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.
Chad Menne started Malibu Aerospace with a mission to improve the PA46 aircraft by designing and certifying improvements for the fleet, as well as to add quality, accuracy, and value to aircraft sales and acquisition services. He is driven to provide clients with good value, do things right, stand behind what he does, and thrive on challenges. Over the span of his career he has accumulated 11,000+ hours of PA46 flight experience, he is a SEL/MEL certified commercial pilot, and has a Cessna Citation CE-525 Type Rating. Chad is now engaged as a Sun Country Airline pilot with an ATP license and a type rating for the Boeing 737/800. Chad is dedicated to the PA46 community and continues to provide his expert technical support to Malibu Aerospace and their clients.
Chad holds the world record with Travis Holland for the fastest flight time between Keflavik, Iceland, and Minneapolis in a Jet Prop. In his free time, he enjoys travel, golf, motorsports, and "building a better mousetrap."
Doug started at Malibu Aerospace in 2016 after almost a decade of working for Aviall as a sales manager. He graduated from the University of North Dakota, one of the best aviation programs in the country, with a degree in Commercial Aviation and a minor in Aviation Management. Prior to Aviall, Doug spent time as the maintenance planner and support coordinator for Mesaba Airlines and a clerk for the UND Aviation Maintenance Department. He is a licensed commercial pilot and took his first flight lesson in high school at Anoka Flight Training, which stood on the same parcel of land where Malibu is now located. Doug manages the daily operations of Malibu and its staff. In addition he works personally with each of our clients and will guide them through their annual process. Doug has a thorough knowledge of the PA46, if you have a question, give him a call.
Outside of Malibu, Doug spends time motorcycling, and spending time with his wife, their two daughters, and their golden retriever Charlie.
Brad has been with Malibu Aerospace since 2014. With an extensive background in sales and marketing, Brad takes on many responsibilities for Malibu. He truly enjoys client relations and taking care of all of Malibu’s clients, if you need something, just call Brad he’ll be happy to help!
Brad’s passion is fishing, he was a Canadian bear hunting and fishing guide in the 1970’s-80’s and frequently travels to Canada with his wife to fish premier fisheries.
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.
Wilder joined Malibu in 2015. He has been in aviation maintenance since 2001. After graduating from Minneapolis Technical College with an aviation degree, he served a 6 year stint in the U.S. Army and has flown more than 1400 hours of combat missions.
In his free time, Wilder enjoys blacksmithing, fishing, and Jiu-Jitsu.
Mark Anderson has been with Malibu Aerospace since 2008. Prior to Malibu, Mark spent over 20 years in management in the auto industry. He is an A&P licensed technician who prides himself on great attention to detail and customer service.
When he's not at Malibu he enjoys spending time with his family at their cabin in northern Minnesota and hunting.
Dan has been with Malibu Aerospace since 2006. He has over 15 years of experience in using various computer modeling and management program tools for drafting, design, and project management. He specializes in the latest Solidworks, CadKey and Autocad programs.
In addition to his drafting duties, Dan also orders, tracks, and keeps inventory of all the parts for our customers’ aircrafts. He has an amazing ability to source hard to find parts in a timely manner. Dan plays a vital role in keeping all the projects running smoothly on the maintenance floor.
Dan has a passion for anything sports-related. During his free time, he likes to play softball, golf, and take long walks or bike rides with his wife.
Dan Dorrain brings over 20 years of aircraft maintenance experience to Malibu Aerospace. He trained for his Airframe and Power Plant license at Minneapolis Technical College and has worked with the commuter and major airlines, as well as general aviation.
Dan enjoys RV camping, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and fishing in his free time.
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 license.
During his free time Tom enjoys motorcycle riding and restoration, as well as spending time with his family.
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.
In his free time, Jacob is passionate about fat tire bike endurance racing, home brewing, and fishing local Minnesota lakes.
Evan joined Malibu Aerospace after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Avionics from the Philippines State College of Aeronautics. Evan is extremely enthusiastic about his work in the aviation industry.
Evan enjoys playing basketball during his time off and he is very involved in his local church.
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.
Bill began his aviation career by joining the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the Air Force he attended Lansing Community College to earn his A&P certification. Bill has worked in both the commercial airlines and general aviation industry his entire career.
In his spare time, Bill enjoys piloting around the world and has been to many unique locations such as Dubai, Madagascar, and China. He also enjoys the outdoors including hunting and fishing.
Bee graduated with his Airframe and Power Plant certification from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa Oklahoma in 2004. Bee’s experience and passion for aviation brings great skills to Malibu Aerospace.
Bee enjoys building model cars and robots in his free time. He also raises about forty Koi fish in his backyard pond.
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 2019.
Josh enjoys bow hunting, and is very passionate coaching youth hockey with his kids!
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!
Brayden graduated from Lake Superior College in Duluth Minnesota with his A&P license. Brayden is very focused on his aviation career, and enjoys using his skills specializing on the Piper PA46 Aircraft.
Brayden also enjoys rebuilding vintage boat motors in his free time, and enjoys hunting and fishing with his family.
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 ...
View All TestimonialsThe 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 ...
View All TestimonialsToday 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...
View All TestimonialsThe 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 ...
View All TestimonialsRecently, 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. Chad Menne and the team at Malibu Aerospace are the P46/PA46 type special...
Recently, I purchased a 2001 Piper Meridian for use in my business. After going through the aircraft...
View All TestimonialsLED 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 ...
View All TestimonialsI converted 62CA to a JetPROP in June-Sept 09 and stopped at Malibu Aerospace on the way home from Spokane. Chad stayed late Friday to check several issues and offered to fly me home to South Bend, IN in his plane, while 62CA stayed there awaiting parts. The staff at Malibu Aerospace is outstanding. They respo...
I converted 62CA to a JetPROP in June-Sept 09 and stopped at Malibu Aerospace on the way home from S...
View All TestimonialsMy 1987 Malibu had already been converted to the 550C engine, but the plane still had major departure issues until I took advantage of Chad Menne's propeller conversion. Flying out of the hot Mid-Atlantic in the summer at gross weight was uncomfortable at best. The 550 engine was of great help, but the two bl...
My 1987 Malibu had already been converted to the 550C engine, but the plane still had major departur...
View All TestimonialsMalibu Aerospace took a PA46 rookie and made him feel like he had owned the aircraft for years. Between Chad Menne 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 had the ...
Malibu Aerospace took a PA46 rookie and made him feel like he had owned the aircraft for years. Betw...
View All TestimonialsI 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...
View All TestimonialsOn November 27, 2010, we lost power at FL180 in our 1995 Mirage, the following minutes were filled with descending to 12,000 ft quickly, selecting an airport to glide into in hopes we would not be faced with a fire. Just thinking about this incident brings back uncomfortable memories of the engine oil sliding up t...
On November 27, 2010, we lost power at FL180 in our 1995 Mirage, the following minutes were filled w...
View All TestimonialsI have used Malibu Aerospace for the last 2 years, after determining that my AMO did not have the required capability to properly service my 2004 Piper Meridian. I was tired of trying to source parts more efficiently myself and continually having our mechanics call the MMOPA maintenance line. After an initial trip...
I have used Malibu Aerospace for the last 2 years, after determining that my AMO did not have the re...
View All TestimonialsHi Chad, Ketti, and Nathan, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the work you just finished on my Malibu with the TSIO 550C, and 3 blades. I arrived thinking I may have needed some cylinder work on the 720-hour engine. Once we started examining the cylinders, we found worn cylinders, rusted pushrods, pi...
Hi Chad, Ketti, and Nathan, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the work you just finish...
View All Testimonials2180 Oklahoma Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55449
Phone| 877.662.5428
Fax | 888.878.4460
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