No Brakes, Wrong Fuel, and a Sideways Nosewheel | Monty Chicola

No Brakes, Wrong Fuel, and a Sideways Nosewheel | Monty Chicola

Author: Casey Aviation July 31, 2026 Duration: 1:22:40

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.

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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: 50

The Malibu Guru
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