MALIBU’S KEY STAFF MEMBERS
The staff of Malibu Aerospace brings decades of combined aviation industry knowledge and experience. Meet our key staff members.
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The staff of Malibu Aerospace brings decades of combined aviation industry knowledge and experience. Meet our key staff members.
Doug serves as the Vice President and General Manager of Malibu Aerospace, where he assumed leadership of the company in 2020. With extensive experience in aviation operations, maintenance planning, and industry partnerships, Doug brings a deep understanding of aircraft support, operational efficiency, and customer-focused service.
Prior to becoming Vice President and General Manager, Doug served as Operations Manager at Malibu Aerospace and as Upper Midwest Sales Manager for Boeing (formerly Aviall). In these roles, he supported the maintenance and operational needs of a wide range of aircraft, working closely with manufacturers including Piper, Goodrich Deice, and more than 250 additional aviation suppliers and manufacturers.
Earlier in his career, Doug held a management position with Mesaba Airlines, where he coordinated maintenance planning and supported the airline’s fleet of Saab 340s, CRJs, and Avro regional jets. This experience provided him with valuable insight into airline operations, fleet reliability, and maintenance logistics.
Doug holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota with a focus in Commercial Aviation, along with a minor in Aviation Management and Flight Education. He is a Commercial Pilot with both single- and multi-engine ratings as well as an Instrument Rating. Doug also holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate and has flight and maintenance experience across all variants of the PA-46 aircraft.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Doug is actively involved in advancing aviation education. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Lake Superior College and on the Advisory Board for the Academy College of Aviation. Through these roles, he contributes to the development of future Aviation Maintenance Technicians, working with both institutions to strengthen Airframe and Powerplant curriculum and better prepare students for careers in the aviation industry.
Doug works closely with aircraft owners and operators, personally guiding customers through their annual maintenance planning and helping them make informed decisions that align with their operational priorities and budgets.
Outside of aviation, Doug enjoys traveling with his wife, their two daughters, and close family members. He and his wife have been married for 22 years; they first met in high school and continued their relationship throughout their college years.
Shayla Borchers joined the Malibu team in 2026, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in client relations and customer service. Throughout her career, she has provided approachable professionalism, quick responsiveness, and sincere dedication to making every client feel valued and well taken care of.
While new to the world of aviation, she is excited to support aircraft owners and operators by delivering the same high standard of care and attention that has defined her career.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and finding ways to redecorate their home.
Jaime joined the Malibu Aerospace team in 2012. She started her accounting career in 2000 and has experience in many different industries. She enjoys the aircraft industry, and has done an outstanding job of developing Malibu’s accounting department.
In her spare time Jaime enjoys playing pub trivia, cooking, movies, and keeping up with her two children.
Josh brings extensive experience to Malibu Aerospace in all aspects of aviation maintenance. Josh started his career in aviation with the US Army in 1997, he became a Black Hawk Crew Chief and gained experience in avionics, electrical and Apache weapon systems. Josh acquired his private pilot's license in 2005. After the military service he worked as an Aircraft Technician and then earned his A&P rating in 2008, and added his IA rating in 2009.
Josh enjoys bow hunting, and is very passionate coaching youth hockey with his kids!
David attended Western Kentucky University and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in communications. Following graduation he moved to Japan for around three years and taught English to Japanese students while traveling the country.
In his personal time David plays the guitar and enjoys spending time with his dalmatian, Pepper. He also fights in medieval-style armored combat with his team, the Twin Cities Wyverns, across Minnesota and beyond. Huzzah!
John began his aviation career with the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from the National Aviation Academy in St Petersburg – Clearwater Airport with his A&P license in 1980 and IA certification in 2013. John joined Malibu Aerospace in 2006.
Iceland is his favorite travel destination and he enjoys photography and gardening in his spare time.
Tom has been with Malibu Aerospace since 2006. Prior to Malibu he spent 5 years in production and 12 years in the engineering department at a computer hardware repair company. He has an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is an instrument rated commercial pilot with an A&P/IA license.
During his free time, Tom enjoys motorcycle riding and restoration, as well as spending time with his family.
David joined Malibu Aerospace with experience from 477 Aviation and Aztec Aviation. He has formal education from California State University Northridge and is a graduate of North Valley Occupational Aviation Center in Los Angeles where he obtained his A&P license.
David has a passion for motorsports and enjoys exploring the state of Minnesota with his wife on their Triumph Bonneville. David also enjoys competitive pistol shooting.
Jacob joined Malibu Aerospace with expert skills in welding and fabrication work. He is a graduate of Hennepin Technical College with a degree in Automotive Collision Technology. He also has earned his A&P certification.
In his free time, Jacob is passionate about fat tire bike endurance racing, home brewing, and fishing local Minnesota lakes.
Wally joined Malibu Aerospace as an A&P Technician, after acquiring his A&P license over 30 years ago at the Minneapolis Technical College. He truly loves aviation, and in his spare time is involved with Flight Expo, a national organization helping youth get involved in aviation. Flight Expo is also a parent organization for the “Tsunami Project," a piston powered racing aircraft designed to compete in the world’s fastest speed record. Wally is a Project Leader for the Tsunami doing airframe fabrication.
Gabe brings talent and energy to Malibu Aerospace. He earned his A&P License at Lake Superior College, Duluth Minnesota. He has a passion for aviation and loves working on the Piper PA46.
His hobbies include working on airplanes, cars, electronics, and hobby grade manufacturing equipment.
Aaron has always been interested in using his mechanical skills fixing just about anything. After becoming inspired with the Aviation industry, he graduated from Lake Superior College, Duluth Minnesota with his A&P rating and joined Malibu Aerospace! In his free time, Aaron loves the outdoors and enjoys fishing, hiking, and snowboarding!
Erik launched his career with Malibu Aerospace through Academy College of Bloomington, Minnesota. The program facilitates Erik to work at Malibu Aerospace, and school in Academy’s Aviation Technician Program at the same time. This career training will allow Erik to graduate with an A&P Certificate and already have hands on experience in his field. Erik loves to spend his spare time Snow Boarding in the winter and playing disc golf in the summer.
Don joined Malibu in 2018 with an extensive background in Safety Management and Maintenance. Don keeps the Malibu hangar running smoothly with his top notch organizational and maintenance skills. We salute Don for serving our country for four years in the 82nd Airborne.
Outside of Malibu Don enjoys fishing! He also competes in a fishing tournament circuit, and yes, he does own a Ranger boat!
Amy joined Malibu Aerospace through Academy College of Bloomington, Minnesota. The program facilitates Amy to work at Malibu Aerospace, and school in Academy’s Aviation Technician Program at the same time. This career training will allow Amy to graduate with an A&P Certificate, and already have hands on experience in her field. Amy loves to go to fun destinations and hike in her free time.
Patrick joined Malibu Aerospace as an A&P Technician. He graduated from Missionary Aviation Technology school in Ionia, MI. Additional course work included Jungle Aviation & Relay Service program for a turbine engine maintenance course. Patrick also volunteered at the Commemorative Airforce Organization. Patrick now uses his talent and education working on the Piper PA46 fleet. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys playing piano, listening to music, and travel.
Alec has a BA in Computer Science from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota. However, his strong interest in automotive repair led him to become a full-time auto mechanic. Alec found his opportunity at Malibu Aerospace and is now part of the Malibu team, using his skills on the Piper PA46s. Alec enjoys anything outdoors in his spare time.
John graduated from Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota with an A&P certificate. John was introduced to aviation through a friend that is a helicopter mechanic. We are proud to have John as part of the Malibu team. On his time off, John enjoys fishing, 3-D printing, and reading books.
Anja joined the Malibu team in December of 2025, and came on board with an education from Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN, where she earned her A&P certification. Her interest in aviation started early, influenced by her family’s military background and visits to aviation museums growing up. In high school, her interest took off and led her to pursuing a career in aviation maintenance after graduating.
Outside of work, she enjoy musky fishing, hiking, spending time in Duluth, and reading!





Everyone’s responsiveness makes a big difference and that has come both while the plane is in house for repairs/annuals or during the year to owner questions. I also appreciated you going the distance along with the prop shop to get MT to participate in those repairs. I have also shown your software platform to a ...
Everyone’s responsiveness makes a big difference and that has come both while the plane is in house ...
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LED Lights! The way your LED taxi lights came very handy on my first trip after installation: I was flying into KPDK late in the afternoon, with the sun low on the horizon, directly on my tail. There was oncoming traffic at my 12 o'clock climbing out of KPDK and ATC called him to advise of me. About 3 seconds ...
LED Lights! The way your LED taxi lights came very handy on my first trip after installation: I was ...
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I would like to thank you for your wonderful service and co-operation during our pre-buy and delivery process of my airplane. I couldn’t have asked for better support from your staff, everyone was so helpful. I needed my database updated at the last minute to fly IFR, it was done before 8am the next day when I arr...
I would like to thank you for your wonderful service and co-operation during our pre-buy and deliver...
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Recently, I purchased a 2001 Piper Meridian for use in my business. After going through the aircraft selection and purchase transaction, I can say with total confidence that using Malibu Aerospace was the best decision I made in the process. Malibu Aerospace are the P46/PA46 type specialists. They not only fix the...
Recently, I purchased a 2001 Piper Meridian for use in my business. After going through the aircraft...
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I love my M-5 conversion. I've owned my plane for 6 years. When I got it, I had my 520 rebuilt. As it came time to rebuild it again, I checked out all options. This option made sense on all levels. With 20 plus years of Hindsight, this is what the Malibu wanted to be in the beginning. A little more engine ...
I love my M-5 conversion. I've owned my plane for 6 years. When I got it, I had my 520 rebuilt. A...
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Today I flew back from SJC (San Jose Intl) to FNL (Fort Collins-Loveland) at FL250. My Malibu has the TSIO550 engine mod, it's Hgh-Speed Cruise is 32.5"Hg. In the past, I was never able to run at 32.5" manifold pressure above about FL220: the cylinder head temps were right on the red line on my analog gauge...
Today I flew back from SJC (San Jose Intl) to FNL (Fort Collins-Loveland) at FL250. My Malibu has t...
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Our Meridian was returned on March 2nd upon completion of its Annual and the installation of a Garmin GFC 600. We have now had an opportunity to fly several hours. Everything is working perfectly, our client experience was excellent. As you will recall we had a re-occurring problem with the pitot heat for the le...
Our Meridian was returned on March 2nd upon completion of its Annual and the installation of a Garmi...
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I've flown six hours the past two days and the plane is doing great. I love how responsive it is to the yoke movements now. I think the greatest improvement is in the engine CHT temps and rate of climb. In the past, I could never get better than a 500 FPM climb past 10,000'. It seemed like it didn't want to go and...
I've flown six hours the past two days and the plane is doing great. I love how responsive it is to ...
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The cooling mod worked wonders for my 08 Matrix. Unless you know what you're looking for, you won't even notice that the mod was done from a cosmetic standpoint. CHTs dropped by 30-40deg across the board. I think Piper should buy the STC and incorporate it on the line. It's that valuable!
The cooling mod worked wonders for my 08 Matrix. Unless you know what you're looking for, you won't ...
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The plane flew like a charm. I did the 65% 70% and 75% power for an hour each as you suggested. Had to use higher fuel setting than usual to keep CHT's below 380 but it was hot out down south. The CHT's were slightly higher than usual as you mentioned. I couldn't believe the engine on run up and takeoff roll - t...
The plane flew like a charm. I did the 65% 70% and 75% power for an hour each as you suggested. Had ...
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I have been treated like a new friend by everyone at Malibu that I have interacted with, whether by Brad or Doug, but also Mark, Tom, Wilder & Rhett! Everyone has made such a great impression on me that remembering their names has been easy. I look forward to coming back and seeing everyone again in a couple of w...
I have been treated like a new friend by everyone at Malibu that I have interacted with, whether by ...
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Malibu Aerospace took a PA46 rookie and made him feel like he had owned the aircraft for years. Between Malibu Aerospace who managed the acquisition of the aircraft, Doug Hiltz and his team performing the pre-buy inspection and annual, and Brad Ludlow for orchestrating a great customer experience, I felt like I ha...
Malibu Aerospace took a PA46 rookie and made him feel like he had owned the aircraft for years. Betw...
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I have been quite pleased with the QRS system that Malibu Aerospace installed in my M600. It makes the task super quick and easy, with clear, step-by-step instructions. I got the system with the remote control, so I can rinse the compressor myself, at my own hangar. I travel to destinations along the coast with so...
I have been quite pleased with the QRS system that Malibu Aerospace installed in my M600. It makes t...
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Minneapolis, MN 55449
Phone| 877.662.5428
Fax | 888.878.4460
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