The Malibu Guru

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Lei Gao to trace his incredible journey from a childhood in China to flying across continents with dreams of circling the globe. Lei shares the highs and hurdles of transatlantic flights, the critical role of safety and experience in aviation, and how a supportive community fuels bold ambitions. From a wedding in Croatia to unforgettab...

Mike Nichols, CEO of PMOPA, sits down with Joe to talk about his journey from growing up in Allentown, PA, to becoming a pilot and leading a nonprofit in the aviation world. They chat about why community matters, how volunteers make a big difference, and the importance of making aviation more welcoming to everyone. They also dig into safety—why it’s a top priority, how programs like the Master Avi...

In this episode, Joe talks with Tom Hauge from Wings Insurance about all things aviation insurance. Tom shares how he started in the industry and the path that led him to become a trusted expert for aircraft owners and operators. They dive into best practices for insuring your aircraft, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips that can help you confidently navigate the insurance world. Whether...

In this conversation, Joe and Deanna discuss the concept of alarm fatigue, particularly in the context of aviation. They explore how pilots can become desensitized to alarms and warnings in the cockpit, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The discussion includes examples from various aircraft, the importance of maintaining awareness of alarms, and strategies to mitigate alarm fatigue to e...

In this Q&A episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Eric Earle joins Joe to answer listener questions. They tackle various topics, including aviation market trends, best practices for battery charging in the JetPROP, challenges with directional control when using reverse thrust, and crucial stall recovery techniques. They also discuss the future of JetPROP conversions and ongoing support for these...

In this episode, Joe and Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance at Casey Aviation Services , dive into common maintenance challenges faced by PA46 owners. They discuss the critical role of owner involvement in aircraft upkeep and the key issues that frequently arise in maintenance. Additionally, they explore the financial impact of maintenance, offering insights into how much owners should particip...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru podcast, Joe welcomes Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance with Casey Aviation Services, to discuss PA46 maintenance, covering annual inspections, airworthiness, and pre-purchase inspections. They break down what's mandatory, optional, and recommended while addressing common maintenance questions. Our Spring M-Class of 2025 is approaching! Be sure to register by...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe welcomes Carl Rossi for an insightful discussion on aviation in Australia. They explore how aviation plays a crucial role in traversing the country’s vast and remote landscapes, sharing personal flying experiences, and transitioning to the  Piper M350. The episode highlights the advantages of pressurization, the unique dynamics of flying as a couple,...

In this episode, Joe continues his conversation with Stan Finch in part two of their discussion. They dive deeper into Stan’s aviation journey, focusing on his experience with the Continental Malibu. The conversation covers the precision of flying, the benefits of personal aviation, and what makes the Malibu a standout aircraft. Stan also shares insights on selecting the right plane for the missio...

I had a heart attack—yes, you read that right. I’m incredibly grateful to be here to share my story. This life-changing event gave me a new perspective on health and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.  In this episode, I’ll walk you through what happened—the symptoms I experienced, the warning signs you should never ignore, and how acting quickly made all the difference. I’ll also t...

n this first installment of a two-part series, Joe sits down with Stan Finch for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of Berry Aviation and the world of niche aviation operations. They discuss Stan’s journey in aviation, the growth of Berry Aviation in both commercial and military sectors, and the complexities of operating specialized aircraft. They explore high-stakes missions, risk manag...

In this episode, Joe and Matt Courtney explore curated vs. non-curated travel experiences. They share personal stories, discuss how curation shapes a variety of things that we experience, and connect it all back to aviation—offering insights on how to create the best and safest flying experience. Our Spring M-Class of 2025 is approaching! Be sure to register by visiting our website at https://flyc...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Bob Sherwin, a seasoned JetPROP pilot, to explore his aviation journey, firsthand experiences with in-flight emergencies, and the transition to flying a turbine-powered aircraft. They dive into the critical role of specialized maintenance, strategies for handling unexpected situations in the air, and the cutting-edge geotechnical innovations Bob's company is pio...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Darwin Haines, a  CFI specializing in the PA46. Together, they explore Darwin’s path into aviation, the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a CFI, and the art of tailoring instruction to fit each student’s unique learning style. They also discuss the balance between an aviation career and personal life, the key differences between initial and recurre...

In this episode, Joe shares his bond with his 1968 Chevrolet C10, owned since he was 16. He reflects on memories, financial choices, and the evolution of vehicles, drawing parallels to aviation. Joe highlights how well-maintained older airplanes, like classic cars, can offer great value. He discusses investing in older aircraft, upgrading avionics, interiors, and paint to match personal needs, and...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe is joined once again by Scott Smith, a UPS Captain and proud JetPROP owner. Together, they explore Scott's experiences flying the iconic 747-800, his journey transitioning to the JetPROP, and the impact of advancing technology on aviation—especially as it pertains to single-pilot operations. The discussion also delves into the complexities of hot sec...

In this episode, Joe and Eric tackle a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering valuable insights into operating the PA-46 aircraft. Topics include the unique challenges of flying from grass strips, the functionality and nuances of the defrost system, and addressing weight and balance considerations in the M600. They also compare the Matrix and Mirage models, highlighting their key differ...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Deanna to talk about her unforgettable ferry flight in a Phenom 300 from the U.S. to Australia. She shares how she won a type rating at Oshkosh 2024 and the challenges she faced, like dealing with technical issues, maintenance delays, and navigating customs. Deanna talks about the importance of safety, handling de-icing, and the teamwork that kept the flight goi...

This episode takes a slight departure from our usual content, but it's packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss. Joe sits down with Kenneth Scherdell, who achieved an incredible fifth-place finish in his age group at the CrossFit Games in 2022. Together, they dive into Kenneth's inspiring fitness journey, the power of consistency in personal growth, and his fascinating career as a kill...

In this episode, Joe and Gary dive into the complexities of navigating weather systems, focusing on thunderstorms. Drawing from their own experiences, they underscore the critical importance of understanding weather patterns, mastering the use of onboard radar, and making well-informed decisions to enhance flight safety. Visit our New Aircraft Maintenance Website: https://www.caseyaviationservices...

We're thrilled to bring you another Q&A episode! In this session, Joe and Eric explore the latest market trends for both piston and turbine PA46 aircraft, tackle common cabin pressurization issues, and emphasize the importance of carefully monitoring turbine engine start temperatures. They also shed light on the vital role of hot section inspections and discuss how proper engine care can signi...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Clay Cleaver to hear his inspiring journey from addiction to redemption. Clay courageously shares his battle with alcohol, the pivotal moment that led him to seek help, and the profound spiritual awakening he experienced in rehab. Through the unwavering support of his family and community, Clay rebuilt his life and founded Faithful Detailing, a testament to resi...

Joe and Deanna delve into a variety of aviation topics, with a special focus on VNAV usage, engine start procedures with a GPU, and the changing insurance landscape for pilots. They also discuss the transition to PA46 aircraft, the advantages of additional training, and how partnerships can influence insurance premiums. Have a question for Joe? Send it to clint@flycasey.com, and we may feature it...

In this episode, Joe and Mark Slocum discuss the critical issue of icing as winter approaches. Drawing on Mark's recent flight experience, they discuss the unique challenges of icing conditions, including its impact on aircraft performance and the heightened demands on pilot decision-making. They emphasize the importance of activating ice protection systems early, staying ahead of weather developm...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe teams up with Deanna to explore the topic of numerical prejudice surrounding the -21 engine—a widely used PT6 engine featured in aircraft like the JetPROP. What’s your take on the -21 engine? Tune in as they share valuable insights, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts! Visit our New Aircraft Maintenance Website: https://www.caseyav...