Written by AMA staff (04/2014); Transcribed and Reformatted by JS (04/2014)
Remembering Allen
Three days after Christmas 2013, Allen Brickhaus, the author of this feature, frequent MA contributor, [Contest Director], event organizer, longtime NatsNews reporter, teacher, musician, and friend to so many, passed away. Allen’s unforgettable service to the [Control Line] community touched countless people. “If you knew Allen, think back and try to find even one time when he was not outwardly friendly, supportive, helpful, consoling, jovial, and happy around you as the situation required,” wrote former MA editor Bob Hunt.
Allen had headed the AMA Nats Beginner Stunt event since 1993. He was known for coordinating a huge supply of modeling material to be awarded to the beginner pilots Allen also ensured that thank-you notes were sent to all of the donors.
He enjoyed mentoring and encouraging novice fliers. And had formed a group of youngsters in southern Illinois called the Patton Street Pirate Pilots. He was heavily involved in bringing CL to the annual Joe Nall event, helping with 525 or more training flights at last year’s gathering.
Allen was chosen for the “Carolina Spirit Award” in Huntsville, North Carolina, was named “Keeper of the Flame” at the 2010 Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson, Arizona, and was inducted into the PAMPA Control Line Precision Aerobatics Hall of Fame in 2012.
Allen enjoyed altering designs, always looking to improve performance. He published more than 60 features and articles for MA and various modeling magazines, detailing his designs and building experiences as well as reporting on CL Aerobatics events.
Allen was a retired music teacher who was much in demand as a substitute teacher, enjoying his opportunity to have a positive influence on young people.
Keith Trostle, on the Stunthangar.com forum, best expressed how most of the CL community felt about Allen. “Allen Brickhaus was one of those few people you meet in life where each individual who had the privilege to know him felt that they had a very special relationship, particular only to them, no matter how long that association. That relationship was absolutely genuine and sincere.”
Allen was 66 years old.
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