In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with David and Onie Irvine to share their inspiring aviation journey and their recent upgrade to the state-of-the-art Piper M700. The Irvines reflect on how aviation has become a vital part of their business success and why ongoing training is essential to their approach as pilots. The conversation takes a powerful and personal turn when David opens up about surviving a heart attack — the warning signs he didn’t ignore, the road to recovery, and the path back to the left seat.They also dive into their early impressions of the Piper M700, offering insight into its cutting-edge avionics, enhanced safety features, and how it’s reshaping their experience in the skies.New members who join PMOPA receive 10% OFF their first year’s dues. Visit www.pmopa.com and use code: MalibuGuru🌐 Visit Us Online- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com📱 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation
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Garmin Dealer Comes to Lufkin! | Doug & Valerie Steen | SemiPlane Avionics
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Doug and Valerie Steen to explore the inspiring story behind Semiplane—a newly established Garmin dealership based in Lufkin, Texas. With rich backgrounds in aviation and a passion for innovation, the Steens share how they pivoted from previous careers to launch a business dedicated to serving the PA-46 community and beyond.Visit SemiPlane: https://www.semiplane.comNew members who join PMOPA receive 10% OFF their first year’s dues. Visit www.pmopa.com and use code: MalibuGuru🌐 Visit Us Online- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com📱 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviationChapters00:00 Introduction to Semiplane and Exciting Developments02:52 Aviation Backgrounds and the Birth of Semiplane05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Garmin Dealership09:09 Growth and Expansion in Lufkin11:59 Hiring and Building a Team of Experts14:58 Future Aspirations and Community Impact
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Q&A: Cirrus vs. Piper, Pistons vs. Turbines, and the Push for Cleaner Fuel
In this Q&A Episode, Joe and Matt Courtney discuss market trends, maintenance, engine performance, and payload differences between the JetPROP and Malibu. They also compare the M350 and Cirrus G7, weighing parachute safety features against engine reliability. Joe shares insights on turbine vs. piston engines and the future of aviation fuels, including challenges with 100LL and alternative options.If you have a question for the podcast, be sure to send your questions to clint@flycasey.com.🌐 Visit Us Online- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com📱 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviationChapters00:00 Introduction to the Malibu Guru Podcast02:58 Current Trends in Aircraft Sales05:50 Maintenance Considerations for PA-46 Ownership09:12 Understanding Engine Performance and Maintenance12:02 Jet Prop Maintenance and Support14:55 Comparing Jet Prop and Malibu for Payload Capacity30:05 Choosing Between M350 and Cirrus G731:56 The Parachute Dilemma: Safety vs. Engine Reliability41:28 Turbine vs. Piston: Performance Insights51:07 Future of Aviation Fuels: The 100LL Debate
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A Meridian, a Mission, and the World Ahead: Lei Gao
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 unforgettable moments in Egypt, Lei's stories are filled with adventure, passion, and purpose. The Bivvi Hostel: https://www.thebivvi.com/🌐 Visit Us Online- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com📱 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviationChapters00:00 Introduction to Aviation Dreams02:51 Journey from China to America06:02 Career Shifts and Aviation Passion09:00 The Adventure of Flying Across the Atlantic11:51 Exploring Europe and Beyond15:12 Challenges and Triumphs in Aviation18:01 The Dream of a World Tour21:00 Reflections on Safety and Experience23:55 Future Aspirations and Family Adventures26:51 The Importance of Community in Aviation30:02 Conclusion and Future Plans
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Leading with Purpose: PMOPA CEO Mike Nichols
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 Aviator help pilots improve, and why training instructors the right way matters. It’s an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what’s working, what needs work, and what’s ahead for the PA46 community. Join PMOPA: https://www.mmopa.com🌐 Visit Us Online- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com📱 Stay ConnectedFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviationChapters00:00 Introduction to PMOPA and Mike Nichols02:56 Mike Nichols' Early Life and Aviation Interest05:53 Transitioning into Aviation and Business08:47 Career Path and Nonprofit Management11:58 Involvement with NBAA and Community Engagement14:57 The Importance of Inclusion in Aviation18:03 Reflections on Government and Aviation Safety20:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations25:36 Finding Passion in Aviation and Community Engagement27:08 The Value of Passionate Volunteers29:50 The Importance of Community in Nonprofits32:50 Navigating Career Transitions and Opportunities36:00 Innovating in Business Aviation39:34 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Aviation42:22 Joining PMOPA: A New Chapter45:21 Day-to-Day Operations of a CEO in Aviation50:54 Safety Initiatives and Community Responsibility54:36 Addressing Fatalities and Community Action57:44 Training Programs and Their Importance01:00:32 The Master Aviator Program01:01:50 Standardization in Training01:08:19 Building a Stronger Instructor Community01:15:25 The Future of PMOPA and Community Engagement
The Malibu Guru Podcast features interviews and discussions about all things PA46. We'll talk about everything from PA46 acquisition, training, and ownership to emergency survival stories to just about anything else in the aviation world. If you fly (or are just thinking about flying) a PA46, this is the podcast for you.
South Africa