The Malibu Guru

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.

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

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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

Does an airplane's damage history make it a bad buy or a buying opportunity?

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe and Eric Earle look beyond the “damage history” label to explore what an aircraft’s past means for buyers, sellers, and owners. Drawing on real examples from the PA-46 market, they discuss component replacements, structural repairs, and why understanding what happened—and how it was repaired—is essential to evaluating an airplane.

They also explain how repair quality, documentation, and time since an event can influence buyer confidence and resale value. They also cover what to look for in logbooks and FAA records, insurance considerations, and the importance of being upfront about an aircraft’s history.

Whether you’re considering an airplane with previous repairs or wondering how an incident could affect your own aircraft’s value, this conversation will help you ask better questions and make a more informed decision.

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

In Part 2 of our PA-46 and TBM Accident Analysis, Joe and David Forster continue breaking down what the NTSB data reveals about stall/spin accidents, loss of control on the ground, hard landings, in-flight damage, and other critical accident factors.

More importantly, they examine what pilots can do about it. From flying the correct approach speed and maintaining coordinated flight to improving training, judgment, and checklist discipline, this final installment turns accident data into practical lessons every PA-46 and TBM pilot can use to fly safer.

To access the data David compiled, please visit the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/y96qrniksgl0uu9p589qo/AB7tdONBlsb_ducrzmBcQKY?rlkey=dl15pfxebxktqbqakrgkhnuko&dl=0

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

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Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation

What can hundreds of accident reports teach us about flying the PA-46 and TBM more safely?

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Joe sits down with David Forster, who reviewed and categorized every available NTSB accident report involving PA-46 and TBM aircraft. Together, they examine what the data reveals about emergency landings, engine failures, stall-spin accidents, spatial disorientation, and the critical role of pilot training.

They also discuss the limitations of accident data, the real people behind each report, and how learning from these events can help prevent the next accident.

Part 2 continues next week with additional accident categories and important safety lessons for PA-46 and TBM pilots.

To access the data David compiled, please visit the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/y96qrniksgl0uu9p589qo/AB7tdONBlsb_ducrzmBcQKY?rlkey=dl15pfxebxktqbqakrgkhnuko&dl=0

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

Are you too tall for a PA-46?

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with David Forester, a 6'5" pilot and JetPROP owner, to talk about something taller pilots know all too well: not every cockpit is built for you.

David shares his experience searching for a PA-46 that actually fit, including which models worked, which ones didn’t, and the small differences in seats, cushions, panels, and interior layouts that can make a huge difference when you’re over six feet tall.

Joe and David also compare their experiences as tall pilots, discuss why certain PA-46 models can be more challenging than others, and explain what taller buyers should look for before committing to an airplane.

Along the way, David shares some of his aviation background, his journey through several unique aircraft, and how he ultimately ended up flying a JetPROP from his home airpark.

If you’re a taller pilot considering a PA-46, this is an episode you’ll want to watch before you buy.

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

Justin Sybesma’s path into aviation has been anything but slow. Since beginning his flying journey in 2020, he has continued to push himself through new ratings, new experiences, and eventually into ownership of a TBM 850.

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe Casey talks with Justin about stepping into the turbine world, adjusting to the TBM's speed and performance, and the importance of good training, mentorship, and the right partnership. Justin also opens up about how a serious injury changed his perspective and reinforced his desire to make the most of life, family, and the opportunities aviation can provide.

From learning to fly to tackling one of the most capable single-engine turboprops in general aviation, Justin’s story is about continuing to learn, taking on new challenges, and enjoying the journey.

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

In this Q&A episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe is joined by Baylee Ross, the newest member of the Casey Aviation Sales Team, to tackle some of the biggest questions coming from the PA-46 community.

How strong is the PA-46 wing, and should pilots be concerned about turbulence? Is a TBM worth the extra cost over a Meridian? What should owners know about the move toward unleaded aviation fuel? And does Lycoming’s extended TBO really change anything for PA-46 owners?

Joe also breaks down power settings, engine temperatures, cylinder longevity, and shares a few practical JetPROP ownership tips along the way.

If you fly, own, or are considering a PA-46, this episode is packed with real-world insight on safety, performance, maintenance, and ownership.

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

What do we actually carry with us every day, and why? 

In this episode, Joe and Eric open up their pockets and flight bags to compare the gear they use both in and out of the cockpit. From flashlights, knives, watches, and AirTags to headsets, tools, medical supplies, and other everyday essentials, they talk about what has earned a place in their bags and how their setups have changed over time.

It’s a fun, practical conversation about staying prepared, and there’s a surprise ending, so be sure to stick around until the very end!

Be sure to tune in to our YouTube Channel to watch this podcast and to check out our other aviation content!
https://www.youtube.com/@caseyaviation

Below is a list of items mentioned in the podcast:
OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro: https://a.co/d/0aGOTFBk
Streamlight 73302: https://a.co/d/0a3O2zmx
Waterproof Pocket Flashlight: https://a.co/d/056wkp2t
Benchmade Bugout Mini Knife: https://www.benchmade.com/products/533
CIVIVI Chevalier Folding Knife: https://a.co/d/01EwSlC9
Deejo 27G Folding Knife: https://a.co/d/017MkGPu
Montana Knife Co - Wargoat: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com
Scallywag Tactical Knives: https://www.skallywagtactical.com
Smith & Wesson - Bodyguard 2.0:https://www.smith-wesson.com/
HK VP9CC: https://hk-usa.com/vp9cc/
PHLster Holsters: https://www.phlsterholsters.com
Apple AirTag: https://a.co/d/0et7Fq1K
Underdog Sunglasses: https://underdogglasses.com
Flying Eyes Sunglasses: https://flyingeyesoptics.com
Explorer Lighter: https://a.co/d/02rjHaB4
OtterBox Phone Cases: https://www.otterbox.com
Garmin Watches: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-aviation-smartwatches-tools-for-flying-and-more/
Nomatic Backpack: https://www.nomatic.com
Advanced Warrior Solutions Backpack: https://www.advancewarriorsolutions.com
Garmin inReach: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/
Leatherman: https://a.co/d/01Xb5glR
NFlight Mic & Headset: https://nflightmic.com

🌐 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 Casey sits down with longtime PA-46 owner Monty Chicola to hear the stories, close calls, and hard-earned lessons that come from thousands of hours in the cockpit.

Monty shares how he got started in aviation, why he bought his first airplane sight unseen, and how the Piper Mirage changed the way he traveled with his family. He also recounts several unforgettable moments, including losing a brake, landing with the nosewheel turned sideways, and discovering that his Mirage had been filled with 80 gallons of jet fuel.

Along the way, Monty explains the three rules that have guided him through more than four decades of flying: commit to being competent, take care of yourself before every flight, and never be afraid to say, “No, we’re not going.”

This conversation is packed with real-world PA-46 experience, practical safety advice, and the kind of aviation stories that can only be earned over a lifetime of flying.

Be sure to subscribe to the Casey Aviation YouTube channel for more episodes of The Malibu Guru Podcast, PA-46 training, maintenance discussions, aircraft ownership advice, and aviation content.

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