Aviation Appetites

Bill Patterson grew up in the small town of Minerva, Ohio, where his early years on a family farm taught him the value of hard work and fostered his adventurous spirit. From learning to drive tractors to racing dirt bikes, Bill developed a knack for taking on challenges. At just 18, he channeled his ambition into entrepreneurship, purchasing a septic truck and starting his first company. Within a year, he expanded into the portable restroom business, laying the foundation for a thriving career.

Aviation has always been a deep passion for Bill, inspired by his grandmother, a trailblazer with her own pilot’s license. Following in her footsteps, Bill earned his license and found joy in exploring the skies, flying from airport to airport. Along the way, he developed a close friendship with Dean, a fellow aviation enthusiast. Together, they attended fly-ins, shared stories, admired planes, and dreamt of ways to bring their love of flying to a broader audience.

That dream became Aviation Appetites, a TV show blending two of Bill’s passions: flying and great food. The show features Bill and Dean flying into unique destinations, reviewing local restaurants, and showcasing notable aircraft and attractions.

Today, Bill oversees several successful companies employing over 50 people. His hard work has afforded him the freedom to embrace his love for aviation, travel, and storytelling, sharing his experiences and knowledge with audiences everywhere.

Dean Maloney grew up in the Akron, Ohio area, where his love for aviation took flight at just five years old. His passion deepened when he discovered that his father had been a World War II pilot, inspiring him to dream of a future in aviation. By the age of 8, Dean was determined to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics to learn how to work on airplanes.

At 12, Dean had his first hands-on experience in aviation, helping a family friend rebuild a vintage Taylorcraft. As a teenager, he spent countless hours at a local grass strip airport, absorbing knowledge from pilots and mechanics while immersing himself in the world of aviation.

After graduating high school, Dean pursued his dream, attending Spartan School of Aeronautics and completing his studies. Although he initially planned to head west for a career, he returned home to care for his ailing father. This led to his first job at Laurence Aircraft, a role that evolved through company transitions and ultimately became a remarkable 42-year career in aircraft parts management at Akron-Canton Airport.

Dean owns a 1948 Ryan Navion, a plane he takes great pride in maintaining and flying. His friendship with Bill Patterson began with a phone call—Bill, new to aviation, sought Dean’s expertise for his first airplane. Dean became both a mentor and a friend, sharing his extensive knowledge about Navions and other aircraft. Together, they’ve flown to grass strips, attended fly-ins, and explored countless airports, with Dean eagerly teaching Bill about the joys and intricacies of aviation.

As the co-host of Aviation Appetites, Dean combines his lifelong passion for flying with his love for meeting new people and sharing aviation stories. He cherishes every adventure with Bill and looks forward to continuing their journey of connecting the aviation community with audiences everywhere.