The Malibu Guru

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

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

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

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: 📧 [email protected]
🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

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