The World of Aviation host and longtime aviation ambassador named to the 2027 Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame
For more than five decades, Alan “Al” Peter Malmberg has used the power of radio to bring aviation stories, personalities and opportunities to listeners throughout Minnesota and beyond. As longtime host of The World of Aviation, Malmberg has interviewed more than 1,000 guests, giving pilots, aviation industry leaders, educators, historians and enthusiasts a platform to share their experiences and promote the future of flight.
His dedication to aviation broadcasting, education and public outreach will be recognized in 2027 when he is inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.
A private pilot himself, Malmberg brings more than a broadcaster’s perspective to the microphone. His enthusiasm for flying and genuine interest in the people behind aviation have helped make The World of Aviation a longstanding part of Minnesota’s aviation community.
A Minnesota Aviation Broadcasting Tradition
The World of Aviation has a history that reaches back to 1947, when aviation broadcaster Sherm Booen created the program on WDGY Radio in Minneapolis. The program later appeared on WCCO Television in 1953, becoming a Minnesota aviation institution. Booen hosted and produced the program for 28 years before retiring in 1982.
Malmberg helped bring the program back in 2004, initially incorporating it into his WCCO Radio broadcasts. With support from Thunderbird Aviation and Academy College, the program continued its mission of promoting general aviation and sharing the stories of people who make the industry what it is today.
Over the years, the program has featured everyone from aviation pioneers and prominent industry executives to everyday pilots with extraordinary stories. Its reach has expanded through podcasts, allowing listeners to revisit interviews and discover stories they may have missed.
Today, The World of Aviation continues on AM 1280 The Patriot, with new programs and podcasts available to aviation enthusiasts.
Midwest Flyer Magazine and The World of Aviation: A Lasting Connection
The relationship between Malmberg and Midwest Flyer Magazine has extended well beyond the pages of the publication. Over the years, Dave Weiman, editor and publisher of Midwest Flyer, and several magazine contributors have appeared on the program to discuss aviation experiences, industry developments, articles and events.
Some of those most recent appearances include:
May 15, 2022 – Dave Weiman: Flying Back to Canada
Weiman was again featured discussing the return of the Canada Fishing Fly-Out to Miminiska Lodge following the pandemic. The program highlighted the unique experience of flying one’s own aircraft to a remote Canadian fishing destination.
The broadcast was referenced in Weiman’s October/November 2022 article, “Flying Back to Canada, Post Pandemic.”
August 2, 2026 – Yasmina Soria: Experiencing Weightlessness
Aviation columnist and blogger Yasmina Soria joined Malmberg to discuss her experience aboard NASA’s KC-135 aircraft and what it was like to experience weightlessness and reduced-gravity flying. The conversation also explored how other aviation enthusiasts can pursue opportunities to participate in specialized NASA flight programs.
The interview complemented her Midwest Flyer article, “Defying Gravity! Experiencing Reduced and Zero G Flying!” Listen to the August 2, 2026 program.
August 16, 2026 – Aletha Lenz: Two Firsts and the Unforgettable Feeling of Soloing
Pilot, aircraft salesperson and aviation columnist Aletha Lenz joined Malmberg to share the story behind her Midwest Flyer article, “Two Firsts: The Unforgettable Feeling of Soloing.” Lenz explained how she managed to solo twice and reflected on the memorable experience. Listen to the August 16, 2026 program.
These broadcasts represent a sampling of the many conversations that have connected Malmberg with Midwest Flyer and its contributors over the years. They also illustrate the breadth of aviation subjects the program has brought to its audience, from recreational flying and aviation destinations to education and the preservation of aviation history. Find the World of Aviation podcast archive.
A Well-Deserved Hall of Fame Honor
In addition to his broadcasting career, Malmberg has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame’s annual induction banquet, helping recognize the accomplishments of generations of Minnesota aviators.
His selection for the Class of 2027 recognizes more than five decades of dedication to aviation and his influence in sharing its stories with the public.
The 37th Annual Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be held Saturday, April 24, 2027, at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
For Malmberg, the recognition is a fitting tribute to a career spent connecting people through aviation. Whether interviewing a world-renowned pilot, discussing a new aviation initiative or sharing the adventures of a local general aviation pilot, his microphone has remained an important voice for the aviation community.
His legacy is not measured only by the number of interviews conducted, but by the thousands of listeners who have been informed, entertained and inspired by the stories he has shared.