From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

Did you know that McGhee Tyson Airport is just one hour away from the most visited national park in the US? More than 12 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, generating a more than $1 billion economic impact for our region. In this episode, we speak with Caitlin Worth of the National Park Service as she shares the parks' history, secrets, and future developments. The post TYS and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Where Modern Transportation Meets Nature's Wonders appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Aviation has played a crucial role in the development and growth of East Tennessee since the early 1900s. As McGhee Tyson Airport celebrates its 84th Anniversary, this podcast highlights some of the inspirational people and aviation milestones that have occurred in our region. We are joined by Bob Davis, a local historian and pilot, who has spent years researching TYS and DKX. Aviation buffs are welcome! The post 8+ Decades of Aviation History in East Tennessee appeared first on From the Runway Up.

In celebration of International Podcast Day, we bring you a podcast episode all about airport podcasts. We speak with the podcasts hosts from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (podcast: The Austin Approach) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (podcast: The Fly Angle) about their airport's podcast: why they started them, what topics are most-popular, and how airport podcasting fits into their overall airport communication plan. These podcast hosts also share best practices for podcasting, as well as their favorite podcasts to listen to on their morning commute. The post What Do AUS, RDU, and TYS Have in Common? A Podcast! appeared first on From the Runway Up.

A lot has changed in aviation hiring practices in the past two years. Some of the change is the direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while some attribute the change to a Silver Tsunami. Never heard that term before? Us either! Tune into this episode to learn all about it from Blake Astran, J.D., Vice President of Business operations for ADK Consulting & Executive Search. The post Help Wanted: New Trends in Hiring within the Aviation Industry appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Airlines for America (A4A) is a leading voice in advocating for crucial measures and policies that promote safety, security and a thriving US airline industry. In this episode, Rebecca Spicer, Senior Vice President of Communications for A4A, joins us as we discuss commercial air service pandemic recovery and the actions airlines are taking to sustain and build their operations moving through the end of the year and into 2022. You'll even take away a few travel tips to utilize during this ‘new' travel experience. The post Airline Pandemic Progress: From Rescue to Recovery appeared first on From the Runway Up.

 Traveling this summer? You're not alone! With more people taking to the skies this summer, this episode provides you with six quick tips you can take to make your travel experience simple and safe. From parking tips to COVID-19 resources, this episode has all the information you need to know before you go. The post Hot Tips for Summer Travel appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Airfield lighting is one of the many requirements that keep an airport compliant with the FAA's Part 139 Certification. Have you ever wondered what the different airfield lighting colors signify? Or how much time and resources it takes to keep the airport terminal ‘lit' 24/7? In this episode, we talk with Ken Eckert, MKAA Facility Manager, and Sam Knisley, MKAA Airfield Electrician, to answer all of your questions about current airport lighting and what to expect in the future. The post TYS is Lit: The Facts About Airport Lighting appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Summer travel season is among us! While you’re preparing for your vacation or looking for planning inspiration, many questions can arise. Are there travel restrictions in this city? Do I need a negative COVID test to fly into this airport? We speak with representatives from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Myrtle Beach International Airport, who share what you can expect when traveling to their city and what you should see during your time there.  The post What to Expect if Traveling to FL, TX or SC from TYS this Summer appeared first on From the Runway Up.

The general aviation industry has experienced more than five consecutive years of growth, even throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Serving this industry, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest general aviation association in America and offers endless advocacy and resources for current and future pilots. In this episode, we talk with Mike Ginter, Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy for AOPA, about why this industry continues to grow, how to become a pilot, and why general aviation is critical to the success of local communities. The post Clear Skies for General Aviation…Even During A Pandemic appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description This episode explores the vast amount of resources available to minority-owned businesses through airports and their local municipalities. Alan Jones, Director of Administration and DBE Liasion Officer with the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, and Pamela Cotham, Assistant Purchasing Agent and Small Business & Diversity Outreach Manager for the City of Knoxville, share their […] The post How TYS & Local Municipalities are ‘Leveling the Playing Field’ for Minority-Owned Businesses appeared first on From the Runway Up.

It's a new year, and we're diving into another year of aviation-related podcast topics for your listening and learning pleasure. From new flights launching soon to what to expect when you enter the airport terminal building, this 20 minute episode will get you up to speed with what has been happening at TYS and what you can expect the next time you travel. The post Discussing What’s Upcoming and the Unknowns for 2021 at TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Travelers have a lot of questions these days about what to expect at the airport and when onboard an airplane. In this episode, we answer 20+ of those frequently asked questions.  We don’t just answer them— we take a deep dive into the questions with six different airport experts. From new flights, to runway construction, the REAL ID deadline, and updated concessionaire hours, you’ll learn it all after listening to these quick interviews. The post You Asked, Experts Answer: 20+ Q&As about Air Travel & TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Along with airlines and airports across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is having to adapt its security checkpoint procedures in order to comply with current pandemic protocols. TSA's new campaign, 'Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.', ensures travelers' safety and security continue to be the number one priority by enforcing additional policies, such as social distancing, contactless identification verification, plastic shielding, and more. In this episode, Mark Howell, the regional spokesperson for TSA, shares how you can best-prepare for air travel right now, as well as what you’ll need to know for traveling in the future (i.e. REAL ID). The post TSA Update: ‘Stay Healthy. Stay Secure’ + REAL ID appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Airlines are taking major steps forward in preparing their aircraft for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we speak with Hilarie Grey, Managing Director of Corporate Communications for Allegiant Air, as she explains how her airline is 'going the distance for health and safety'. After listening to her commentary, you will be an expert in all-things air filtration, antimicrobial protectant, and more.  The post COVID-19 Safety Measures from an Airline’s Perspective: Air Filtration, Antimicrobial Protectant, and More appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Making the decision to travel by air during a pandemic can be stressful. You may be curious about the boarding process or interested in how airlines are handling food and beverage service onboard the airplane. What's it like going through the security checkpoint or even customs? In this episode, your questions are answered by four different frequent flyers: a pilot, leisure traveler, international traveler, and airport employee. They provide you stories of their recent travel experiences in airports around the world while offering tips on how to prepare for your next flight. Listen to this episode so that when you’re ready to take to the skies, you know what to expect. The post Insight and Advice On Traveling During A Pandemic appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Since March of 2020, COVID-19 has taken a toll on the aviation industry both here at McGhee Tyson Airport as well as around the world. Following our previous COVID-19 podcast, in this episode we discuss how operations and flight plans have changed as passengers are beginning to return to the sky. Also in this episode we discuss how cargo has been impacted at TYS due to COVID-19. The post Fluctuations of Passenger Travel and Air Cargo at TYS During COVID-19 appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Over the course of two months, daily operations in the aviation industry quickly ground to a halt due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The effects were felt in airports around the globe. In this episode, we discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on McGhee Tyson Airport as well as other US airports from the perspective of industry experts.  The post Special Edition: COVID-19- The Pandemic’s Impact on TYS and the Aviation Industry appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Airport websites have to meet the informational expectations of a lot of user groups. From novice travelers to seasoned frequent fliers, the website has to be easy to use and function for all parties. This episode explores the meticulous process McGhee Tyson Airport went through to develop their brand new website. Listen as Moxley Carmichael’s Charley Sexton, Creative Director, John McCulley, Senior Web Developer, and Katrina Roberts, Graphic & Digital Media Designer, share their expertise in how to design an effective website, especially one with a multitude of user groups.   The post Designing a Website for ALL Audiences appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Not only does McGhee Tyson Airport see constant commercial and general aviation traffic, military aviation plays a large role in the overall operations at TYS as well.  In this episode, we speak with the Wing Commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Colonel M. Lee Harley, Jr. and learn about their global, state, and local missions. From talking about the 134th Air Refueling Wing’s history and its $246 million annual economic impact, to hearing about how they operate their ‘flying gas station’, this episode introduces you to military aviation and the people and aircraft that make each mission successful. The post 134th Air Refueling Wing: Delivering ‘Beans, Beds, & Bullets’ appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description The post Newest Amenity at TYS: A Mamava Pod appeared first on From the Runway Up.

A lot has happened over the years at McGhee Tyson Airport. From the kick off of the 1982 World’s Fair, to the roaring engines of the first jumbo jets to enter the market, to the aftermath of 9/11, TYS has continued adapt to meet the challenges it has faced. Listen to long-time airport employees as they discuss how the airport has changed and what they see on the horizon for aviation in our community. The post Inside this Episode: 140 Years of McGhee Tyson Airport Experience appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Whether it's assisting travelers in medical emergencies, training for an aircraft rescue and firefighting simulation, or assisting in Presidential visits, the Department of Public Safety at McGhee Tyson Airport is critical to passenger safety and the continuous operations of the airport. In this episode, hear from Chief Tom Aiken as he shares the training and experience it takes to be a police, fire, and medically-trained airport officer. The post Ensuring Public Safety, One Passenger at a Time appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Managing people, resources and public expectation at one of the nation’s top 100 airports is a full-time job for Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.  Daily, he oversees the operation of McGhee Tyson Airport with his eyes focused on the future of air service and needs of the airport’s travelers and guests.  In this episode, hear about Patrick’s first year at TYS, his experiences as an airport president and what he sees in the airport's future. The post Personal Insights on TYS From Its Top Executive appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Commercial airplanes are very similar to cars-- not in size, but in the fact that they require routine maintenance and safety checks. In this episode, learn how Endeavor Air plans and performs routine and emergency maintenance on Delta's Bombardier CRJ 200, 700, and 900 fleet. James McKinley, Base Manager for Endeavor Air at McGhee Tyson Airport, explains the detailed process they undertake to keep their aircraft flying safely.  The post Inside Aircraft Maintenance: The Intricacies of Keeping Commercial Aircraft Safe appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest time of year at airports around the U.S. and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is no different. With the increase in passenger traffic, TYS offers unique programs to entertain and educate travelers. One program in particular, ChariTrees, highlights local nonprofit organizations and allows them to share their message and mission to the travelers of East Tennessee. In this episode, learn about the unique airport programs available during the holiday season and hear from two nonprofit organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, about how they are involved in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel.  The post Full Flights, Full Hearts: The Busy Holiday Travel Season at TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

While general aviation (GA) might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of aviation, did you know that there are actually more registered GA aircraft than commercial aircraft in the U.S.? In this episode, we introduce listeners to Downtown Island Airport (DKX), the GA airport in Downtown Knoxville, and hear about the different type of aircraft and operations you can witness on the Island-- military, law enforcement, and experimental aircraft just to name a few.  The post General Aviation at the Island appeared first on From the Runway Up.

What do FIDS, BIDS, shared tenant services, access control, and WiFi have in common? They are technology services provide by the Airport Authority that passengers couldn’t travel without. In this episode, hear from MKAA’s technology staff about their current responsibilities, the obstacles they face working in an airport environment, and must-have apps to help ease your travel experiences. The post FIDS, BIDS, and WiFi, Oh My! appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Regardless of the sport or the destination, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department relies heavily on private charter flights to get student athletes to away games or competitions in a safe and timely manner. In this episode, David Elliott, Associate Athletic Director for Event Management at the University of Tennessee, discusses the planning and coordination it takes to schedule transportation for UT's student athletes. Elliott also mentions some of his most memorable charter flights. Spoiler: one of his favorite flights was to Tempe, Arizona in 1998.  The post How the University of Tennessee Athletic Department Utilizes Private Charter Flights appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Inclement weather in the form of rain, snow, sleet and strong winds can have a significant impact on airport operations. Learn how McGhee Tyson Airport handles turbulent weather in East Tennessee as well as how they lend a helping hand when natural disasters strike. Join Trevis Gardner, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Mike Porter, Airport Operations Specialist, as they discuss TYS weather operations, SEADOG and recent operational efforts to assist airports during Hurricane Dorian. The post IROPS, SEADOG, HURREVAC: Impacts of Inclement Weather at Airports appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Ever wonder how airport security technology is selected? In this episode, Scott Broyles, President & CEO of National Safe Skies Alliance, discusses the processes and research that go into the selection of security technologies found at airports today. From active shooters to perimeter breaches, this security expert shares how his organization is working to help airports proactively prepare for the next big threat. The post Using Research and Technology to Combat Aviation Threats appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Every day millions of travelers pass through airports around the world and often use directional signage and other design elements to successfully navigate the terminal building. From wayfinding to multi-faceted branding campaigns, this episode explores the strategic thought process behind airport graphic design and how each facility works to make the public’s visual experience extraordinary. The post Airport Branding: It’s More Than Just A Plane Picture appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Moving through an airport's security screening process shouldn't be a task you're dreading. It can be convenient and expedited without compromising the safety of the airport and its travelers. Hear from the Assistant Federal Security Director for TSA in East Tennessee, Eddie McGaha, as he spends time explaining the options you have to improve your checkpoint experiences and what to expect in the future. The post I Don’t Want to be 600th in Line. Do You? appeared first on From the Runway Up.

The aviation industry is experiencing exponential growth, and McGhee Tyson Airport is no different. With more than 20 destinations, increased flight options, and larger aircraft in our market, we are seeing continuous, record-breaking passenger traffic like never before. In this episode, Jim Evans, Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development at TYS, talks about how his department attracts and retains new airlines and new destinations for McGhee Tyson Airport. The post New Flights, New Planes, Now How About a New Airline? appeared first on From the Runway Up.

With a large government and private technology presence in our area, Knoxville is at the forefront of the tech industry, especially in regards to 3D Printing. In the episode, we speak with Local Motors to hear how they are solving mobility problems around the world from their micro-factory here in Knoxville. We discuss the future of transportation, including the advanced technology of drones, 3D printed self-driving public transportation, and the 3D printed Rally Fighter, which was featured in ‘The Fate of the Furious’ and is now housed in Knoxville. The post What Do Drones, The Fast and the Furious, and Knoxville Have in Common? appeared first on From the Runway Up.

An airport hotel means a night’s rest after a long trip. It is a place of privacy for a musician on tour. It is a place where multi-million dollar deals are made. It’s important for airport hotels to stay current and meet the needs of the traveling public. Listen in as Bryan Cable, Airport Hilton Manager, and Chris Soro, Principal Designer at C2RL, discuss how the current expansion will help the Airport Hilton at TYS stay fresh and valuable to everyone who visits. Along with discussing the future, our guests share some of their favorite memories, such as meeting celebrities staying at the hotel. Spoiler alert: we're talking about Michael Jackson. The post Celebrities, Crews, and Construction: How the Airport Hilton Continues to Adapt with Aviation appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description Minutes matter…The golden hour…Time is of the essence…Each of these phrases are often used when referring to medical emergency situations where taking quick action means the difference between life and death. In this episode, we visit with Hella Ewing, VP of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, to discuss how aviation plays […] The post When Minutes Matter: How Children’s Hospital Uses Aviation to Save Lives appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Planning a vacation can be overwhelming, especially when answering question #1: 'Where do I want to travel?' From researching flight options to securing hotel accommodations, travelers can either have fun planning their entire experience or lean on an expert to make all of the right decisions. Just in time for spring and summer travel planning, we speak with Alexandra Stockton, a luxury travel expert, who shares some tips on beginning to plan your vacation and also shares the top destinations her clients are visiting right now. Who's ready for a trip to the Bahamas or to see the Northern Lights? Now Boarding! The post Trending Bucket List Destinations for Spring & Summer Travel appeared first on From the Runway Up.

While our episodes typically focus on behind-the-scenes airport operations, one of the most important parts of an airport system is its passengers. When each passenger enters the airport, they bring their personal history with them. From past travel experiences to reuniting with loved ones from all over the world, an airport is a great place to make connections and build relationships that last a lifetime. In celebration of Valentine's Day, this episode features three heartwarming stories that show how TYS has served as the backdrop for one of the most important and exciting days of a few of our travelers' lives. The post Love is in the Air at TYS! appeared first on From the Runway Up.

When most people think of airports and air travel, they typically think of commercial airlines and people traveling for business or leisure. But have you ever thought about how endangered species get transported to zoos across the U.S. to accommodate their species survival plans? The answer: airplanes! In this episode, Zoo Knoxville's President and CEO, Lisa New, discusses how the zoo relies heavily on air cargo to transport animals and its staff across the world. We also hear from Einstein, an African Gray parrot, (yes, you read that right) about his travels across the country. The post Transporting Tigers, and Pandas, and Birds, Oh My! appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Every aspect of an airport is planned and designed to meet the needs of the traveling public, and some of those needs are requested even before a plane ticket is booked. Whether its mobile websites, water-refilling stations, or aesthetically-pleasing construction walls, airport staff listen to the experts when planning for current and future growth—the experts being their passengers. In this episode, we hear from special guests from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and Tampa International Airport on how they handle the passenger experience and what they think the passenger experience will look like in the years to come. The post Passenger Amenities Constantly Change, How Do Airports Keep Up with the Trends? appeared first on From the Runway Up.

This year has been a record-breaking year at McGhee Tyson Airport. From hitting an annual passenger record in January of 2018 and then hitting a huge passenger milestone (2 million passengers!) in December of 2018, to announcing new nonstop flights, and welcoming a new Airport Authority president, 2018 was definitely one for the (log) books! In the episode, From the Runway Up hosts, Becky and Caitlin, highlight the top 18 events that happened at TYS in 2018. The post Top 18 at TYS in 2018 appeared first on From the Runway Up.

McGhee Tyson Airport has changed drastically since Bill Marrison walked into the terminal in 1982. From a new airport operations building, fire and rescue building, and an airport terminal building, to the largest construction project in airport history and the potential of adding a new general aviation airport into the system, Bill has experienced a lot in his 36 years at TYS. In this episode, Bill Marrison discusses how his love for aviation began, talks about his favorite airport projects, and shares what he hopes lives on as his 'airport legacy'. The post 36 Years in Less Than 36 Minutes appeared first on From the Runway Up.

As you learned in our previous episode, air service development is complex, time-consuming, and constantly changing. So what's the ‘method behind the madness’? In this episode, we speak with an airline representative about what airlines look for when selecting communities to provide air service, and more specifically, why Allegiant chose Knoxville as a base of operations. The post ‘See You in the Skies’: An Airline’s Take on Air Service appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Air Service Development is a tricky task that looks different at every airport, but one thing is consistent across the industry: Airlines are in the business of making money. Shocking right? Each airport is responsible for convincing airlines that they will be profitable in their market, and that can be a job that takes years. In this episode, Jim Evans, Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development for MKAA, discusses what airports are responsible  for in regards to recruiting airlines, what the state of air service looks like in Knoxville, and what the industry can expect in the future. The post Pick Me! Pick Me! An Inside Look at Recruiting Allegiant Air to TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Every three years, the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is required by the FAA to host a full-scale emergency exercise. On October 27, 2018, more than 20 local emergency response agencies and more than 100 volunteers worked together to simulate an aircraft incident and practiced the required response. In this special episode, we speak with the airport's Director of Public Safety, Tom Aiken, and Lieutenant Kelly Simerly about what it takes to successfully implement a mass emergency exercise and its importance to the airport and the traveling public.  We also interviewed volunteers and agencies about their role in the exercise and the reason they volunteer year-after-year. The post Special Edition: Airport Emergency Response Exercise appeared first on From the Runway Up.

As the industry saying goes, 'once you've seen one airport, you've seen one airport.' That's one of many reasons why geographical information systems (GIS) play an extremely critical role in airport planning. Whether its mapping for on-property fire hydrants, historical building layouts, aerial noise contour, or maps for special events,  GIS is an aspect that is relied upon by all airport departments and customers. In this episode, Blake Sartin, Senior GIS Manager for MKAA, discusses the unique uses for GIS and how people can get involved in the increasingly-popular career field. The post GIS @ TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Planning for the future of an airport system is a monumental task that considers every facet of airport usage, from passengers needs to aircraft fleet changes, and transportation trends to gate agreements. McGhee Tyson Airport is in the process of updating its Airport Master Plan, an FAA-required document that highlights the airport's plan for the next 20 years. In this episode, Bryan White, Vice President of Engineering and Planning for MKAA, along with Bill Barley, the Market Segments & Vice President of Aviation at CHA, discuss the planning process and the important 'touch points' that have to be considered when forecasting the future of any airport. The post Planning for the Future of TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Recruiting businesses to East Tennessee (and more-specifically recruiting companies to do business on airport property) is a full-time job. The Knoxville Chamber (and many other local organizations) is tasked with selling Knoxville to businesses around the world in hopes that they bring more jobs and revenue to East Tennessee. In this episode, Doug Lawyer, Vice President of Economic Development for the Knoxville Chamber, discusses what all went into recruiting Cirrus Aircraft to TYS. He also talks about the status of our region and shares examples of many other businesses that have decided to call East Tennessee home. The post Selling Our Story to Cirrus appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description In 2015, Cirrus Aircraft announced they were naming Knoxville as the location of their Vision Center. Fast-forward three years later, and because of their increased presence and operations, 38% of all single-engine piston aircraft in the world were delivered in Knoxville. Hear from Stephen Deucker, Vice President of Owner Experience and General Manager […] The post Inside ‘The Cirrus Life’ appeared first on From the Runway Up.