May 3, 2026 - J.J.'s Retirement

Jon Jackson, pictured at left, is one of the Essex Skypark pilots.  He is a Spirit Airlines pilot and is retiring.  That's his son Chris at center -- who is a Southwest Airlines pilot -- and Essex Skypark stalwart Chip at right.

In a nutshell, J.J., as he is known at Essex Skypark, was retiring from Spirit on Saturday after a long and successful career as a commercial pilot.  He was scheduled to Captain a Spirit jet from Fort Lauderdale back to BWI (Baltimore-Washington International).  Chris and Chip were going to be passengers on the plane.  Unfortunately, Spirit Airlines announced they were ceasing operations at 3AM.   JJ, Chris and Chip ended up having to fly back home on Southwest Airlines as passengers.  While boarding the flight, Chris mentioned to the Southwest pilots his father's retirement.  During the flight, on their own initiative the pilots arranged with home base the traditional water cannon salute for retiring pilots as the jet pulled up to the gate.  JJ was also presented with a bottle of champagne at the gate by the Baltimore Ground Operations Team.  Rememer, this was a competitor, Southwest Airlines, doing this, not Spirit Airlines.
   
JJ deplaning the Southwest flight.
 
J.J. and Chris ended up making Fox and Friends!:  Link.
   
That was Saturday.  On Sunday, JJ's friends at Essex Skypark had a surprise birthday party for him.
   
Tables were set up in Chip's hangar.
   
Everyone is waiting in the hangar for J.J. to arrive.
   
The hangar doors were closed so J.J. would not see everybody.
   
J.J. ata center pointing to his son Chris, was in fact surprised.  He's had a heck of a weekend!
   
Everybody socializing.
   
Gunnar looks longingly at the folding table groaning under the weight of delicious Mission BBQ.
   
Gunnar and Lily keeping each other company.
   
Some people flew in for the event includiing this spiffy Bonanza and a Cirrus at left.  We don't see too many Cirrus's at Essex Skypark.
   
Chip's Stearman "Double Trouble" stands sentinal outside the hangar retirement party.
   

A group photo.  Many people had left already unfortunately. 
 
   

Chuck's newest gadget:  a little propeller device that keeps his Insta360 powered throughout the flight.
   
 
   
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