Skidmore was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong on 15 March 1959, and joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as an Officer Cadet in 1977.
Following his tour on F-111s, Skidmore undertook the United States Naval Test Pilot School Fixed Wing course in 1985.
This was followed by a posting as the Flight Test Director on the F-111C Avionics Update Program in California, USA.
Skidmore rejoined the RAAF in 2000 and completed the Defence Staff Course at Weston Creek before being posted again to the Aircraft Research and Development Unit, this time as the Commanding Officer.
[4] In 2013 Skidmore test flew the RAAF Museum replica Bristol Boxkite at Point Cook, Victoria for about 1000 metres and reached a speed of 42 mph.