When I got the news that he died in a plane crash last Wednesday, November 22nd, it was the first glimmer of the void I knew it would leave. Warren Bruhl learned to fly at PWK. We lost one of our own and a good friend of mine at that.
I met Warren when then CEPA president Arthur Gunn brought him to one of the Chicago Executive Pilots Association board meetings. Warren was eager to join in and make a contribution. He was still a student pilot but you could tell right off the bat that he was all in. He was flying a lot, and like most of us, wouldn’t miss an opportunity to talk with other pilots, particularly experienced pilots, about his journey. Later, he took on the job of CEPA Secretary. He was often a calming voice in the room when the discussion volume rose.
Beyond his contributions to CEPA, Warren’s altruistic nature shone through his previous career as a health-care professional. He dedicated weeks each year to providing medical care and education in underserved villages in Africa. As a member and volunteer, Warren continued his generous spirit by actively supporting our PAPA Scholarship fund, furthering our mission to educate and empower aspiring aviators.
Warren earned his instrument rating, commercial certificate, CFI, CFII, and MEI. Soon after, he went on to earn his helicopter commercial and later flew right seat in a Cessna Citation for a good many hours. Warren and his partner, Jared Sebesta, opened an aerobatic flight school, Gambit Aviation. I marveled as Warren told me of his achievements in flying his Extra.
Warren gained a lot of experience in his few short years of flying. We can only imagine what might have been……..
Blue Skies to you, Warren,
Your good friend, Michael Baraz.