The Malibu Guru

Did JetPROP change the future of Piper? In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe and Kenneth Hale dig into the history of the PA-46 and the rise of the JetPROP conversion. They talk about Piper’s challenges in the 1990s, why the PT6 was such a strong fit for the PA-46 airframe, and how JetPROP may have pushed Piper to bring the Meridian to market. It’s a fun look at PA-46 history, competiti...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with John Moalli from Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands to talk about his aviation journey, his transition from Mooney to Baron to Cessna 206 and eventually into a JetPROP, and how aviation has shaped nearly every part of his life. John shares what it is like to live and fly from the San Juan Islands, why aviation is such an important p...

A-46 maintenance can be confusing, expensive, and full of myths, but knowing what is truly required can save owners major money.  In this episode, Joe Casey talks with Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance at Casey Aviation Services, to debunk common PA-46 maintenance myths. They discuss parts availability, battery life, annual inspection costs, service bulletins vs. ADs, Part 91 maintenance requi...

Is the aircraft market slowing down in 2026, or are good airplanes still moving? In this Summer 2026 aircraft market update, Joe Casey sits down with Eric Earl to discuss what is really happening in the PA-46, TBM, and King Air markets. With fuel prices rising, aircraft values shifting, and buyers trying to make sense of the current market, Joe and Eric break down what they see daily in aircraft s...

Buying an aircraft is a major decision, and the right airplane is not always the first one you find online. In this episode, Joe and Eric break down what it really takes to buy the right aircraft. From defining your mission and finding off-market opportunities to purchase agreements, pre-buys, borescopes, escrow, insurance, and training, they walk through the steps that can help buyers avoid costl...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with JetProp owner Brendan Kiefer to talk about his aviation journey, from growing up around airplanes and studying aerospace engineering to eventually stepping into the PA-46 world. Brendan shares what led him from flying Mooneys into owning a JetPROP, why pressurization and climb performance became important for his family’s mission, and...

In this episode, Deanna Casey and Kenneth Hale take over the Malibu Guru Podcast to talk about one of the most overlooked topics in JetPROP ownership: Zero Fuel Weight. From wing cracks and fuel leaks to landing gear wear and expensive repairs, this conversation explains why loading the airplane correctly is about more than just performance; it is about protecting the structure of the aircraft. 🌐...

It’s another Q&A episode, and this one covers a little bit of everything in the PA-46 world. Joe Casey and Matt Courtney discuss the current PA-46 market, why turbine models are still moving despite high fuel prices, and what buyers are looking for right now. They also answer questions about JetPROP fuel tabs, turbine power limits, ice door usage, fuel sumping, Prist, prop overhauls, and wheth...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe opens up about the mental and emotional side of aviation emergencies, including his catastrophic engine failure in a Mirage and a brake failure that resulted in a bent airplane. Beyond the checklist and technical response, pilots also have to manage shock, disbelief, fear, pressure, and decision-making in real time. This conversation looks at how tho...

A pitch trim runaway is one of the most dangerous situations a pilot can face, and it can happen fast. In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, we break down how it happens, why it’s so hard to control, and what you MUST do to recover. We also discuss recent real-world accidents and the critical importance of truly understanding your aircraft systems before it’s too late. 🌐 Visit Us Online - A...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Luis Abascal to talk about one of the most powerful stories we’ve heard—overcoming a life-threatening neurological condition to become a PA-46 pilot and instructor. We dive into: • His journey from a wheelchair to earning his CFI • Flying and operating a PA-46 in South Texas and Mexico •What it’s really like flying internationally in y...

Is there a "magic number" of hours you need to fly each year to stay safe in your aircraft? Today, Joe is joined by Eric Earl for our traditional Q&A session. Joe goes in "blind" to answer your toughest questions!  📩 Submit Your Questions!  If you have a technical question that you'd like to have answered on a future episode, send it to: 📧 clint@flycasey.com 🌐 Visit Us Online - Aircraft Sal...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe and Deanna tackle one of the most misunderstood and often overlooked topics in the PA-46 world: max gross weight and center of gravity. The reality is that the PA-46 is not a great load hauler, yet many pilots routinely push its limits. From real-world loading strategies to the dangers of an aft CG, this conversation breaks down what actually happens...

In this episode, Joe and Deanna break down one of the biggest headaches in modern aviation: EDCTs (Expected Departure Clearance Times). From flights to Florida, Colorado, and the Caribbean to growing delays caused by traffic flow management, staffing shortages, and weather, they explain why pilots are seeing more ground delays than ever—and what’s driving it behind the scenes. They also share prac...

Making the leap into a pressurized or turbine aircraft is one of the biggest and most exciting steps a pilot can take. But how do you do it right ? In this episode, Joe sits down with Eric Earl to break down what it really looks like to move up from platforms like a Cirrus, Bonanza, or Cessna into the world of the PA-46, TBM, or even King Air without making costly mistakes. We cover the entire pro...

Joe and Eric Earl are back with another Ask Me Anything episode!  In this Q&A, they cover everything from how a low-time pilot can safely work toward owning a Piper Malibu or Mirage to what actually happens when you fly through snowstorms, turbulence, and thunderstorms. They also dive into practical cockpit decision-making, including what to do if you ever blunder into a thunderstorm, how to s...

Is it time to upgrade your aircraft’s panel, or should you leave it as-is? In this episode, Joe Casey sits down with Eric Earl to share practical advice on avionics upgrades for PA-46s. They discuss key considerations every owner faces: Should you upgrade for resale value or personal functionality? Which avionics make the most sense for your airplane? How much can you realistically recoup when sel...

What does it really take to move from a piston single to a multi-engine turbine? In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Dave Lally to unpack his journey from flying a Bonanza and M350 to captaining a King Air 350 — all in just a few months. With fewer than 1,000 hours, Dave made the leap during the uncertainty of 2020, earning his multi-engine rating, type rating, and build...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Jim Hirsch of Air Tractor to explore a career built on engineering and a lifelong passion for aviation. A Texas A&M graduate in Aeronautical Engineering, Jim shares how his technical foundation led him into agricultural aviation and ultimately into a leadership role at one of the industry’s most influential aircraft manufacturers. Jim reflects on the legacy...

If you own, fly, buy, or sell a PA-46, you already know this is the topic that never goes away. In this episode, Joe sits down with Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance at Casey Aviation Services, and they break down why PA-46 windshields are such a big deal. Here’s what we talk about: Why windshield replacements can cost $50,000+ installed Why they’re often on long backorder The difference betwe...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Marc Slocum to take a deep dive into the TBM 960 — one of the most technologically advanced owner-flown turboprops on the market. They break down what makes the 960 stand out in the TBM lineup, including its FADEC-controlled engine, enhanced automation, automatic ice-protection systems, and a refined interior designed for passenger com...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with John Motazedi, who shares his journey from business owner to professional pilot, shaped by resilience, hard lessons, and a deep love of aviation. He reflects on rebuilding his company after the devastating 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, the importance of continuous learning, and how flying became both a passion and a form of freedom...

In this episode, Joe talks with aviation veteran Rodney Clark about a remarkable career in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Rodney reflects on how early flying experiences shaped his journey, the unique skills helicopter pilots bring to fixed-wing flying, and the excitement and challenges of law enforcement aviation and aerial surveillance. He also discusses his shift to corporate aviatio...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Steve Messinger, a Piper M600 owner, to discuss flight training, aircraft progression, and the development of safer, more confident pilot skills. Steve shares how he unexpectedly discovered his passion for flying, the importance of strong foundational flight training, and what pilots should consider when transitioning into advanced air...

In this Q&A episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe is joined by Matt Courtney to answer listener-submitted questions focused on the PA-46 and real-world flying scenarios. The discussion dives into several key operational topics, including vacuum and pressurization systems, KFC 150 autopilot behavior when paired with the GTN 750 during approaches, icing considerations, and proper use of windsh...