Sqn Ldr Ken Jackson served in the Royal Air Force for no less than 44 years, a period during which he flew almost continuously, without a ground tour, amassing some 12,000 flying hours in 34 aircraft types. Jacko started his RAF life as a "Trenchard Brat" (a Halton apprentice) but became a Spitfire pilot just in time to get as far as India before the war ended.
Although Jacko was understandably proud of his Spitfire days, he later became best known as OC Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and for flying the Lancaster "City of Lincoln" for seven years, the highlight of his career, this after the demise of the Hastings which he had flown for more than 5,000 hours. When he left the RAF he became a civilian Flying Instructor at Sherburn-in-Elmet in Yorkshire and flew for another 12 years, amassing a further 7,000 hours on 38 new types.
For any aviation enthusiasts unaware of his story, it is interesting to note that Sqn Ldr Jackson delivered the Hastings to the Newark Air Museum and also taxied Lancaster NX611 'Just Jane' at East Kirkby towards the end of what was clearly a hugely distinguished career.
Sadly he passed away on 27th May after a short illness and on this, the day of the service to celebrate his life, Global Aviation Resource is honoured to publish these words following a request received last night:
"I'm sincerely grateful to GAR for allowing me to pay my respects publicly to Squadron Leader Ken "Jacko" Jackson who has sadly passed away. If you are of a certain age you will remember Jacko and his outstanding Lancaster displays during the Seventies. With over 12,000 hours to his credit, Jacko flew everything from Spitfire through to Hastings and Lancaster. More importantly, from my point of view, Jacko and Betty have been like family to me ever since our first encounter. Please take a moment during whichever airshow you go to this year to remember a truly great pilot, and friend, and put a few quid into the nearest cancer charity bucket.
Flt Lt Bill Ramsey
RAF Tutor Display Pilot
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2011-11-24 - Jason Robertson
Funny how one person sticks in your mind. Jacko was a huge influence on my life while I was an assistant at the aero club. He and Betty were beautiful people and the politics at the club at the time was my first experience of betrayal,which Jacko held his head high and for that I will always remember. I have since served 18 years in the police and now moved to Australia. So much water under an old bridge, but I still remember his "pout". God bless
2011-07-15 - Mike Sims
I remember watching the Lancaster at so many 60s airshows and even watched the flypast at Biggin Hill Air Show as my wife and I left the church there, having just got married. I met Jacko years later at RAF Coningsby when he was OC BBMF. He heard I was posted from Coningsby and offered me a flight in the Lancaster as a farewell gift. A few years later I met him again at Swinderby and he took me up in a Chipmunk. Not only a brilliant pilot but a true officer and gentleman. RIP
2010-10-28 - Diane Smith
A wonderful pilot to the end - courage and bravery. It was a privilege to hear about you and your career with Dad and thank you to Betty.
Diane Smith MA Cantab
2010-10-28 - Tony Booth
I had the honour and fortune to meet Jacko at Sherburn in the early 80s and he taught me my first aerobatics. He was a gentleman and gracious in everything he said and did, I have recently written a story with him mentioned before I knew he had passed on. His expertise and advice I will never forget. One of the greatest men I have ever known.
2010-10-19 - adrian carr
After hearing that Ken (jacko) Jackson Had jussed passed away recently, I would like to send my condolences. I knew Jacko in the 80s when he was Chief Flying Instructor at Sherburn Aero Club. He was a great person to talk to as I was Aerodrome Assistant (general dogs body) and he will be sadly missed.
2010-09-23 - Jeff Rand
Having just read of 'Jacko's' death, I offer my sincere condolences. I met Jacko in the 1970's whilst I was in the ATC, 1066 (Hitchin) SQN. We established a very strong relationship with 1066 (Radar) Flight based at RAF Scampton. They were still operating Hastings at the time and I recall many happy hours both in the air and on the ground with him. On occasion we would simply wander into the BBMF hangar and chat about everything and anything to do with the operation. I recall that Jacko was the guest of honor on 2 occasions at Hitchin ATC, one of which was a Dining-in night in his honour. I subesquently flew with him from Duxford in the Lancaster which was the best end to my short time on the Hastings.
2010-09-15 - Clive Smith
I was very sad to hear the sad news of Ken " Jacko " Jacksons death. Ken was a life time friend of my late father Flt lt George W Smith and they could both be classed as the last of the true Aviators. Both flew in the war as fighter pilots and later as the years passed moved to heavy transport in the form of the Hastings and the display Lancaster.RIP Jacko
2010-06-21 - C.A. Broadhurst
Thank you for publishing the tribute to Sqn Ldr Ken Jackson MBE AFC RAF (Ret'd). I had the privilege to meet him at East Kirkby in 1997 when I took my uncle (ex 100 sqn flight engineer) to see the Lancaster there.
Jacko was a fascinating man, happy to answer my questions about his flying training in Rhodesia in WW.2.
He wrote his autobiography in two volumes. I would recommend them to anyone interested in Jacko or the RAF during the very long period that he served.
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