AV8 Questions: Rob Malenke

Interview with Rob Malenke, AV8 Flight School Flight Instructor

When did you become interested in aviation? I became interested in aviation when I was around 16 years old. I went on a fishing trip with my Dad where they flew us into our cabin via float plane. Being the youngest of the group, the pilot wanted me to sit up front and midway through flight he asked if I wanted to take the controls and try flying.

Are your family or friends interested in flying? I have a lot of friends from my time in college who are all pilots but they all instruct at different schools so it is interesting to hear how their experiences compare to my own. In terms of family, my Dad designed avionics for Honeywell back in the 90s and 2000s but never flew. I also have an uncle who flies for American Airlines who has given me a lot of guidance along my journey.

How did your career in aviation begin? I did a discovery flight with a family friend shortly after my fishing trip that got me hooked on flying. After that I began to research colleges and universities. I began flight training at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. I started as a freshman in 2019 and continued there until I graduated in December of 2023.

Has your career evolution followed an expected path? Not quite. Originally I expected to do all my instructing at UND and then begin at an airline shortly after. However, I got the opportunity to work at a part 61 FBO and then move to AV8 to be closer to family and have been enjoying it ever since!

Do you have a favorite aspect of your work? I enjoy seeing my students succeed and be able to accomplish their goals. It always makes me feel excited when a student can fully land the plane by themselves or can make a radio call without help. I also like meeting and interacting with new people. Aviation has people from all walks of life and backgrounds and it’s a blast to be able to hear their stories and see what their aviation journey is like.

Is there a time in aviation history, or aircraft that you find most fascinating? I’ve always had a sweet spot for the B-52 Stratofortress. I’ve had a scale model of one hanging in my room since I was young that was painted by my great uncle when he served in the air force. The plane has always fascinated me with its size and its ability to stay useful and relevant after 70 years of service.

When is, or was, your favorite industry-related event, such as annual camp or fly-in? Oshkosh. I didn’t understand the hype and excitement behind it until I finally went for the first time and now I look forward to going and reuniting with my college friends every year.

What is the future of flight for you? I’m planning on eventually going to an airline to continue to build my time and experience. Ideally I would love to have a job flying air ambulance and medical. I enjoy helping people and the idea of flying people in need is something that has been a dream of mine since I started flying.

UND Graduation

Thanks to Rob for participating in the series, AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators as our fifth interviewee. Sometimes we know what we want from an early age, and it’s fabulous to hear about how Rob is pursuing his goals while enjoying the journey! We at AV8 enjoy seeing the results of Rob’s instruction with his students and his positive influence as a team member!

Have questions about becoming a pilot? Contact us at AV8 Flight School and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you to get flying!

AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators