Brian Allendorfer’s affinity for all things that burn fuel, make noise, and go fast began as a small child. In 1982, immediately following high school, that same curiosity led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force/Illinois Air National Guard. Allendorfer trained as a Crew Chief, performing maintenance on the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft stationed at the 126th Air Refueling Wing at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. During flights aboard the KC-135, witnessing in-flight refueling up close, he knew he found his destined vocation.

Midway through his Air Force/Air National Guard career, Allendorfer cross-trained to become a Boom Operator (Inflight Refueling Specialist) with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, a unit of the 126th Air Refueling Wing. A position requiring expert training and steady hands and nerves – Brian operated the controls for the specialized flying boom from the “boom pod”, stationed in the rear of the KC-135 and was responsible for safely and effectively completing the crucial task of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft to another mid-flight. As a Boom Operator, he also performed mission planning, pre-flight and post-flight duties, determined cargo restraint requirements, supervised loading operations, and managed passenger handling functions.

Allendorfer served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2003.

Prior to his retirement from military service, a segue into air show management was inevitable. Allendorfer went on to complete multiple flights in the Chicago Air & Water Show as a Boom Operator aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker. With knowledge of all aspects of flight, crew, ground and airspace operations, Allendorfer became distinctly equipped to coordinate nuanced details across government & military agencies, airshow staff and performers.

Taking notice of his unique set of skills, the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office of Special Events recruited the MSgt Allendorfer as liaison to the military aerial demonstration teams performing at the Chicago’s Air & Water Show – one of the city’s most logistically challenging and best attended public events. With Chicago’s Skyline as a backdrop, millions of spectators view the show annually making the Chicago Air & Water Show the largest free admission air and water exhibition of its kind in the United States.

Shortly thereafter, Milwaukee, WI (Air & Water Show), Gary, IN (Air Show) and Rockford, IL (Air Fest) followed suit by recruiting Allendorfer and team to coordinate air shows. Brian has also had the distinct honor of coordinating flyover events featuring military aircraft at dozens of notable events for teams and groups including: the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, Great Lakes Grand Prix, the Milwaukee Brewers and NASCAR.

Allendorfer revels in recruiting exceptional flight performance teams and working with top air show professionals. Boasting more than two decades of experience, Brian is proud to put his knowledge of all air show aspects to good work by sourcing teams, liaising with governmental agencies, and navigating contracts.