Martin Towsley
Martin’s passion for aviation began in 1971 when, at just ten years old, his parents drove onto the Springfield Sunday Flyer Radio Controlled Model Airplane Club field. Located south of Springfield, across I-72 from Skateland South, the club became the foundation of his lifelong aviation journey. His father and brother took up the hobby, and he soon followed, progressing from flying borrowed planes to owning his own and eventually competing in both powered aircraft and sailplane events across the Midwest. Over the years, he also instructed numerous aspiring R/C pilots.
While attending Springfield High School, Martin discovered a ground school course and eagerly enrolled. This led to his first flight, an introductory lesson in a Cessna 210RG. At 16, he began flight training with Capitol Aviation, flying Grumman AA1B Yankee Trainers. He soloed after just seven hours, but when Capitol Aviation closed that summer, flight lessons became sporadic. Jacksonville Aviation briefly provided training in Cessna 150s, but other interests, work, cars, motorcycles, and social life, put flying on hold. During this time, he won a radio contest, earning a free flight on an Ozark DC-9, marking his first airline experience.
Despite the pause in formal flight training, Martin remained connected to aviation, often flying with childhood friend Mike George. His involvement with the Air Combat Museum allowed him the rare opportunity to crew and fly a B-25 at airshows for nearly seven years before the aircraft was sold.
In 2004, while flying with Mike in a Piper Arrow, Martin was encouraged to complete his pilot’s license. Mike introduced him to the newly established Sport Pilot certificate and recommended the Taylorcraft, given his admiration for WWII L-2 liaison aircraft. Shortly thereafter, Martin purchased his first 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D in Olney, IL, and based it at Taylorville Airport. Under the instruction of Denny Taft, he re-entered the world of flying and transitioned to tailwheel aircraft. Navigating the uncharted waters of the new Sport Pilot regulations, Martin and Denny worked closely with a DPE to ensure a smooth certification process. In early 2005, he passed his written, ground, and flight tests, officially becoming the first licensed Sport Pilot in Illinois. His achievement was featured in Illinois Aviation magazine, and at that year’s EAA AirVenture, he was recognized as the first Sport Pilot the EAA had met, leading to a photo opportunity with EAA Chairman Paul Poberezny and FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
In 2006, Martin acquired a WWII 1943 Taylorcraft L-2B and was soon invited to fly it to the first Liaison Aircraft Fly-In at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, an unforgettable experience. Over the years, he has owned and flown an Experimental Light Sport TEAM AirBike and, in 2010, returned to his Taylorcraft roots with his current all-red 1946 Taylorcraft, Miss Scarlett.
About 13 years ago, Martin moved his aircraft to SPI from a private airfield, navigating the challenges of operating a vintage, non-electric, non-transponder-equipped plane in Class C airspace. His deep involvement in aviation also led him to serve as the Ray Scholarship Foundation Coordinator for five years before stepping down. Currently, he serves as the Treasurer for his EAA chapter. In this role, Martin plans to improve the chapter’s financial transparency, ensure accurate budgeting for events and initiatives, and work toward securing additional funding sources to support aviation programs, scholarships, and community outreach. His goal is to strengthen the chapter’s financial foundation and promote its long-term success.
Beyond his personal flying endeavors, Martin has contributed significantly to the Taylorcraft community. He was the Midwest Regional Representative for the Taylorcraft Foundation and continues to serve as the administrator of the Taylorcraft Facebook page. Additionally, he is the AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer for SPI, advocating for general aviation and airport development.
Martin’s lifelong dedication to aviation, from model aircraft to vintage warbirds, has shaped his experiences and contributions to the aviation community, ensuring that his passion continues to inspire others.
