Lew Shattuck was selected by the IAC Hall of Fame committee and the Board of Directors to be inducted into the International Aerobatic Hall of Fame for 2023. The official ceremonies took place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on November 9, 2023.
Before getting started in aerobatics, Lew Shattuck enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. While serving, Shattuck gained experience flying many different military fighter aircraft. In the summer of 1966, Shattuck was captured after his F-105 was shot down in North Vietnam and was kept as a prisoner for more than six years before being released. He retired from the Air Force in 1976 as a full Colonel.
Despite an eye injury suffered during his time in captivity, Shattuck wanted to continue flying. He purchased a Pitts Special and began practicing aerobatics. Shattuck won the 1978 IAC National Championship in the Unlimited category. He continued to fly in competitions until 2018 at the age of 85. Shattuck also served as a mentor for pilots and judges for many years.
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Lew Shattuck with the 1978 Pitts Trophy for winning
the Unlimited category at the IAC Championships, and the Pitts Cup presented to the pilot who scored the highest percentage of possible points during that year's competition. |
Lew Shattuck at the 2009 U.S. National
Aerobatic Championships, pictured with his Giles 200. |
Check out the November/December issue of Sport Aerobatics for a Feature article and on Lew Shattuck!
