Meet the Owners – Marlin and Kim Fullerton

Fulltron Aviation was founded in 2019 by Marlin and Kim Fullerton, operating out of Springfield Flying Service. Marlin’s brother, Mark, passed away in 2018. Mark’s nickname in his own aviation world was “Fulltron”, so Marlin honored his late brother by naming the flight school after him. With a passion for aviation and a vision for growth, Marlin was approached in 2023 with the opportunity to lease the airport—and he did just that in March of that year. Since then, the Fullertons have brought together all aspects of the operation under one roof, seamlessly combining the FBO, maintenance shop, flight school, and paint shop to create a full-service aviation hub.

OUR STORY THAT CONTINUES TO GROW

Left to Right

Harry Cooper SR.

Jack H.G. Cooper

Jim Johnson

Pearson Ward

Left Right

Bob Kirk Harold Finch

Bill Braton Frank Simmons

Steve Paleuik Bob Miller

Chuck Cantril Harold Peterson

Bob Davis Vick Simon

Joe Fisher Vern Hoyt

  • 1925: McCluer Flying Field opens as a private airport. 

  • 1928: The City of Springfield purchases the airport and renames it Springfield Park and Airport. 

  • 1929: Commercial air service begins at the airport. 

  • 1929-1942: As aircraft grew larger, the short, unpaved runways at Springfield Park and Airport made it difficult to expand commercial service. 

  • World War II (1942-1945): The airport was heavily used for transporting wounded soldiers to O'Reilly General Hospital, highlighting the need for upgrades. 

  • 1942: Municipal voters approved a $350,000 bond issue to build a new airport. 

  • 1944: Construction began on the new airport. 

  • 1945: Further bonds were approved, and the new airport opened on July 2. 

  • Today: The Downtown Airport (3DW) continues to operate as a privately owned, public-use airport.