To say airplanes and airports have been a defining theme in Allen Thames’ life would not be an exaggeration. He became a pilot at age 17, has set foot upon well over 100 airports, and has worked in the aviation industry as a manager or planner for 55 years.
But to say aviation is his entire life wouldn’t be correct, either.
Allen, who is retiring September 30 after serving as an Aviation Planner for Neel-Schaffer since 2009, has built a resume full of professional and personal accomplishments.
Allen calls his wife, Linda, his “best friend,” and says the registered surgical nurse is his “hunting and fishing partner, a gourmet cook and a crack shot at over 200 yards!”
Allen is an Eagle Scout and a twin, a father of six and grandfather to eight. He has been a Girl Scout Troop leader, a Boy Scoutmaster, a certified fire fighter, a private pilot, and an Air Force intelligence officer at Headquarters United States Strategic Command.
“I have had a lot of fun in my life,” said Allen.
That enjoyment has obviously included his love for flying crafts and where they land and park. He is an accomplished military aircraft mechanic and was named Consultant of the Year in 1991 by the Southeastern Airport Managers Association. He has also ridden in a wide variety of aircraft (as a passenger), from the Goodyear Blimp to the F-4D, the most feared fighter jet during the Vietnam War.
Allen graduated from Auburn University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Aviation Management. He is the longest sitting member and now Chair Emeritus of the school’s Aviation Industry Advisory Board, and over the course of his career he mentored dozens of young professionals, introducing them to the aviation discipline.
Josh Stump, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Alabama/Tennessee Aviation Lead, was one of those who learned from Allen.
“Allen will truly be missed,” said Josh. “When I first got into aviation, he was instrumental in helping me learn the nuances of the FAA as well as the planning side of aviation. He has been one of the biggest positive influences in my career and was and will always be a role model for me, in my professional and personal life. I wish him the best wherever life takes him next.”
In retirement, Allen will have more free time to spend with Linda, and his children and grandchildren, but aviation will always hold a special place in his heart.
“Aviation carries a mystique that I have always loved,” said Allen. “My 16 years at Neel-Schaffer have been some of the best years of my professional life because this truly is a great place to work.”
