The Malibu Guru

Thinking about moving from a turboprop to a jet? Don Kukla shares his inspiring journey of upgrading from a Piper M600 to a Citation Mustang. In this episode, Don breaks down what it’s really like to step into the world of jet ownership and flying.

You'll hear about:
✈️ How he chose the Citation Mustang
🤝 The power of relationships and mentorship in aviation
🎯 Key differences in training and operations when trans...

In this episode, Joe shares his journey to regain his FAA medical certificate after a heart attack. He openly talks about the emotional impact of being grounded, the practical challenges of navigating the FAA’s complex medical process, and the vital support of a local AME. Joe emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation and proactive communication with healthcare providers. His experience offers valuable insights a...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Jim and Amy Connors for a candid conversation about what it takes to share the cockpit, and the responsibilities of flight with your significant other. They discuss how Amy supports Jim with everything from pre-flight and post-flight tasks to cleaning and maintaining the aircraft. Together, they highlight the importance of training, clear communication, and teamwork in the air. The conve...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Kyle Kamman from Aviation Tax Consultants to explore the often-overlooked field of aviation tax strategy. They discuss the essential role of aviation tax consultants, how they differ from traditional CPAs, and why proactive planning is crucial for aircraft owners. From structuring ownership correctly to handling tax audits, the conversation explores real-world ...

In this episode, Joe is joined by aviation tax expert Stephen Greak for an insightful discussion on the often-overlooked complexities of aircraft ownership and taxation. Together, they break down the critical importance of working with a knowledgeable tax advisor when purchasing, operating, or investing in an aircraft.

New members who join PMOPA receive 10% OFF their first year’s dues. 
Visit www.pmopa.com and use code: ...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe and Clint discuss the tragic loss of renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, exploring the implications of flight control malfunctions and the importance of thorough pre-flight checks. They delve into the specific risks associated with icing conditions in the PA-46 aircraft and share valuable lessons learned from Holland's accident.

New members who join PMOPA receive 10% OFF the...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with David and Onie Irvine to share their inspiring aviation journey and their recent upgrade to the state-of-the-art Piper M700. The Irvines reflect on how aviation has become a vital part of their business success and why ongoing training is essential to their approach as pilots. The conversation takes a powerful and personal turn when David opens up about survivi...

In this episode of the Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Doug and Valerie Steen to explore the inspiring story behind Semiplane—a newly established Garmin dealership based in Lufkin, Texas. With rich backgrounds in aviation and a passion for innovation, the Steens share how they pivoted from previous careers to launch a business dedicated to serving the PA-46 community and beyond.

Visit SemiPlane: https://www.semiplan...

In this Q&A Episode, Joe and Matt Courtney discuss market trends, maintenance, engine performance, and payload differences between the JetPROP and Malibu. They also compare the M350 and Cirrus G7, weighing parachute safety features against engine reliability. Joe shares insights on turbine vs. piston engines and the future of aviation fuels, including challenges with 100LL and alternative options.

If you have a question...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe sits down with Lei Gao to trace his incredible journey from a childhood in China to flying across continents with dreams of circling the globe. Lei shares the highs and hurdles of transatlantic flights, the critical role of safety and experience in aviation, and how a supportive community fuels bold ambitions. From a wedding in Croatia to unforgettable moments in Egypt, Lei's...

Mike Nichols, CEO of PMOPA, sits down with Joe to talk about his journey from growing up in Allentown, PA, to becoming a pilot and leading a nonprofit in the aviation world. They chat about why community matters, how volunteers make a big difference, and the importance of making aviation more welcoming to everyone. They also dig into safety—why it’s a top priority, how programs like the Master Aviator help pilots improve, ...

In this episode, Joe talks with Tom Hauge from Wings Insurance about all things aviation insurance. Tom shares how he started in the industry and the path that led him to become a trusted expert for aircraft owners and operators.

They dive into best practices for insuring your aircraft, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips that can help you confidently navigate the insurance world. Whether you’re a new aircraft owne...

In this conversation, Joe and Deanna discuss the concept of alarm fatigue, particularly in the context of aviation. They explore how pilots can become desensitized to alarms and warnings in the cockpit, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The discussion includes examples from various aircraft, the importance of maintaining awareness of alarms, and strategies to mitigate alarm fatigue to ensure safety during flight...

In this Q&A episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Eric Earle joins Joe to answer listener questions. They tackle various topics, including aviation market trends, best practices for battery charging in the JetPROP, challenges with directional control when using reverse thrust, and crucial stall recovery techniques. They also discuss the future of JetPROP conversions and ongoing support for these aircraft. If you have a q...

In this episode, Joe and Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance at Casey Aviation Services, dive into common maintenance challenges faced by PA46 owners. They discuss the critical role of owner involvement in aircraft upkeep and the key issues that frequently arise in maintenance. Additionally, they explore the financial impact of maintenance, offering insights into how much owners should participate in the process. The con...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru podcast, Joe welcomes Kenneth Hale, Director of Maintenance with Casey Aviation Services, to discuss PA46 maintenance, covering annual inspections, airworthiness, and pre-purchase inspections. They break down what's mandatory, optional, and recommended while addressing common maintenance questions.

Our Spring M-Class of 2025 is approaching! Be sure to register by visiting our website at h...

In this episode of The Malibu Guru Podcast, Joe welcomes Carl Rossi for an insightful discussion on aviation in Australia. They explore how aviation plays a crucial role in traversing the country’s vast and remote landscapes, sharing personal flying experiences, and transitioning to the  Piper M350. The episode highlights the advantages of pressurization, the unique dynamics of flying as a couple, and the intricacies of pl...

In this episode, Joe continues his conversation with Stan Finch in part two of their discussion. They dive deeper into Stan’s aviation journey, focusing on his experience with the Continental Malibu. The conversation covers the precision of flying, the benefits of personal aviation, and what makes the Malibu a standout aircraft. Stan also shares insights on selecting the right plane for the mission, managing ownership part...

I had a heart attack—yes, you read that right. I’m incredibly grateful to be here to share my story. This life-changing event gave me a new perspective on health and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. 

In this episode, I’ll walk you through what happened—the symptoms I experienced, the warning signs you should never ignore, and how acting quickly made all the difference. I’ll also talk about the role of mode...