The Malibu Guru

From flying supersonic fighter jets to navigating the remote Alaskan wilderness, what keeps a pilot coming back for more after 45 years in the cockpit?
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Don Watrous, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, and current Alaska bush pilot with an extraordinary aviation career. From flying F-15s, F-16s, and F-18s to operating a turbine-powered de Havilland Otter on floats in Alaska, Don has experienced nearly every side of aviation. 
Joe and Don discuss his remarkable career, the challenges of flying in Alaska's unpredictable weather, and the incredible experiences that come with exploring some of the most remote places on Earth.
But beyond the aircraft and adventures, Don shares a perspective that every pilot can appreciate: it's not about how high or fast you fly; it's about the love of flying itself.
Learn more about Emerald Air Service: https://www.emeraldairservice.com
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What happens when a $500,000 engine overhaul costs nearly as much as the airplane itself? Is the PA-46 community about to change the way we think about TBO?
The culture of aircraft ownership plays a major role in how we fly, maintain, buy, and sell our airplanes. But as more Piper Meridians and JetPROPs approach engine TBO, that culture may be on the verge of a major shift.
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe Casey sits down with Matt Courtney to discuss the evolving culture of PA-46 ownership and the decisions facing turbine owners as engine times climb and overhaul costs continue to rise.
Should owners overhaul their PT6 engines at the manufacturer's recommended TBO, or can proper maintenance, trend monitoring, and engine condition justify flying beyond it? And perhaps more importantly, how will these decisions affect aircraft values and the future PA-46 market?
Joe and Matt explore the differences between the King Air and PA-46 communities, engine maintenance programs, the economics of high-time engines, and why today's ownership decisions could reshape the market for years to come.
As the PA-46 fleet continues to age, one thing is certain: the culture we establish today will help determine how these airplanes are valued and operated tomorrow.
Registration is now open for Fall 2026 M-Class!
Join us November 12–13 for two days of training, connection, and everything PA-46.
Reserve your spot today: https://flycasey.com/m-class/

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more aviation stories, PA-46 insights, and real conversations from the flying community.
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What happens when a group of PA-46 owners point their airplanes north and take on Alaska?
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with several of the pilots from the 2026 PMOPA Alaska trip, along with some of their spouses, to hear the stories behind the adventure.
You’ll hear from Helen Cernik, Paul Stefaniak, Rusty and DawnElla Rust, Don Moore, Kenneth and Lori Van Ray, and finally Don Watrous of Emerald Air Service. They share what it was like flying their own airplanes through the Last Frontier, seeing Denali and massive glaciers from the air, fishing in Alaska, getting up close with bears, and experiencing Alaska from the cockpit of a PA-46.
Along the way, they talk about the challenges, lessons learned, favorite moments, and the friendships that made the trip just as memorable as the flying itself.
This is Alaska through the eyes of the people who made the journey.
Interested in joining Helen Cernick on an upcoming adventure? Learn more about future trips with Fly Boundless at https://www.flyboundless.com
Registration is now open for Fall 2026 M-Class!
Join us November 12–13 for two days of training, connection, and everything PA-46.
Reserve your spot today: https://flycasey.com/m-class/

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more aviation stories, PA-46 insights, and real conversations from the flying community.
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There are flying trips, and then there’s flying a PA-46 to Alaska!
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe and Deanna Casey look back on the 2026 PMOPA Alaska adventure, led by Helen Cernick of Fly Boundless. This year’s trip included just four aircraft—two M600s, a Meridian, and a JetPROP—creating a smaller, more personal experience with more time to explore, fly, and take in Alaska's incredible scenery.
From Sitka to Talkeetna, Homer, and Ketchikan, the trip was packed with unforgettable moments: glacier flying, fishing, hiking, kayaking, views of Denali, a seaplane excursion, and up-close encounters with Alaskan brown bears.
Joe and Deanna also talk about what it really takes to fly a PA-46 to Alaska, including weather, terrain, fuel planning, remote airports, instrument approaches, and how the Meridian, JetPROP, and M600 handled the trip.
PMOPA Alaska 2026 was more than a destination. It was a chance to experience what these airplanes can really do, build friendships along the way, and see Alaska from a perspective few people ever get to experience.
Interested in joining Helen Cernick on an upcoming adventure? Learn more about future trips with Fly Boundless at https://www.flyboundless.com
Registration is now open for Fall 2026 M-Class!
Join us November 12–13 for two days of training, connection, and everything PA-46.
Reserve your spot today: https://flycasey.com/m-class/

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more aviation stories, PA-46 insights, and real conversations from the flying community.
🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com
📱 Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation

What do high-performance rifles and turbine airplanes have in common? For Adam Weatherby, it’s all about choosing the right tool for the mission, and sometimes that mission includes an elk that won’t fit in your airplane.
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe welcomes Adam Weatherby, third-generation leader of Weatherby, Inc., for a conversation about aviation, hunting, faith, and the pursuit of performance. Adam shares the story behind his family’s firearms legacy, the company’s move to Wyoming, and how innovation continues to shape its rifles and cartridges. They also explore Adam’s progression from a Cessna 206 to a Piper JetPROP—and why a Twin Commander became the right fit for his next chapter. From remote hunting trips to business travel, Adam explains how his changing mission shaped his aircraft choices.
Whether you’re a pilot, aircraft owner, hunter, or Weatherby fan, this conversation brings together two worlds built around precision, performance, and purpose.
Explore Weatherby rifles, shotguns, and gear at: https://weatherby.com
Register for M-Class! https://flycasey.com/m-class/
🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com