Pan Am Pilot Keith Woodmansee — Aviator, Attorney, and Banjo Player

PAN AM Series — Pan Am Pilot Keith Woodmansee: From Cockpit to Music Stage

Pan Am pilot Keith Woodmansee has been a long-time friend since shortly after I joined Pan Am. A professional Flight Engineer/Pilot, Keith went on to United Airlines when they purchased Pan Am’s Pacific routes — swapping the iconic Pan Am “white hat” for a different uniform but keeping the same dedication to excellence.

A Man Who Got Things Done

Keith is someone who always scheduled his time, stayed focused, and accomplished whatever he set out to do. Over the years, he has been:

• A Pan Am Flight Engineer/Pilot

• An attorney working part-time for the Public Defender’s Office

• A property rehabber who bought and renovated a 24-unit apartment complex

• A writer who authored two Pan Am history books

• An accomplished banjo player

• A student of gems and buyer of diamonds
  

Capturing Two Sides in Photographs

For his pilot portrait, I aimed to capture Keith’s serious side — the focused and capable professional. I wanted to suggest the sternness he could project without making him appear angry. His wife, however, thought the result leaned too stern.

In the musician photo, I wanted to show Keith’s love of playing the banjo. For him, it seemed an escape — a place where focus gave way to joy. Like many musicians, he looked happiest when he was making music he loved.

If you enjoyed this profile of Pan Am pilot Keith Woodmansee, explore more portraits and stories in my blog. Visit my blog for more insights into the remarkable people of Pan Am.

Keith Woodmansee banjo player and Pan Am pilot, photo by Bill Travis

Keith Woodmansee, photo by Bill Travis