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

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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