Jumbolair
Jumbolair Aviation Estates near Ocala in Florida is probably the most famous of the U.S.’s near 500 fly-in communities, a few of which we’ve previously featured.
It first gained media attention thanks to the efforts of the eccentric Arthur Jones who populated the place with his Jumbo jets, elephants, gorilla and the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.
However the animals are no longer there, instead replaced by flying nut (and all-round nut) John Travolta, after he was thrown out of his previous abode at Spruce Creek Fly-In Community (which incidentally features in The Google Sightseeing Book).
It’s claimed that the reason the residents of Spruce Creek wanted rid of Travolta was the excess noise produced by his Boeing 707, called Jett Clipper Ella. The 1964 former Qantas airliner was previously owned by Frank Sinatra, and was painted in the classic V-Jet colours in return for Travolta lending it to Qantas for a round-the-world tour.
Travolta’s residence is obvious, being the largest and right next to the runway. The 707 is parked under the southern canopy but the disco king himself must be out and about, as the smaller Gulfstream II Jet which resides in the northern canopy is missing.
More info on Jumbolair, Travolta’s 707 and his house.
Dont those canopies look very much like some photoshop grey boxes that are blocking something out?
He can park his plane in his drive? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.
Replace ridiculous with “awesome-est”
@Scott: Photoshop boxes with shadows??
Scott, check this out and you’ll se those are not Photoshop Boxes…..it’s all real !
John Travolta Parks His Boeing 707 Next to Home!
sorry dear amerikan friends… but thats only possible in the USA. This post is funny, stupid and stunning at the same time
You did not mention that the present owners are just as interesting as J.T. and the woman behind this fly in property is also a pilot. I t would be a great addition to your story. Would like to hear about the them.
There is a trailer park right off the North end of the runway!
I have driven by JumboLair numerous times on my way from Miami to Gainesville in Florida. We have a picture of the plane shown on google map satellite photo and the hangars next to it. It is amazing to see the runway (walls) which spans from 77th Street to 95th Street. I have yet to see Mr. Travolta take off or land either of his planes, taking his children for midnight rides in their heliocopter nor drive his Jaguar out of the compound…but I have hope!
STALK much? LOL
well, I have owned jumbolair for about 25 years and i am telling the truth i know all about john and some of those things you are saying are not true. u can google me if you’ed like i dont really care but STOP lying about my good friend jhon! thank you
Terri Jones Thayer
It is his plane , his home and driveway. He can do whatever he wants. Leave him alone.
I’ve just realised this is the runway where that BMW M5 crash took place recently, killing all 5 onboard.
http://www.ocala.com/article/20080127/NEWS/801270355/1001/NEWS01
You forget to add that Jeff Gordon and Jimme Johnson from Nascar live on that compound also…