The Malibu Guru

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

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

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

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 slow an airplane down fast, and why lift, not turbulence, is the real enemy.
You’ll also hear a deep dive into turbine engine behavior, including how to diagnose a power rollback versus a flameout, what NG tells you about the health of your engine, and why certain procedures in the JetPROP flight manual exist in the first place.
Other topics include:
The smartest path from trainer aircraft to a PA-46
What insurance underwriters really want to see
How airborne radar vs. datalink radar actually works
Why snow isn’t always the icing threat pilots think it is
Using gear and spoilers to survive severe turbulence
Diagnosing turbine power loss at altitude
Operational tips for JetPROP owners
Mountain flying and winds that create turbulence
Got a question for Joe? Send it to [email protected] 
🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

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 selling?
Why a fully Garminized panel isn’t just a luxury—it can make you a safer, more precise pilot.
Plus, Joe draws a fascinating analogy from competition shooting to show why training with your new panel is just as important as installing it. From practical advice on choosing the right shop to the pitfalls of rushing a panel upgrade, this episode is packed with insight for buyers, sellers, and pilots wanting to get the most out of their aircraft.
Whether you’re upgrading now or planning for the future, this is your go-to guide for making smart avionics decisions.
M-Class Spring 2026 is approaching, and spots are filling up quickly. Reserve your seat now! https://flycasey.com/m-class/
Joe just released his very first book! You can grab your copy of Long Story Short: Stories From a Lifetime in the Cockpit on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4JGtIgq
🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com