The Malibu Guru

Latest Episodes:

From Mooney Speed to JetPROP Capability | Brendan Keifer Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

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 how the aircraft has changed the way they travel. Joe and Brendan also discuss flying in Alaska, avionics upgrades, dispatch reliability, weight and balance, icing considerations, and what it’s like to be part of the PA-46 community as a younger owner.

Whether you’re considering a move into a turbine PA-46, curious about JetProp ownership, or simply enjoy hearing real-world owner stories, this is a great conversation about aircraft, training, family travel, and the people who make the PA-46 community so special.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Zero Fuel Weight in the JetPROP: The Hidden Limit That Can Cost You! May 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

PA-46 Q&A: Fuel Sumping, Power Limits, Props, and Buyer Advice May 22, 2026

Show notes

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 whether a Malibu or Mirage might be the right step-up airplane.

If you fly, own, maintain, or are thinking about buying a PA-46, this episode is full of practical information you can use.

If you would like to submit a question for a future episode, please send it to clint@flycasey.com!

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Emotions After an Accident May 15, 2026

Show notes

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 those emotions can affect a pilot during and after a major event and why training, preparation, and honest self-evaluation matter so much.

Whether you fly a PA-46, TBM, King Air, or any other aircraft, this episode is a reminder that emergencies are not just mechanical events. They are human events, too.

In this episode, we discuss:

The emotional impact of a crash or major failure
How stress affects pilot decision-making
Joe’s real-world experience with an engine failure in a Mirage
Lessons learned from a brake failure and damaged aircraft
Why training must prepare pilots mentally, not just technically
How pilots can process, learn, and move forward after a serious event

This is an honest conversation every pilot should hear before they ever face a true emergency.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Pitch Trim Runaway: Fighting for Control May 08, 2026

Show notes

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
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

From Wheelchair to CFI: Luis Abascal's Aviation Journey May 01, 2026

Show notes

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 your own airplane
•And why local knowledge can save you thousands (and a lot of headaches)

We also tackle a hot topic: the rising cost of Lycoming engines and top overhauls—and what it means for piston vs. turbine ownership today—with our DOM, Kenneth Hale.

If you’ve ever thought about flying internationally, becoming a pilot later in life, or owning a PA-46—this episode is packed with insight.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Q&A: The 100-Hour Rule & Beyond: Your Aviation Questions Answered! Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

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 Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Let’s Talk About Max Gross Weight Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

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 when you fly heavy and why it matters more than you think.

They compare the PA-46 to aircraft like the King Air, discuss why “it’ll probably be fine” can be a dangerous mindset, and share practical techniques for loading your aircraft safely. You’ll also hear insights into common pilot habits, industry culture around weight and balance, and where things can go wrong, especially during takeoff and landing.

Whether you fly a Malibu, Mirage, Meridian, or JetPROP, or you’re just looking to sharpen your operational discipline, this episode will challenge how you think about weight, balance, and safety.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

EDCT - The Most Frustrating Delay Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

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 practical ways pilots can stay ahead of the system: checking FAA delay tools, using ForeFlight for real-time alerts, adjusting departure times, and sometimes going VFR to avoid long holds. The conversation also touches on broader aviation frustrations, including rising costs, airport congestion, and system-wide pressure on the Federal Aviation Administration—plus a look at how tools like SpaceX Starlink fit into today’s cockpit environment.

National Airspace System Status: https://nasstatus.faa.gov
EDCT Lookup: https://www.fly.faa.gov/edct/

M-Class Spring 2026 is almost here, and now is the perfect time to lock in your plans.

Reserve your seat today and get ready for an incredible event: https://flycasey.com/m-class/

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

Buying Smart: How to Choose the RIGHT Airplane for Your Mission Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

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 process of buying smart, including:

How to clearly define your mission (and why most pilots get this wrong)
The “80% rule” that can save you thousands
Piston vs. turbine—what’s a realistic next step?
Insurance, experience, and what it actually takes to qualify
Why the best airplanes never hit the public market
Pre-buy inspections, borescopes, and deal-breakers you can’t ignore
The truth about today’s aircraft market (and why “smoking deals” don’t exist)
How to be ready to pounce when the right airplane shows up

We also dig into the hidden factors that matter more than specs like passenger comfort, safety features, and avoiding the wrong airplane that could “cloud your hangar.”

If you're thinking about upgrading or even just exploring the idea, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a strategy.

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

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