I AM THE AMA
Keith Shaw
Retired research physicist and consultant
by Jay Smith
Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation?
Keith Shaw: I grew up in the Cleveland area, which is steeped in aviation history. My first memories in life were at the 1949 National Air Races. My family was invited to watch the races from a friend’s house in Berea, Ohio. I remember the awe and excitement of the big racers flying right over our heads and the sound of the magnificent engines. Unfortunately, I also remember Bill Odom’s highly modified Mustang crashing into a house only two blocks from where we were sitting. But soon afterward, I started to build rubber-powered models, beginning a lifelong fascination with flight.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
KS: Model aviation made me what I am. I spent endless hours in the Cleveland Public Library, studying electronics (to design my own RC systems), mechanics (spar structures and stress distribution), aerodynamics (to design better airplanes), and engine/fuel chemistry (to get better performance). You get the idea. My desire to design, build, and fly airplanes guided me into a life of science, and ultimately to a career as a research physicist at the University of Michigan.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
KS: I fly in many air shows and occasionally participate in RC Scale, Pattern, or just sport flying. I have always encouraged designing and building one’s own models, and I mentor many local modelers toward that goal.
JS: What are your other hobbies?
KS: I enjoy reading science/technology, science fiction, history and, of course, anything aviation related. Music also fills my life, fueled by a rock ’n’ roll collection of 1,000 vinyl records and 800 CDs, along with regular visits to local, small-venue performances. When I do go on vacations, they are always extensive hiking/sightseeing treks to our wonderful national parks.
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you most?
KS: I was fortunate to know many model aviation greats in Cleveland, and I treasure all that I learned from them. Chet Lanzo, Ted Blase, Al Seidowski, George Landreth, and Warren Plohr were mentors and friends.
JS: Having been an advocate of electric-powered RC model aircraft for many years, what do you think the future holds for this technology?
KS: At this point, electrics have won, providing a clean, quiet, and safe way to enjoy modeling, and help obtain and keep flying sites. It is rare to see even one glow model at the many dozens of club fields I visit. There will be some small improvements in motor and controller technologies, better and safer cell technologies, and advances in stabilization systems. My only regret is that electric power played a major role in the popularization of ARFs and “checkbook modeling.” I will continue to promote and support the hobby of model aviation.
