhaps this jumbo jet hostel is the answer. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the hotel Arlanda is known as Sweden’s only “Jumbo Stay.” It’s actually a retired Boeing 747, but that’s not the most amazing thing about this plane with a second life. Somehow, they managed to cram 33 rooms into this beast with plenty of leg room to spare. Probably the most ironic part is the location. Jumbo Stay is located less than 100 feet from Stockholm-Arlanda airport. So, if you still want the experience of your last flight to last, book a room. Consider it a luxury layover.

45. Hot Rod

Look closely at this hot rod. It’s what happens when a gearhead upcycles an airplane part. Yes, that’s actually an underbody fuel-cell from a World War II era Lockheed fighter jet. And the car is not dirty either. That’s actually the original paint job complete with all the markings of use from mission flights during the war. the 18 inch tires are a different kind of special. They were taken from a milk truck, making the entire vehicle look like a soapbox derby car. yet, this is no toy. Powering the racer is a 1932 Ford engine. When it comes to creative recycling, this is definitely one of the best of all time.

44. Airplane RV Conversion

Okay so maybe we would not mind living in an RV park if we owned this one. Even better, you wouldn’t even have to hook up power This airplane RV is completely sustainable. It’s powered by wind and solar, which probably makes it the first jumbo jet with a negative carbon footprint (and they said it could not be done). To be honest, you probably would not want to rent this for travel. While it has plenty of accommodations, it’s actually more purposed as a unique limo then an RV. Most people rent it for use as a rolling jumbo jet party bus. However, if your like us that just gives you another reason to try and get inside the thing.

43. McDonald’s Seating

Forget the Happy Meal, this McDonald’s went all out. Located in Taupo, New Zealand, the fast food franchise features a decommissioned DC 3 plane incorporated as part of the restaurant structure. How many people can say they have eaten a big Mac in a cockpit? That’s just another reason to visit in our opinion. Oh, and they also give out wings to first-time visitors. the backstory is amazing though. The airplane was actually part of a former car dealership named Aero Plane Car Company. The Douglas aircraft served as a sort of mascot for the company. Once McDonald’s bought the property, they kept the plane. Now it can serve up to 20 customers at once. Even more ironic? Neither business has anything to do with airplanes, yet made the air plane a focal point. We totally dig it.

42. Classroom

Remember how you used to hate going to school as a child? Well, that’s probably not the case here. This aircraft mod is located in Georgia (we mean the communist state, not our southern one). It’s the brainchild of the local school headmaster who wanted a fun, engaging environment for children to learn. So, the school acquired a Yakovlev Yak-42 and converted it into a classroom. Kids have tons of fun because the cockpit has remained virtually untouched. If you’re a five-year-old, the translation is more than 1500 buttons, switches and levers for you to play with. It also features kids size desks, games, toys and educational equipment. This learning environment is like Montessori meets Einstein. We love it!

41. Limousine

Okay so remember a couple of images ago when we were crooning about the jumbo jet turned limousine? Well, we like this one much better. It was featured at Knowledgefest in Dallas , Texas and is the perfect marriage of luxury private jet plane and luxury private vehicle. Illinois-based company Jet Seeter Inc. gave the vehicle a simple name, the “Limo-Jet.” Evidently, it was a 10 year affair. Originally conceived as a harebrained idea in 2006, 10 years later the final product literally rolls out. It’s completely road legal, and seats more than 50 people at a time. Throw in lights, speakers, screens and hefty V-8 engine and you have one showstopper of a limousine.

40. Grumman Greenhouse Sculpture

While this may look like a solid entry into the “What the Hell is This?” category, it’s actually pretty meaningful. Philadelphia artist Jordan Griska was commissioned to build a sculpture for Lenfest Plaza in 2011. This is what he came up with. It involves a Grumman Tracker II aircraft as a feature piece of artwork for the plaza. The Cold War era plane was 45 feet long and has a wingspan of 73 feet. Originally, it was designed to bomb submarines. The artist, however, had different ideas. After obtaining the decommissioned plane, he made a few folds in the body so the plane appears to be crumpling on the ground. yet, it gets better. He also turned the inside of the plane into a fully functioning greenhouse. Produce taken from the greenhouse is used to help supplement a Philadelphia municipal program designed to feed low income families. It’s probably one of the best uses of municipal funds we have ever seen.

39. WWII Plane Transformed Into Food Truck

So the aeronautical museum in Los Angeles recently acquired this little gem. it’s a World War II era DC3 aircraft airplane that’s been converted into a food truck. This isn’t just any food truck however. Museum goers can receive gourmet meals for under $20. Expect dished like lobster, steak and Chilean sea bass. The title is catchy too, They call it the DC3-Gourmet. Even better, it’s going to serve as a fundraising support mechanism for the museum. Proceeds will go to fund youth programs for the museum. As for the foodies, expect great views of the Compton airport. Become a VIP diner and gain access to the cockpit. The DC3-Gourmet is a philanthropic win for the museum.

38. 727 Fuselage Home

37. Wing House

This former Boeing 747 required help for its transformation. The plane pieces were airlifted piece by piece into the California Hill country. Only the tail and two wings were used, and the owner got them for song. Francis Rehwald spent $26,000 for the pieces. He was a former Mercedes dealer so money was really not an issue. However, it took him about 15 years to find the best build spot which just happens to be Malibu, California. A giant Boeing Chinook helicopter carried the former Boeing 747 to the site. The resulting mansion is nothing short of amazing with its decidedly modern, look However, before construction began he had to get permission from more than 17 government agencies because the house looks like a plane crash from the sky.

36. DC-6 Diner

Travel to Coventry in the United Kingdom for our next unique aircraft conversion. This former 1950s Douglas DC has been completely transformed into a fine dining restaurant. Reservations are always recommended because it only seats 40. Known as the DC-6 Diner, it’s part of the Living Aviation Museum on the grounds of Coventry Airbase. Visitors are encouraged to check out the cockpit (just like they can with every plane located at the museum), and they have a unique use for the overhead passenger call button. It still works, but serves a different purpose. Press it when you want to get your server table side. How cool is that?

35. Aviation Museum, Nepal

So you may remember the Turkish airliner that crashed at the Kathmandu airport a couple of years back. Well, that plane has been reborn, albeit she will never fly again. The owner is using it to establish Nepal’s first aviation Museum. It’s an Airbus A330 and had 224 passengers on board when it last skidded off the runway in March of 2015. The new owner rescued the crashed plane and invested more than half $1 million into it before the transformation from metal airplane carcass to aviation Museum was complete. It will feature more than 150 miniature display planes and give the chance for those who are afraid of flying to step inside a plane. Oh yeah, and there is a café on board as well. We think it’s worth a visit, what do you say?

34. Burning Man Art Car

To say the Burning Man festival is weird would probably be the understatement of the year. However, it’s also cool and innovative. Take the nightlife for instance. You can dance around the big fire or party it up in the hull of a 747 jumbo jet turned nightclub/rolling art exhibit. It’s a purposeful move, however, most people just want to get inside the airplane lounge and party it up. There are tons of lights, sound, artwork and LEDs to bring it pulsing to life while the 100,000 pound aircraft is pulled around the grounds of Black Rock City by an aircraft tug car. However, we are sure this is much more engaging then watching one pull a normal jet from a terminal window at the airport.

33. Project Freedom

32. Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market

Night markets are a thing in Bangkok. Think of an outdoor-esque, urban shopping experience much like our open malls here in the United States. Only, the Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market this themed around, well, a huge Airbus shell. It’s smack dab in the center of the market with a huge red slide for kids to have fun (you can’t miss it). Also, there are many other shops, restaurants and weird art pieces on site so you will have plenty to look at. And, if you’re lucky, you might catch a live music performance near the airplane. Concerts are common there because the Airbus is the perfect backdrop. The Chang Chui Market is one of the most unique night markets in all of Thailand, and it’s all because they have an Airbus with a slide. Nice!

31. Toshikazu Tsukii’s Retired Airplanes Guesthouse

So what happens when you’re a retired engineer and aviation enthusiast? Well, if your name is Toshikazu Tsuki, you build some furniture, pool cover and entire house out of old airplane parts. He used a mashup of different airplanes too. In fact, you can find parts from a 707, 727, 737 and 747 Boeing aircraft built into his home. The mixture involves both commercial jets and military airplanes. Inside, couches are made from airplane seats and old turbine covers with glass on top serve as tables. There are many other airplane parts used throughout the structure. For instance, the serving carts used by flight crews serve the same function in the kitchen. And while it might be a bit eccentric, it’s creative nonetheless. For that, we give Toshizaku two thumbs up.

30. Storage Sheds

Here is a somewhat unique purpose for old planes. Seems like 747s are finding new life in Bangkok, Thailand as storage sheds. The weird thing is this, it’s not uncommon to find old jets flying around different parts of the city in different states of disrepair. It’s like they just land, get towed to a random spot, and are left to rot. Well, many of them have found second life as storage sheds. It’s an effort to clean up urban blight, and it seems to be working. Just take a look at these photos. The concept actually makes sense, although we doubt it would catch on here in the United States.

29. El Avion – Pub Bar

Here we go again with another air plane conversion in the Costa Rica Manuel Antonio jungle. This one happens to be located at the National Park and features the a 1954 Fairchild C–123 cargo plane as an integral structure of the El Avion Bar. And while the plane may never take flight, if you sit here long enough with the bartender, you might. Also, you can consider yourself a part of history when you have a drink at El Avion. This was the same plane that went down in the mid 80s with a sole survivor who happened to offer testimony to what would become known as the Iran–Contra affair during the Reagan administration.

28. Airplane Suite

Travel to the Netherlands for our next unique conversion. It’s a hotel suite built in the 1960s, yet you would think you are walking into a modern, high-end IKEA if you didn’t know any better. Like the Jumbo Stay we featured earlier, this one is also close to an airport (Teuge, Netherlands). However, this jumbo jet hotel is a bit more upscale. Inside, expect to find luxury amenities such as an infrared sauna and Jacuzzi. And, if you want to take to the sky the hotel serves as a booking venue for helicopter tours, plane tours and flying lessons. You can even book a parachute jump if that’s your thing. You’ll be in good company if you do. The plane was formerly used by the Netherlands government for DDR dogs.

27. Spirit Of Lemons

This airplane car is owned by a Washington DC police officer. He took a 1956 Cessna airplane and the bottom of a Toyota van to create the unique automobile you see here. Originally, the car was designed and built for the popular 24 hours of LeMans race held in South Carolina. However, since then owner Jeff Bloch made a few modifications so the car would be street legal. During the build the biggest challenge was getting the plane and sizing it to fit the frame of the Toyota van. However, he was able to pull it off, and for a song as well. In total, the entire conversion only cost  $8000. Not bad.

26. Beauty Salon

Since we’ve seen just about everything else, we figured we might as well show you this one. Haling form Scotland, 25-year-old makeup artist Amber Scott positioned her business take off when she converted an Air Atlantique G-Conv plane for use as a beauty salon. She got the plane from her parents who had it lying around the grounds of their home in Carluke, Lanarkshire. The kicker is this. They had it for 10 years and planned to convert it to a bed and breakfast. However, their failure to get it off the ground worked to Amber’s advantage. She’s given the old Coventry airport aircraft new life and purpose, with her parents help and blessing of course. And by the looks of her Facebook page, she does great work. What an awesome conversion project!

25. Haunted House Prop at Fright Land

Nothing says fright and mayhem like a downed aircraft in a field. Ramp-up the fright factor by sticking a mannequin on the side with a sign advertising employment at a local haunted house. That’s just what the fine people of Happy, Delaware did when they needed workers at their Frightland attraction. Since the plane was nonfunctional, it made the perfect backdrop for zombies, ghouls and other dark, foreboding creatures. The marketing is effective too. After all, if you see a plane that looks as if it’s crashed in a field, your head will turn. Frightland counted on this with their small jetliner, and it paid off. Makes you wonder what other sorts of advertising these planes might be used for? Yeah, okay maybe not.

24. Airplane Slide in Ukraine

So this plane in the Ukraine has been turned into a giant slide! Even better, it is located on the grounds of an airbase so it fits with the theme. Look at how high it is and check out the front wheel perched on that tiny pole. Seems like it would be a bit dangerous if you ask us. However, children in the Ukraine love it! to access the slide they must climb a spiral staircase. Once inside, they make their way to the slide and come shooting down. In our opinion, it looks to be a fast ride. Check out the angle on the dip. If you are afraid of heights, one slide down the evac snout is all it would take to cure you. We think free falling might be preferable!

23. Airplane Caravan

22. Airplane Converted Furniture

So what happens when you have a ton of extra aircraft parts lying around? Well, you turn them in the furniture. It’s the perfect marriage of aircraft and up cycling. Couches, desks, partitions, beds and any other furniture you can think of can all be fabricated from old airplane parts. Of course, you have to be in the mood for a decidedly industrial, modern look. We doubt this sort of thing would go well with a house full of antiques. However, for the ultimate bachelor pad, or showstopper of an office, furniture made from old airplane parts is the way to go. Sci-fi will have nothing on you!

21. Boysen Park

When the Navy decided to donate a former GrummanF9F Cougar to the city of Anaheim California for use in Boysen Park, it had to be shipped. So it was. In 1959 the plane made its way by railroad from the state of Arizona to the city of Anaheim at a cost of a whopping $250. Wow. The plane was used as a focal point for the playground which has had kids crawling all over it sense. Yet, time took a toll after years of use. To make it stable, and safe, the plane was covered in gunite after wires were exposed and rivets were rusting (and also after the city council discovered the ejection seat mechanism was still intact). It was painted to match the original scheme, then reopened to the public.

20. The Cookie Time Café DC-3

In New Zealand, when you want cookies you go for cookie time. They are the largest manufacturer of cookies in the country. As it happens, they also have a restaurant of sorts. It’s another DC-3 military aircraft turned café. This one happened to be used by the Royal Air Force and logged over 4,000 hours. As we have seen before, cafes are a great use for old military aircraft. It gives them second life and makes great advertising for businesses! Finding this one is easy. Just head to Mangaweka, New Zealand and look for the huge cookie plane just outside the airport. While she may never fly again, we are certain she still gets plenty of attention.

19. Boeing 737 Artificial Reef

About 12,000 aircraft are decommissioned every year worldwide. Add to that number the 2,000 to 3,000 planes which are abandoned and you have a quandary on your hands. What are you going to do with all of these aircraft? While many of them end up in a military boneyard, there are other options. For instance, look at this old Boeing 737. It sits at the bottom of the ocean and serves as an artificial reef. It was placed by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia. The passenger list has now increased to house more than 100 different species of sea life. While we think that’s all great and wonderful, there’s no way we would get inside that airplane to count them.

18. House in the Village of Miziara, Lebanon

So perhaps the most amazing thing about this airplane conversion is it’s not an airplane at all. It belongs to a Lebanese couple and can be found in their hometown of Miziara. They have since moved to Australia, but their home remains a showstopper. It was painstakingly built to resemble an Airbus A380. There are 41 portholes on both sides of the house, yielding an incredible view of the mountains. Of course, since it’s a house, it contains the usual suspects like bedrooms and a fancy living room. However, it also contains a beautiful spiral staircase. What an awesome thing to find in the middle of a town known for Egyptian ruins and ancient Greek temples.

17. Motor Scooter Built From Fuselage Panels

See the scooter with the logo of American aviation on the side? It’s made completely from fuselage panels and cowling from a salvaged aircraft. Of course, nothing is cooler than servicing a P–51 on Iwo Jima while riding your homemade construct. And we have to say, this is a solid 10 when it comes to military field mods. Plus, remember, there’s no handbook for this sort of thing so what you are seeing is roguish war time creativity. Of course, it should come as no surprise since our American military are known for being some of the most intuitively genius engineers on the planet.

16. Fuel Tanks Turned Into Racing Sailboats

15. Washing Machine

Pictured here are Marine forces on Guam doing their laundry on wash day. The most interesting part is their washing machine. It’s propeller driven. That’s not to say it is wind driven. It could be on a gusty day. However, judging from the Marine sitting atop the contraption we would say this was a regular occurrence. It certainly does not look like it is his first time straddling the machine. You have to be honest though, this is a very clever use of airplane parts. We have seen propellers used as fans, but washing machines? This is something new. We wonder if it has a delicate cycle, and if so, how would that work?

14. Empty Fuel Tanks Hand-crafted Into Book Shelves

13. Lockheed P-38 Lightning Auto

Check out this rolling racer. It’s actually a Lockheed P–38L lightning aircraft used by the United States Army Air Force. The person pictured in the photo is a ground crew member from the 94th Fighter Squadron First Fighter Group and is quite proud of his self styled vehicle made from the salvage airplane parts he collected. Essentially, it’s a fuel tank with wheels. The livery is painted to look like a standard bomber and a plexiglass windshield was added. This particular aircraft was downed by AAA on April 15, 1945 near Munich, Germany. Rather than go to waste, some service members would find other uses for salvaged parts. Of course, this took time and energy, but when you are fighting the war effort you have a lot of time. As such, creativity surfaces and vehicles like the ones you see here were often made to pass the time.

12. Paintball Walls & Bases

Old aircraft make perfect paintball structures. Bedlam, in Yorkshire uses the one in featured at bottom left for use in several themed mission. The Alamo is perhaps the most daunting. Your job is to defend your base (airplane) from capture. To do this, you must avoid getting hit. Other aircraft seen in this grouping are used for similar purposes. They are perfect to take shelter or stage a surprise attack against friends. Of course, this eerily shadows what it must have been like when our planes were shot down during war time. You had to be on guard for enemy forces swooping in to claim the capture or kill. These paintball aircraft obstacles create those same types of environments.

11. Boeing 747 Bed

So if you are going to get a bed made from airplane parts, this Boeing 747 bed is the way to go! Made by Motoart, it is the ultimate in luxury and class. The shiny stainless steel is a perfect contrast for the black leather found in the headboard. the 747 bed is undoubtedly solid in its construction. It will have you soaring to dreamland in no time. However, as cool as it is, there is one thing that puts it over the top. If you need a little ambience for reading, or-er… other things, simply turn on the LED lights. It comes with a remote so you can set things like brightness, tempo and color. However, you will still have to find your own Marvin Gaye music.

10. Air Lekkerbek

09. 1950’s Bristol Freighter Plane Motel

If you didn’t know any better, you might think you’re looking at the set of the  former hit TV series MASH. Of course, that all dissipates quickly when you step inside this former 1950s Bristol fighter. It’s been converted into a hotel. For a few hundred dollars per night you can get a double room and pay a bit extra for each additional person. Even better, you can choose to sleep in the cockpit!  It will house four people although you have to climb a very steep ladder to get there. The tail also sleeps four and features a double bed along with a set of bunk beds to accommodate guests.Aall in all, it’s one of the more unique hotels in Waitomo, New Zealand.

08. CSA – Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie Play Park

There is more to this plane slide than meets the eye. It’s actually part of a German museum featuring aircraft and automobiles. On top of the museum itself are massive planes mounted on poles. They are angled skyward ot give the appearance of taking off. The entire scene looks alive. It’s perhaps one of the better uses we have seen in our list of repurposed aircraft. While children can climb and lay on the slide, when they exit and look up their senses come alive. Planes peak over the edge of the museum roof, looking as if they are streaking toward the sky. It’s any kids dream space.

07. Lounge Created From Re-purposed Aircraft Parts

This lounger was actually a pop up event at JFK International airport. it was designed by Air Hollywood and features repurposed aircraft parts. And while we have seen a few other examples of this sort if thing on our list, the Hollywood Air lounge is unique. Holiday visitors could sample tequila courtesy of the Rolling Stones. Seems like the entire lounge was designed to promote their touring plane. What better way to reuse old fuselage panels, storage carts and airplane furniture.  In addition, what a nice surprise for tired travelers on the way to visit family and friends. Tequila shots and sunrises all around!

06. Douglas-DC 3 Bus

How about this old Douglas-DC 3 turned into a bus? Look like it would make for a great food truck too.

05. Propeller Fans

SO here’s the thing about propeller fans. They look really cool. However, they are also really heavy. Even those made form wood must have some sort of extra support if they are going to whir above your head at breakneck speed. You wouldn’t want it to take off. As such, a few mods can be helpful. For instance, look at the wall mounted prop. A drive belt is a clever way to make the fan aesthetic, functional and safe! As for the overhead mounts? Well, just look at the amount of hardware used to secure the fan. It’s a must for safety. However, they all look pretty amazing. These are conversation starters for sure. And if making a fan was too daunting, you could always opt for just hanging them on the wall!

04. Clocks

Can you tell world time easily? If you have the side of an old aircraft fuselage you can. Just cut a section, and use the windows for a clock display. We have seen other creative uses for fuselage panels and this one is no exception. However, this is decidedly a high end look. Nothing say swagger like an industrial airplane world clock mounted on the wall in your office. And if you are going that far you might as well have one of those snazzy conference tables made from a jet turbine engine or couches made from various aircraft parts. After all, when airplane upcycled furniture is a theme, the sky is the limit (see what we did there?).

03. The Airplane Restaurant, Colorado Springs

Look beside the Radisson Hotel in Colorado Springs and you will notice a most unique restaurant. It’s simply called the “Airplane Restaurant” but is known as a Colorado Springs icon. You can choose to either eat in the plane or the building attached to it. keeping with the theme, the building is named “The Terminal” and you may notice a wing of the airplane stretching across the ceiling into the main dining are. After your meal, feel free to roam around and explore. You can find the fuel boom in the tail section and play pilot in the cockpit. The menu features standard American fare like burgers, steaks, seafood chicken and pasts. However, let’s be clear. The real show is the plane. Stop in and visit the old KC-97 Tanker aircraft!

02. Delta Museum Store

The plane used as the gift shop for the Delta Museum has a neat little history. Originally, it was designed to as a test plane. As such, the Lockheed L-1011-1 was never an active commercial flight plane. After testing, Delta moved the fuselage in three sections to MGM the Disney park in Orlando, Florida (Delta was the official airline for Disney at the time so housing the movie set at MGM made sense). It was used a s a stage for filming videos to train the flight crew and produce films on flight safety. In time, the plane made its way to Delta headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. It served a brief stint as corporate conference room before ultimately being used as a gift shop for the Museum. This plane has a lot of interesting history, and most if it was made while it never left the ground!

01. Movie Sets

This is a pretty cool use for old airplanes. Of course, it helps make all of the scenes look that much more real. Everything from old Airbus planes to jets and military transport planes have been chopped, modified and rigged to be suitable sets for movies. It works too. We all gasped when Steven Segal died after being sucked from the plane in the first half hour of Executive Decision. And Snakes on a Plane? Those were mostly cgi/nonpoisonous mother $#%@ snakes on a mother %@#$@ plane movie set. Set designers love them because they yield authenticity. Producers like them because they are cheap in comparison to real aircraft.