An Interview with Bob Leuten
By Michael J. Scully
If there is one word to describe Bob Leuten, it is achiever. Bob Leuten is not a man who has ever been satisfied just waiting for good things to come his way. Bob Leuten gets it done.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Bob was a scholarship swimmer at Bowling Green State University where he made the record books more than once. After earning a business degree and completing the ROTC program, Bob was commissioned as an Army 2nd Lieutenant in 1965. Already having reached the highest status in HAM radio, the army applied Bob’s talents in the Signal Corps, both domestically and in Vietnam. Three years later, Bob left the army as a Captain but not before earning an Army Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Bob was many “firsts” in his family. He was the first Leuten to pursue HAM radio, the first to pursue competitive athletics, and the first to pursue aviation. Bob’s natural curiosity nudged him into aviation after overhearing a conversation in the Officers’ Club in Fort Sill, Okla. He made his way down to the Red Leg Flying Club that same day. He thought he was addressing a fear of flight, but once in the air, he realized he had a love of flight, so Bob Leuten did what he does naturally. He continued to build upon his achievements. In 1966, after logging 47 hours and spending $412, Bob earned his private pilot’s license.
After his army service, Bob started his career in insurance and took advantage of the GI Bill to attain additional flight training. Under the bill, Bob earned his instrument rating license, commercial license, CFI, and ATP certificates. Looking to blend his business vocation with his flying avocation, Bob found a professional opportunity through an interview with USAIG, a large multinational aviation insurance carrier. The interview was in Chicago, but the job opportunity was in San Francisco.
The young Bob Leuten accepted a job offer from USAIG in San Francisco. He sent his car, shipped his motorcycle and meager belongings, and flew himself west in his Citabria. Bob landed at San Carlos Airport in April of 1974 where he continues to hangar his current plane, a Super Decathlon. During Bob’s 11-and-a-half year stint with USAIG, he instructed aggressively in his spare time, sometimes teaching his insurance clients in their newly purchased aircrafts. He spent 22 more years working for a local insurance brokerage as their aviation specialist. He enjoyed working with a wide variety of clients, including corporate and charter operators, crop dusters, airport managers, and of course private pilots.
Like many pilots, Bob sees the dwindling pilot population as one of GA’s most significant hurdles. He believes it’s imperative that we attract more young prospects to aviation. Bob lights up with hope though, when he speaks of promising up-and-comers like his teenage student, Michael Mainiero, who recently earned his private pilot’s license. Bob Leuten has done more than his share with young people too. He has racked up more than 500 Young Eagle flights.
Bob finds great satisfaction in teaching others and in particular, making pilots safer. However, reminiscing over his 48 years of flying and nine owned aircraft, his fondest memories are his seven trips from California to Oshkosh.
One might expect Bob to hang it up. No way! Bob Leuten is as active and goal oriented as he ever was. Bob is still a competitive swimmer for the San Mateo Masters and is currently ranked Number 8 in the nation for the Men’s 100-meter backstroke. He currently swims four days per week. In aviation, he is looking forward to reaching his 50-year flying anniversary in two short years. At that time, he should qualify for the FAA’s Wright Brothers Award.
In addition to many vocational and avocational achievements, Bob is a successful family man. He has been married to his wife, Sally, for 38 years, is the father of two sons, and keeps busy with his four grandchildren.
Perhaps a better word to describe Bob Leuten would be inspiring.
