World of Aviation Podcast

Sunday morning (6-7-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will discuss the Spring Swing Big Band Hanger Dance with Amy Lauria of  the Minnesota wing of the Commemorative Air Force.  Each year they put on this incredible evening of entertainment with swing dancing, big band music and most everyone dancing in dress from the 1940's, placed in the atmosphere with aircraft from the WWII era.  Don't know how to swing dance?  You can learn that evening!  Join Al and Amy Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside the Twin Cities, you can stream the show via www.am1280thepatriot.com If you're unable to listen to the "live" radio broadcast, you can hear the podcast at any time at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

*Due to technical issues, we join the show in-progress just after the introduction of our guest.* Sunday morning (5-31-26) on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will introduce us to Clarence and Elmer Hinck when he visits with Jeff Wells from the Buffalo (MN) Historical Society. The two brothers, during WWII, bought approximately 400-acres across the river from Monticello with the purpose of training glider pilots. Over 200-men trained there and became instrumental in winning the war. Join Al and Jeff Sunday morning at 10:05 (CT) to hear this incredible part of our history on AM-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside the Twin Cities, you can stream the program via www.am1280thepatriot.com  If you can't listen to the "live" broadcast, the ensuing podcast will be available at www.thunderbirdaviation.com 

This Memorial Day weekend on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will replay an interview with Karl Zingheim, the official Historian aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. The interview is from this past December 7th on the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. How was the fleet caught so flat footed? Intelligence showed an attack was imminent. Was it simply a communication breakdown? Join Al and Karl this Sunday morning on AM-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside the Twin Cities, you can stream the program via www.am1280thepatriot.com  If you can't listen to the "live" radio broadcast, you can catch the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

Sunday morning (5-17-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will discuss fuel exhaustion with former FAA inspector and long time flight instructor Matha Lunken.. Whenever we hear of this happening, we all say, "Well, that will never happen to me!" But yet, it does! Is this a violation of FAA rules? We'll find out Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside of the Twin Cities you can stream the program via www.am1280thepatriot.com If you're unable to listen to the "live" broadcast you can always catch the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

Sunday morning (5-10-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will spend the hour with Paul Hansen. Paul, for the last 14-years flew for Spirit Airlines. That ended on May 2nd after the airline stopped all operations, laying off some 17-thousand employees. What now for Paul and all those laid-off? And, what does fly fishing have to do with his situation? We'll find out Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot.

Sunday morning (5-3-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg welcomes the authors of the book "Minnesota Phoenix" to the program. Maggie Hill, Jen Gasperini and Karyn Ferandes were all there from the very beginning of Sun Country Airlines. Is it true the start up airline began at the VFW in Bloomington, MN by former employees who were commiserating the loss of their jobs at Braniff Airlines, which had just gone belly up? Join Maggie, Jen, Karyn and Al Sunday morning at 10:05 AM CT to hear this remarkable story!

Sunday morning (4-26-26) on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will talk with one of this year's Sherm Booen scholarships. Shera Perken Felicio is working on her commercial pilot certifications and is dedicated to acquiring an Associates of Applied Science Commercial Pilot degree. Al will also talk with Alex Redding, the founder of MSP Airport "live". The World of Aviation airs each Sunday morning at 10:05 AM CT on AM1280 The Patriot.

On this episode of the World of Aviation, AL Malmberg will tell you a story that is so remarkable it's almost unbelievable, but it's true! Joining Al will be Kevin Hazzard, author of the book "No One's coming" and pilot Darrin Benton who actually flew the mission. Join Kevin, Darrin and Al to hear this harrowing story at 10:05 CT on AM-1280-the Patriot.

On The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will visit with Paul Peterson. Paul was "discovered" by Prince when he was just 17 years old, just in time for the movie Purple Rain. You may know Paul for his relationship with "Minnesota's First Family of Music," but you may not know he's a pilot, as well. He learned to fly while living in California 20-years ago. Join Paul and Al to learn more about Paul's life on The World of Aviation, Sunday morning at 10:05 (CT) on AM-1280-The Patriot.

On The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will welcome a plane load of guests into the studio to honor the memory of James Olsen.  James was one of the founding members of Sun Country Airlines, becoming its CEO and Chief Pilot.  Among the guests will be his children, Captain Chuck Doyle, Jr. and Marlene Earll who was with the company from the very beginning.  To hear this incredible story, tune into AM1280 The Patriot.

Sunday morning on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will continue his look at this year's inductees into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.  Sunday (3-22-26) he'll look at the life of Bob Pond when visits with Ken Holley, Bob's son in law.  Bob was a decorated Naval Aviator, entrepreneur and aviation enthusiast.  In fact, Bob started the Planes of Fame Museum that was originally located at Flying Cloud Airport.  If you're outside the Twin Cities, you can stream the show via:"  www.am1280thepatriot.com If you can't listen to the broadcast "live" you can hear the podcast at www.thunderbridaviation.com

On The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will continue his interviews with this year's inductees into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. Next up is Gene DePalma who is a Navy veteran and aviation executive. As a pilot, Gene has logged some 10-thousand hours in 33-different aircraft. During a 30-year career at Van Dusen Air, He rose to the position of President and CEO.

On The World of Aviation we'll begin our interviews with this year's Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductees.  Chuck Doyle, jr. was raised in an aviation family.  Does he even remember a time when he wasn't flying?  After retiring from Sun Country Airlines, Chuck continues to fly his restored aircraft off the air park where he resides.

The World of Aviation Al Malmberg welcomes back Darrin Smedsmo.  In October Darrin was flying from Roseau to Bemidji when his restored Stinson's engine suddenly stopped. Darrin successfully made an emergency landing on a state highway..  He wasn't injured and his plane was undamaged.  No one on the ground was injured and there wasn't any property damage.  All good, right?  Awww, not really.  Darrin landed on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Tribal Police seized and impounded his plane!  And, he still has gotten it back!  What's going on? 

Sunday morning (2-22-26) on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will talk with Pat Anderson who started flying at the age of 14 in a J-3 Cub.  The love of aviation runs deep in Pat's family.  He's a 4th generation pilot who recently retired after flying for Mesaba, Republic, Northwest and Delta Airlines over a 37-year career.  Concurrently,he was a Command and Airshow pilot for the Commemorative Air Force.  Join Pat and Al, Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot.

Sunday morning (2-15-2026) on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will speak with John Joseph.  John was a flight attendant for three different airlines over a 40-year period.  He saw a lot of changes over that time period.  He was only 20-years old when he started with Republic Airlines.   What are the changes he experienced?   Who are the worst passengers?  How did 9-11 affect his job?  These are just a few of the questions we'll ask John, Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on The World of Aviation on AM-1280-The Patriot.

Sunday morning on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will look back one year with an interview he conducted with Sabrina Kipp.  She had no designs whatsoever to become a pilot.  Sabrina was in her freshman year of college and changed her major after her friends took a vote on what her major should be.  They thought she would be a great pilot.  They were right!  Join Sabrina and Al Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot.

​When you began flying did you have a bucket list (in your mind, anyway) of planes you wanted to fly?  Didn't we all?  Sunday morning (2-1-26) on the World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will speak with Meg Godlewski, Technical Editor and Senior Writer for Flying Magazine.  In the most recent publication she listed all the planes she hoped to fly. Meg has flown a lot of different types, but how many have been checked off this list?  Join Meg and Al Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot to find out.

​​​​Sunday morning (1-25-26) on The World of Aviation Al Malmberg will talk with Alex Redding.  Alex came up with the idea for MSP Airport "Live".  Back in the 1950's, many families around Wold Chamberlain Airport would pile into the car and go out to the airport to watch airplanes take off and land.  Well, no more piling in the car with MSP Airport "live".  You can watch aircraft take off and land on YouTube and Facebook.  Join Alex and Al Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) to hear more on AM-1280-The Patriot.

Two weeks ago on the World of Aviation we learned about the crash of a B-52 bomber in the Twin Cities. This Sunday morning (1-18-26) we'll get a first hand account of the horrific crash of this behemoth  bomber in 1958 in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.  Loren Kahl was 15 when the Stratofortress slammed into the Kahl family farm.  The explosion was so intense, people across the Twin Cities thought it was a nuclear attack.  Join Loren Kahl and Al Malmberg to hear Loren's first hand account of this devastating crash at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside the Twin Cities you can stream the program via:  www.am1280thepatriot.com If you can't tune in to the show "live" the podcast will posted on www.thunderbirdaviation.com

Sunday morning (1-11-26) onThe World of Aviation Al Malmberg will visit with Tim Pearson.  On December 15th Tim had the aviation community abuzz when he took a 500-mile jaunt over the skies of three states drawing out a manger scene.  Those who pay attention to flight Aware were amazed when the manger scene, complete with Joseph, Mary and the manger appeared.on their  computer screens.  What type of plane was he flying?  What went into planning this?  Those are just a few of the questions that will be delved into on The World of Aviation, Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) on AM-1280-The Patriot.If you're outside the Twin Cities you can stream the program via www.am1280thepatriot.comIf you can't listen "live" the podcast will be available at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

On the World of Aviation with Al talks with Dave Mattsson. This episode of The World of Aviation introduces a discussion about a tragic Cold War–era aviation accident: the crash of a B-52 Stratofortress into the Kahl family farmhouse in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, on September 16, 1958. Host Al Malmberg interviews aviation historian David Mattsson, who has extensively researched the event. Mattsson explains how his hands-on work with historic military parachute and aviation life-support equipment led him to aviation history, especially within the warbird community. His interest in the 1958 B-52 crash grew from long-standing rumors and conflicting accounts, until he uncovered firsthand connections through a colleague whose neighbor was Loren Kahl—the teenage survivor who lived on the farm when the bomber crashed.

Al Malmberg welcomes back Lt. Col. Tom Fitzhenry of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.  On December first the CAP celebrated their 84th anniversary.  It was established just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor to  mobilize civilian pilots for national defense, evolving into an official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.  Today, the CAP does so much more. Tom and Al  delve into all they do in serving their local communities.

You're flying along on a beautiful October day when suddenly you have a catastrophic engine failure.  Your training kicks in, you pick out a place to land and you make a perfect emergency landing on a Minnesota state highway.  Phew!  That was scary!  Little do you know your troubles are only beginning.  You've landed on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.  You didn't know you couldn't do that, even in an emergency.  Well, that's what happened to Darrin Smedsmo, our guest on The World of Aviation on Sunday morning.  They seized and impounded his plane.  What!?  To hear more, join Darrin and Al Malmberg at 10:05 on Am-1280-The Patriot. If you're outside the Twin Cities you can catch the show at www.am1280thepatriot.com If you can't listen to the broadcast you can hear the podcast at anytime via www.thunderbirdaviation.com 

This week on World of Aviation, Al Malmberg commemorates the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941. To help mark the occasion, he welcomes back Karl Zingheim, the official historian of the USS Midway. Together they explore why the United States was caught so flat-footed that morning, despite clear signs that Japan was preparing for an attack. They examine the decisions that led to the battleships being grouped together in the harbor and discuss whether there were answers—or missed opportunities—that might have changed history. Join us for a compelling and thoughtful look back at one of aviation’s most pivotal moments.

This week on World of Aviation, Al welcomes special guest Brianna Fiandt for an engaging conversation filled with real-world aviation stories, industry insights, and professional best practices. Brianna shares her experiences from the cockpit to the hangar, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of life in aviation. Whether you're a seasoned pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply fascinated by flight, this episode delivers inspiration and practical wisdom from one of the field’s passionate voices. Tune in as World of Aviation continues to explore the people, stories, and innovations that keep our skies moving.

In this week’s episode of World of Aviation, Al takes listeners on a meaningful journey through the history of Tree of Hope, reflecting on its mission and sharing practical ways listeners can get involved and support the work being done. Deb follows with powerful, heartfelt stories of individuals whose lives have been deeply touched by Tree of Hope, highlighting the real-world impact of compassion in action. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends aviation, service, and hope—reminding us of the difference we can make when we choose to give.

On this episode of The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg spoke with Cyndi Rojohn and David Rojohn,, authors of the book The Piggyback Flight Pilot''s JOURNEY,. the harrowing story of their father lt. Glen Rojohn and how their B-17 bomber pancaked with another B-17 bomber.  Truly a story Hollywood, in their wildest dreams, could never come up with!

Al Malmberg spends the hour with Stephanie Stout. She is a CFI-I&II, She's also the President of her local EAA chapter and is the author of the book, "Hey! I'm a pilot!" In her spare time she's a criminal defense lawyer and a legal mediator.

In this episode of World of Aviation on AM1280, we honor the incredible story of Colonel Joe Peterburs, a distinguished World War II fighter pilot who flew 49 combat missions over Europe. Col. Peterburs recounts his experiences in the skies during one of history’s most pivotal eras—from intense aerial battles to the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie that defined the Greatest Generation. Join us for a firsthand look at aviation history through the eyes of a true American hero whose service continues to inspire aviators and patriots alike

Al talked with Guest John Bone. As a pilot over the last 52 years, John has logged over 25000 hours and has flown around the world...literally.