Ask Me Anything: PA-46 Tips, Turbine Secrets & Weather Wisdom

Ask Me Anything: PA-46 Tips, Turbine Secrets & Weather Wisdom

Author: Casey Aviation March 27, 2026 Duration: 43:19

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 clint@flycasey.com 

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


Hosted by Casey Aviation, The Malibu Guru is a conversation for a specific corner of the sky, centered entirely on the world of the PA46 aircraft, like the Malibu and Mirage. It’s less a formal broadcast and more like hanging around the hangar, listening in as seasoned owners and pilots share what they’ve learned the hard way. You’ll hear unvarnished discussions about the realities of buying one of these complex machines, the nuances of training, and the ongoing puzzle of maintenance and ownership. The focus here is on practical wisdom, drawn directly from the community that flies these planes every day. This podcast thrives on those real-world stories-the unexpected cross-country adventure, the troubleshooting tip that saved the day, the personal insights that manuals never provide. It’s for anyone with a hands-on interest, whether you’re actively searching for your own PA46, you’re already logging hours in the left seat, or you simply appreciate deep dives into aviation’s more niche passions. The dialogue is grounded, specific, and driven by the people who know these aircraft inside and out, making it a unique resource within aviation media.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Malibu Guru
Podcast Episodes
Q&A: VNAV, GPU Engine Starts, and Insurance Insights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:37
Joe and Deanna delve into a variety of aviation topics, with a special focus on VNAV usage, engine start procedures with a GPU, and the changing insurance landscape for pilots. They also discuss the transition to PA46 ai…
Turning on Ice Protection, Turning Off Risk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:55
In this episode, Joe and Mark Slocum discuss the critical issue of icing as winter approaches. Drawing on Mark's recent flight experience, they discuss the unique challenges of icing conditions, including its impact on a…
Numerical Prejudice: The Truth About the -21 Engine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe teams up with Deanna to explore the topic of numerical prejudice surrounding the -21 engine—a widely used PT6 engine featured in aircraft like the JetPROP. What’s your take…
2024 PMOPA Convention: Highlights, Interviews & Takeaways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:46
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe recaps the 2024 PMOPA Convention in Austin, Texas. He sits down with David Campbell, a proud new owner of a M350, to hear about his experience and journey with the aircraft…
Lord of the Rings with Dan Moran! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:35
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe welcomes back Dan Moran to discuss his experiences with his JetPROP after six months of ownership. They dive into the performance of the PT6 engine, the confidence it bring…
Answering Your Questions! Fall 2024 Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:56
In this Q&A episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe discusses a wide range of topics related to the PA-46 aircraft. He covers everything from autopilot modes and transitioning from Avidyne to Garmin avionics to the criti…
Whiskey, Wings, and Crawfish Dreams with Mike Frugé [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Mike Frugé, who shares his fascinating journey from being a fourth-generation rice and crawfish farmer to thriving in the distillery business. Mike dives int…
Bearing the Value: Insights on Meridian Ownership with Scott Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:33
In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Scott Lee to discuss his journey in aviation. They discuss Scott’s experiences as an aircraft owner, particularly with his Meridian. They also talk about the…
The King Air E90 Advantage with Bill & Kimberly Mershon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe chats with Bill and Kimberly Mershon, passionate aviators and proud owners of a King Air E90. Together, they dive into their personal journeys in aviation, the evolution of…