World of Aviation Podcast

With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, this Sunday mornings(7-6-26) World of Aviation will look back on an interview Al Malmberg did with Maggie Hill, Jen Gasperini and Karyn Fernandes who co-authored the book, “Minnesota’s Phoenix.”  This publication tells the story of the collapse of Braniff Airlines and how a handful of out of work employees decided to start their own airline.  This is a must hear story of the beginnings of Sun Country Airlines.  The World of Aviation can be heard each 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 can't listen to the “live radio broadcast” you can always listen to the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

In this episode of The World of Aviation, host Al Malmberg welcomes Dr. Rachel McClain, Executive Director of the National WASP WWII Museum, for a fascinating look at the legacy of the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) who served with distinction during World War II. Dr. McClain shares the remarkable history of these pioneering women and the vital role they played in supporting the American war effort.

The program also features two pilots preparing to fly a vintage BT-13 and T-6 aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, where they will help preserve and share the inspiring story of the WASPs with aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Join Al for an engaging conversation celebrating aviation history, courage, and the enduring legacy of these trailblazing pilots.

This Sunday morning on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg visits with Doc Jarnigan for a fascinating conversation about his father, Wayne Jarnigan, who served as a Senior Manager overseeing ground support operations at the Federal Express hub in Memphis.

While Wayne’s career at FedEx was impressive, the story of how he landed the job is even more remarkable. In fact, FedEx CEO Fred Smith personally hired him. Join Doc and Al as they share the story behind Wayne Jarnigan’s career and his connection to one of the world’s best-known aviation and transportation companies.

Sunday morning  (9-5-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will interview Maggie Hill and Jen Gasparini to discuss one of the greatest aviation stories of all time!  Maggie and Jen will tell us 
about their book, Minnesota’s Phoenix, the story of a handful of ex-Braniff employees who decided to start their own airline.  How does one go about doing that?  What government loopholes did
they have to navigate through?  How does one go about buying a commercial airliner?   Don’t miss this intriguing hour, about the start of Sun Country Airlines, 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 can't listen to the “live radio broadcast” you can listen to the ensuing podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

The 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day is coming up next month.  Sunday morning (8-23-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will visit with Laurel Winter, the Board President of The Stars of the North Chapter of Women in Aviation.  When and where in Minnesota will this great event take place?  Who can register?  Find out, Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) by tuning in to The World of Aviation, heard 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", the podcast can be heard at www.thunderbridaviation.com

Sunday morning (8-16-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg gets together with Aletha Lenz.  
Aletha is about as enthusiastic as an aviator can be!  Not only is she a pilot, she sells airplanes
and is an aviation columnist.  In a recent Midwest Flyer article, titled "Two firsts:  The unforgettable feeling of Soloing."  Aletha describes soloing twice.  Twice?  She'll explain 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.am1280thepatriotcom
If you're unable to listen to the "live radio broadcast" the ensuing podcast will be available at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

In this episode of The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg welcomes back Terry Baker, Chairman and CEO of the American Aviation Heritage Foundation, to discuss the progress of their latest restoration project—a 1941 PT-19 aircraft. Terry shares the history behind this historic trainer aircraft and provides an update on the work being done to preserve it for future generations.

Al and Terry also turn their attention to the remarkable women who have helped shape the history of aviation. From pioneering pilots to women who broke barriers in the industry, they explore some of the stories and accomplishments that continue to inspire today's aviation community.

In this episode of The World of Aviation, host Al Malmberg welcomes aviation columnist and blogger Yasmina Soria for a fascinating conversation about her unique opportunity to experience weightlessness aboard NASA's iconic KC-135 aircraft. Yasmina shares what it was like to fly on the aircraft, the sensations of zero gravity, and the unforgettable experience of floating in a microgravity environment.

The discussion also explores how someone without a background as an astronaut or military pilot can participate in specialized NASA flight opportunities. Yasmina explains the path that led to her flight, offering insight into the programs and partnerships that make these experiences possible. Join Al for an engaging look at aviation, spaceflight, and one writer's remarkable journey into weightlessness.

Sunday morning (7-26-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg will visit with retired United
Airlines Captain Guy Freeman.  Guy has flown just about everything from Cessna 150's to  F-4's, 747's, 767's and the Triple 7's.  Since his airline retirement, he's enjoying his RV-8 and Cessna 
172.  Oh!  He's also been the recipient of the Wrlght Brothers Master Pilot Award.  Join Guy and
Al, Sunday morning at 10:05 (ct) for The World of Aviation 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 always listen to the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

Sunday morning (7-12-26) on The World of  Aviation, Al Malmberg will welcome back Brandon Montanye, the Chairman of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.  We'll learn who next year's inductees will be into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.  It's a veritable who's who of Minnesota Aviation.  Join Brandon and Al 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 to the "live radio broadcast", the podcast will be available at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, this Sunday mornings(7-6-26) World of Aviation will look back on an interview Al Malmberg did with Maggie Hill, Jen Gasperini and Karyn Fernandes who co-authored the book, “Minnesota’s Phoenix.”  This publication tells the story of the collapse of Braniff Airlines and how a handful of out of work employees decided to start their own airline.  This is a must hear story of the beginnings of Sun Country Airlines.  The World of Aviation can be heard each 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 can't listen to the “live radio broadcast” you can always listen to the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

In this episode of The World of Aviation, host Al Malmberg welcomes Dr. Rachel McClain, Executive Director of the National WASP WWII Museum, for a fascinating look at the legacy of the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) who served with distinction during World War II. Dr. McClain shares the remarkable history of these pioneering women and the vital role they played in supporting the American war effort.

The program also features two pilots preparing to fly a vintage BT-13 and T-6 aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, where they will help preserve and share the inspiring story of the WASPs with aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Join Al for an engaging conversation celebrating aviation history, courage, and the enduring legacy of these trailblazing pilots.

Sunday morning (6-21-26) on The World of Aviation, Al Malmberg welcomes back Dick Knapinski to talk about this year's AirVenture 2026.  Celebrating our country's 250-anniversary, this air show will be better than ever!  The Royal Air Force Red Arrows will make their first appearance at Oshkosh.  The Flying Bulls will be there as well, as will be Doc, one of two flying B-29's in the world.  Join Dick and Al at 10:05 (ct) to learn more about this year's biggest air show on AM-1280-The Patriot.
If you're outside the Twin Cities, you can stream the show via www.am1280thepatriot.
If you're unable to catch the "live" broadcast you can always listen to the podcast at www.thunderbirdaviation.com

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