The Malibu Guru

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

What does it really take to move from a piston single to a multi-engine turbine?
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Dave Lally to unpack his journey from flying a Bonanza and M350 to captaining a King Air 350 — all in just a few months. With fewer than 1,000 hours, Dave made the leap during the uncertainty of 2020, earning his multi-engine rating, type rating, and building mentor time in record pace.
They talk about what the transition was really like, what surprised him most about turbine ownership, and why the King Air 350 turned out to be the perfect mission airplane — from nonstop Bahamas trips to hauling supplies into remote destinations.
If you’ve ever wondered whether stepping up to turbine is worth it… this episode is for you.
Subscribe for more real-world conversations from the owner-flown community.
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

In this episode, Joe sits down with Jim Hirsch of Air Tractor to explore a career built on engineering and a lifelong passion for aviation. A Texas A&M graduate in Aeronautical Engineering, Jim shares how his technical foundation led him into agricultural aviation and ultimately into a leadership role at one of the industry’s most influential aircraft manufacturers.
Jim reflects on the legacy of Leland Snow and how Air Tractor’s innovative designs shaped modern ag aviation, while also tracing the company’s expansion into firefighting and military roles. He discusses the challenges of a cyclical industry, the need for constant innovation, and what has allowed Air Tractor to adapt and grow over time.
The conversation also dives into company culture, including employee ownership, the importance of the PT6 engine, and why truly understanding the aircraft matters at every level. Jim also shares personal insights from his own flying, including how owning a Piper Meridian has changed his approach to travel and aviation.
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
📱 Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation

If you own, fly, buy, or sell a PA-46, you already know this is the topic that never goes away.
In this episode, Joe sits down with Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance at Casey Aviation Services, and they break down why PA-46 windshields are such a big deal.
Here’s what we talk about:
Why windshield replacements can cost $50,000+ installed
Why they’re often on long backorder
The difference between older hot plate systems and newer heated glass
What Piper’s Service Letter 1604 means for your airplane
Amp draw vs. ohm testing (and why it matters)
What makes a windshield “airworthy”
How a bad logbook entry can affect a sale
Why replacing a PA-46 windshield is such a big maintenance job
If you’re going through a pre-buy, annual, or thinking about selling your airplane, this episode will help you understand what you’re really dealing with.

Listen in so you’re not surprised the next time this “elephant in the room” comes up.
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

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Marc Slocum to take a deep dive into the TBM 960 — one of the most technologically advanced owner-flown turboprops on the market.
They break down what makes the 960 stand out in the TBM lineup, including its FADEC-controlled engine, enhanced automation, automatic ice-protection systems, and a refined interior designed for passenger comfort. Joe and Marc also discuss real-world flying impressions, performance differences compared to earlier TBM models, such as the 930, and what the 5,000-hour TBO means for long-term ownership and maintenance.
But it’s not just specs — they also discuss the challenges that come with increased automation, including engine-start scenarios and how the system performs in everyday operations.
Is the TBM 960 the ultimate owner-flown turboprop? Is the upgrade worth it? And how does it compare to the rest of the TBM series? Let us know!
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
📱 Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation