Moving just across the street

Martz earned his pilot certificate in 1976, at age 22. He’s been an active pilot for 54 years, but aviation wasn’t his first career. Prior to joining AOPA, he spent 18 years in the banking and finance sector. “I remember I once financed a loan to a farmer who put up his Cessna C172 as collateral,” he said. Martz decided to remain in Frederick when his bank’s merger would have forced him to relocate and his wife to give up her teaching position.

AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis remembers how Martz helped him purchase his Piper PA–22 Tri-Pacer. “He sat me down and told me that I needed title information, history of ownership; to make sure I had a free and clear title.” He said it took Martz hours to make sure that everything was in order. “And that’s not because I work here,” Tulis said. “It’s a service that’s free to every member and it’s something they should make use of, because according to Rodney, it’s a real gotcha if the title is not clear.”

Martz may bid adieu to AOPA, but he’s not going far. Friends and co-workers will be able to find him in his hangar across the street from headquarters, where he’s working on his 1953 Beechcraft Bonanza and his Cessna 140. He also owns a Grumman American AA-1. “I call them Charlie-Brown airplanes,” he said, referring to the Peanuts character’s Christmas tree that, according to Linus, is “not bad at all really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” To Tulis, that’s an understatement. “We call his hangar ‘Rodney’s used avionics shop’ or the ‘Univair warehouse for tools and avionics,’” he said. “This guy has everything, as a matter of fact, I’m borrowing his engine hoist right now. And he’s got a wealth of knowledge not only about rules and regulations, but also everything maintenance,” he said.

AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman echoes the sentiment: “Rodney’s encyclopedic aviation knowledge, sincerity, friendliness, and patience are well known to the legions of AOPA members who have interacted with him throughout his career. What they might not know, however, is that Rodney is a lifelong tinkerer who can fix just about any broken airplane, car, lawnmower, or household appliance—and a hangar packed full of stored projects is likely to keep him busier in retirement than he was on the job.”

Martz’s expertise and his friendly, calm, and professional demeanor will be missed by members and co-workers alike, but his overdue panel projects will now be on the fast track. Martz will also continue to provide support to the AOPA Foundation’s aircraft donation program.