Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 2 Line: 45

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Robert E. Clinton born in 1922 grew up in New York City Borough of the Bronx.
During World War II he entered the Navy in 1943 and studied for the Radio Technician's rating. After finishing the requirements he became an instructor and earned his Radio Technicians I/C rating.
When discharged from the Navy June 1946 with a good electronic background he earned a FCC First Class Radio Telephone License. This enabled him to hire on with United Airlines at LaGuardia Airport in New York City as a Radio Electric Mechanic. The position required maintenance of the electrical and electronic equipment on DC-3, DC-4 and DC-6 piston aircraft. After a few years he became the first R&E Inspector at United's LaGuardia maintenance facilities.
In June 1952 he transferred to Flight Operations as a Flight Engineer flying the DC-6 and DC-7 piston aircraft out of New York.
In the late 1950s he took pilot training at Amityville Flying Service, Zahns Airport, Long Island, New York, to qualify for the Flight Engineer's position on turbine aircraft.
It took a few years of training to procure a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating, and later a Multi Engine Rating. He flew as Flight Engineer on the B-720 out of New York and the DC-8.
In January 1971 moved to the right seat as First Officer on the B-727 until July of 1975. Went to Flight Engineers position on the B-747 out of LAX then in 1977 to First Officer on the DC-10. Transferred to SFO on the DC-10 and in June 1978 rated as Captain on the B-727 flying out of SFO. He obtained his Certified Flight Instructor Rating while on the B-727. Attaining the age of 60 he moved back to the Flight Engineer position on the B-747 for several years, retiring from United in this position. He has maintained his CFI rating and currency in piloting light aircraft well beyond the year 2004.
One son, Robert Jr., a private pilot, worked for Pan American Airlines for several years in the Engineering Department until the firm went bankrupt.
The second son, Richard J., worked for Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, New York for several years and obtained his Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating and Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. He is at present with Continental Airlines as a First Officer on B-737 aircraft.