Friends of Essex Skypark

Friends of Essex Skypark A small, grass roots, friendly place to fly in or drive in and hang out.

Essex Skypark (W48) is a small, general aviation airport that is publicly owned and open for public use. Surrounded by over 500 acres of undisturbed and pristine wetlands and heavy forest, the airport lies along the Back River which also serves as its seaplane landing area. With a 2,100 foot paved runway and one of the few seaplane facilities on the east coast, Essex is a haven for local aviation

enthusiasts. The Friends of Essex Skypark seek to make the most of all the area offers to the surrounding Essex communities, the users of Essex Skypark, and the residents of Baltimore County and the State of Maryland.

05/27/2026
05/19/2026

Spraying has been underway in Bowleys Quarters for midge treatment. We thank the county and state for the resources they have provided!

05/11/2026

EAA Learn to Fly Week Starts Today

https://www.eaa.org/ltfweek

Online seminars. Check ‘em out if you want to learn to fly!

05/04/2026

Captain Jon Jackson woke up Saturday ready for his final flight. Retirement day. One last time in the left seat.

But before that could happen, Spirit Airlines shut down operations at 3 AM.

No final command. No sendoff. Just like that, it was over.

Instead, he found himself in the back of a Boeing 737, flying from Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore, sitting next to his son Chris, a First Officer with Southwest Airlines.

Mid-flight, Chris mentioned it to the crew. That simple moment changed everything.

The Southwest team got to work. Quiet coordination behind the scenes. Dispatch involved. Plans set.

When they landed in Baltimore, the surprise was waiting.

A full water cannon salute on the taxiway. Fire crews lined up. At the gate, applause, champagne, and one more call over the PA:

“Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Jon Jackson.”

The terminal came alive.

Fighting back tears, he said it best:
“This is a sad day, but you made it incredible.”

No uniform. No cockpit. Still, a proper farewell.

Aviation is a small world. And moments like this show what it really is at its core.

Respect. Brotherhood. Showing up when it matters.

Captain Jackson didn’t get his final flight.

But he got something just as meaningful.

Today‘s sunset at Essex Skypark. Waiting for this weekend’s weather event.
01/24/2026

Today‘s sunset at Essex Skypark. Waiting for this weekend’s weather event.

Address

1401 Diffendall Road
Essex, MD
21221

Website

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