Air Vice Marshall Mark (Skates) Skidmore AM, joined the RAAF in 1977. After an operational tour flying the F111C, he was posted to the United States Navy Test Pilots School at Patuxent River in Maryland. On graduation, Skates returned to the RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU), where he was instrumental in expanding the F111C's operational capabilities by clearing a number of external stores. His involvement with the F111C continued with a posting to the US for the aircraft's avionic update program. 

After a short time in industry, he returned to the RAAF to take command of, ARDU. Mark's final RAAF posting was as Air Commander Australia, responsible for the RAAF's operational elements.

He holds the distinction of flying the slowest and fastest aircraft in the RAAF.

He served as Director of CASA for two years and now serves on the boards of several aerospace companies. 

Mark's association with the Airtourer family started with the CTA on pilot's course. He now owns CT4A, A19-046, which he flew regularly at ARDU.