European Aviation Insights: Alexander Pichler | PMOPA 2025

European Aviation Insights: Alexander Pichler | PMOPA 2025

Author: Casey Aviation October 10, 2025 Duration: 21:38

Save the date—November 7, 2025—for our Fall M-Class! Registration is officially open, so head to our website and secure your spot today.

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, recorded live at the 2025 PMOPA Convention, Joe sat down with Alexander Pichler, Swiss pilot, aircraft broker,  and owner of API Aviation Consulting & Services.

We dive into Alexander’s journey in aviation, the importance of health and fitness for pilots, and how EASA regulations are shaping flying in Europe. Alexander also shares valuable insights on the aircraft market, including the cost-effectiveness of the Jet Prop versus the Meridian, trends in aircraft brokerage, and the impact of currency exchange on buying decisions.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

  • Alexander Pichler’s aviation journey and career in aircraft brokerage
  • Why health and fitness matter for long-term pilot performance
  • Updates on EASA regulations and transitions between aircraft
  • Jet Prop vs. Meridian: cost, popularity, and market trends in Europe
  • How brokers collaborate and strengthen the aviation community
  • The future of the JetPROP and Meridian market

🎧 Subscribe for more aviation podcasts, training tips, and pilot stories.

🌐 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


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
When Things Don't Go Right | Bob Sherwin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
In this episode, Joe sits down with Bob Sherwin, a seasoned JetPROP pilot, to explore his aviation journey, firsthand experiences with in-flight emergencies, and the transition to flying a turbine-powered aircraft. They…
Advice for Aspiring PA-46 Instructors | Darwin Haines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:26
In this episode, Joe sits down with Darwin Haines, a CFI specializing in the PA46. Together, they explore Darwin’s path into aviation, the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a CFI, and the art of tailoring i…
My Old Truck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:25
In this episode, Joe shares his bond with his 1968 Chevrolet C10, owned since he was 16. He reflects on memories, financial choices, and the evolution of vehicles, drawing parallels to aviation. Joe highlights how well-m…
A Captain’s Transition: Scott Smith Talks 747s & JetPROPS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe is joined once again by Scott Smith, a UPS Captain and proud JetPROP owner. Together, they explore Scott's experiences flying the iconic 747-800, his journey transitioning…
Q&A: Grass Strips, Defrost, and Weight & Balance in the PA46 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:40
In this episode, Joe and Eric tackle a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering valuable insights into operating the PA-46 aircraft. Topics include the unique challenges of flying from grass strips, the function…
From Auction to Australia: Phenom 300 Ferry Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:55
In this episode, Joe sits down with Deanna to talk about her unforgettable ferry flight in a Phenom 300 from the U.S. to Australia. She shares how she won a type rating at Oshkosh 2024 and the challenges she faced, like…
The Pursuit of Excellence: A Conversation with Kenneth Scherdell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:10
This episode takes a slight departure from our usual content, but it's packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss. Joe sits down with Kenneth Scherdell, who achieved an incredible fifth-place finish in his age…
Real-Life Weather Experiences and Lessons Learned | Gary Richert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:18
In this episode, Joe and Gary dive into the complexities of navigating weather systems, focusing on thunderstorms. Drawing from their own experiences, they underscore the critical importance of understanding weather patt…