Discovering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Friends of the Smokies

Drones are changing the way industries work—and airports are no exception. In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin talk with Katie Ryan, an airside operations specialist at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, about the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aircraft. Katie explains what drones are being used for today, from inspections and construction monitoring to public safety and emergency response. She also breaks down why drones and airports can be a dangerous combination when operators aren’t properly trained or authorized. The conversation covers FAA rules, drone certifications, Remote ID, airspace restrictions and what happens when an unauthorized drone is detected near an airport. Listeners will also learn how recreational drone operators can get started and when a Part 107 certification is required. Looking ahead, Katie shares her vision for the future of drone technology—including package delivery, air taxis and the growing career opportunities in autonomous and uncrewed systems. And what about McGhee Tyson Airport? Katie gives listeners a look at the early stages of developing a drone program at TYS and how the airport is learning from other airports already using this technology. In this episode: What exactly qualifies as a drone—and why the FAA considers them aircraft How airports can use drones for inspections and construction Drones as a tool for emergency response and public safety Why flying a drone near an airport can be extremely dangerous Understanding drone airspace restrictions and the 400-foot limit FAA authorization and the process for approved airport drone operations Remote ID: the “license plate for the sky” What can happen when an unauthorized drone enters airport airspace Recreational drone flying vs. flying for compensation How drones are creating new education and career opportunities The future of drone delivery and air taxis Where McGhee Tyson’s own drone program stands today Katie also encourages anyone interested in the industry—especially students—to stay curious, explore the possibilities and look for opportunities to get involved. The technology is evolving quickly, and there are still countless applications that haven’t even been discovered yet. The post Drones at TYS: The Rules, Risks and Future of Unmanned Aircraft appeared first on From the Runway Up.

In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Matt Bergwall, Executive Director of the Vision Jet product line at Cirrus Aircraft, to explore why Cirrus has become one of the biggest innovators in personal aviation. The conversation highlights the company's focus on safety, technology, pilot training, and why Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport serves as the headquarters for Cirrus' customer delivery, training, and service operations. Listeners will learn what makes the Cirrus SR Series and Vision Jet unique, including the company's signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which has helped save hundreds of lives, and the revolutionary Safe Return™ feature that allows passengers to land the aircraft automatically if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

Join us in this episode as we explore the beauty, history, and community importance of the most visited national park in America—the Great Smoky Mountains. Dana Soehn, president and CEO of Friends of the Smokies, shares insights on the park’s history, visitor experience, and how support from individuals makes a difference.

What happens when a major ultra-low-cost airline shuts down? In this episode of The Runway Up, the team sits down with aviation industry analyst Bill Swelbar and Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Vice President of Air Service & Marketing Jim Evans to unpack the closure of Spirit Airlines and what it means for travelers, airports, and the future of affordable air travel. Although Spirit never served McGhee Tyson Airport, its shutdown is sending ripples across the aviation industry. Bill and Jim discuss why Spirit’s collapse was years in the making, how other airlines are already filling the gaps, and what separates successful low-cost carriers like Allegiant from struggling competitors. The conversation also explores Knoxville’s growing aviation market, why airlines are paying attention to East Tennessee, the evolving role of competition in airfare pricing, and what travelers can expect from future airline growth. Plus: TikTok-fueled efforts to revive Spirit Airlines, the realities of airline profit margins, and why running an airline is far harder than most people realize.

In this heartwarming episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin explore the powerful intersection of aviation and animal rescue with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue. From overcrowded shelters to high-demand adoption communities, this nonprofit is giving animals a second chance—one flight at a time. Michael shares how aviation plays a critical (and often unseen) role in animal welfare, disaster response, and community support—while also highlighting the importance of general aviation in making it all possible. What You’ll Learn How Pilots to the Rescue coordinates animal transport missions across the U.S. Why overcrowding is more common in Southern shelters The logistics of flying animals—from puppies to pigs to sea turtles How aviation supports disaster recovery efforts for displaced animals The difference between air and ground animal transport—and why both matter The ongoing challenges of maintaining aircraft and recruiting volunteer drivers Why general aviation is essential to missions like these The Bigger Picture This episode highlights a powerful truth: aviation isn’t just about travel—it’s about impact. From disaster relief to life-saving animal transport, general aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities and saving lives behind the scenes. How You Can Help Adopt or foster from your local shelter Volunteer as a pilot or driver Donate to support rescue missions Share stories and raise awareness Support through merchandise at their online shop Learn more: pilotstotherescue.org The post Puppies, Planes & Purpose: Inside Pilots to the Rescue appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Summary In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Colonel Ronald Selvidge Jr., Wing Commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. With 35 years of service—beginning as an aircraft maintainer in 1990—Col. Selvidge shares his personal journey through the Tennessee Air National Guard and offers an inside look at the Guard’s dual state and federal mission. The 134th plays a vital role in rapid global mobility, flying the legendary KC-135 Stratotanker—a fleet that has served since the late 1950s and remains essential to U.S. air operations. The Big Announcement: KC-46 Pegasus The episode’s headline moment: The 134th has been selected as the sole winning wing to receive the new KC-46 Pegasus, built by Boeing. After a 20+ year strategic effort—and competition with 19 other wings nationwide—Knoxville secured this next-generation tanker aircraft. Why This Matters: Ensures long-term mission viability for the base Brings brand-new aircraft straight from the assembly line Modernizes infrastructure, including runway upgrades Strengthens economic and military impact in East Tennessee Arrival Timeline: Late 2030 / Early 2031 KC-135 vs. KC-46: What’s Changing? Col. Selvidge explains the key differences: Modern Systems & Technology Increased fuel capacity and expanded refueling capabilities. Dual refueling systems (boom + drogue on every sortie) Refuelable tanker capability (tankers refueling tankers!) Boom operators transitioning from lying in the tail of the aircraft to using 3D camera systems from the cockpit While the KC-135 may fly into the 2050s, the 134th will fully transition to the Pegasus platform. Beyond Tankers: Cyber Mission Growth The base isn’t just about air refueling. The 134th also houses a growing cyber operations mission, protecting critical infrastructure and military systems from digital threats. Plans are underway to add: A new cyber operations squadron Dedicated cyber protection teams A powerful reminder that today’s defense mission extends far beyond the runway. Interested in Serving? The Tennessee Air National Guard offers: Tuition assistance and state education benefits Part-time service with civilian career flexibility Opportunities in aviation, maintenance, cyber, and more Learn more by searching for the 134th Air Refueling Wing online or visiting their social media pages. https://www.134arw.ang.af.mil https://www.facebook.com/USairforce/ https://www.twitter.com/USairforce This episode captures a milestone moment not just for the Tennessee Air National Guard—but for the entire East Tennessee aviation community. Stay tuned as From the Runway Up continues following the journey toward Pegasus arrival. The post Airpower & Community: A Historic Win for Knoxville’s Air Guard appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Summary In this special episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin sit down with retired Chief of Public Safety W. Tom Aiken to reflect on his extraordinary 46-year career at McGhee Tyson Airport. Chief Aiken shares firsthand stories from decades of aviation safety, from the airport’s earliest years and the 1982 World’s Fair to the sweeping operational changes following September 11, 2001. Hear how airport public safety evolved over time, the leadership philosophy that guided Chief Aiken through moments of crisis and calm, and the deep sense of community that defines East Tennessee. The episode concludes with a moving tribute to Chief Aiken’s retirement, including the dedication of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building and a look ahead to the department’s future leadership. Topics Covered The early days of McGhee Tyson Airport and the creation of the Public Safety Department Transitioning from police and ARFF to an integrated public safety model Aviation security before and after 9/11 Rewriting the airport security program in the immediate aftermath of September 11 East Tennessee’s community response during national crisis Leadership, trust, transparency, and decision-making under pressure The importance of best practices, training, and inter-airport collaboration Reflecting on a 46-year career and the meaning of legacy Honoring Chief Aiken through the dedication of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building Welcoming incoming Chief of Public Safety, Sammy Schaefer About the Guest Tom Aiken joined the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority in 1979 after serving in the United States Air Force as a base law enforcement specialist. Over 46 years, he held multiple leadership roles before serving three decades as Chief and Director of Public Safety. His career spans some of the most transformative moments in aviation safety, leaving a lasting legacy of professionalism, preparedness, and service. Special Recognition This episode includes the reading of an official resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners honoring Chief Aiken’s career and approving the dedication and naming of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building at McGhee Tyson Airport. The post A Legacy of Service: Honoring Retired Chief of Public Safety Tom Aiken appeared first on From the Runway Up.

In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin take listeners inside one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world—the Goodyear Blimp. When a scheduled Knoxville flyover was canceled, the hosts went straight to the source and sat down with Mike “Doc” Dougherty, Chief Pilot and Operations Manager for Goodyear Airships. Doc shares how he went from airline pilot to one of fewer than a dozen active airship pilots in the U.S., what it takes to fly a blimp, and why these aircraft remain a staple of aviation culture. From technology upgrades to unexpected missions—including disaster relief, scientific research, and even extreme sports—this episode delivers an up-close look at a flying legend. Topics Covered The origins, evolution, and modern role of the Goodyear Blimp Doc’s personal journey into airship aviation What differentiates airship piloting from airline or general aviation careers A behind-the-scenes look at training, crew operations, and maintenance Surprising historical roles: research missions, military coordination, and emergency response What it’s like to fly cross-country, navigate weather, and land a blimp Iconic moments from the blimp’s 100-year legacy The post Airship Aviation: History, Technology, and the Goodyear Legacy appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Summary In this milestone episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Adam DeCaire, Senior Vice President of Network Planning & Network Operations Control at Southwest Airlines, for a long-awaited conversation that East Tennessee travelers have been hoping for: Why Southwest Airlines chose Knoxville. Adam reveals why Southwest chose Knoxville, what the airline looks for when entering a new market, and how Knoxville fits into Southwest’s broader network strategy. From aircraft selection to connection opportunities to the Southwest customer experience, this is the insider conversation Knoxville has been waiting for. Topics Covered The decades-long effort to recruit Southwest Airlines to Knoxville Adam’s personal career story: from throwing bags in Cleveland to leading network planning How airlines evaluate new markets and why Knoxville’s timing finally aligned The importance of UT, tourism, and regional demand in the decision The Southwest aircraft fleet—no regional jets, only Boeing 737s The “Southwest experience,” empowered employees, and customer-first culture What success looks like for the airline and the community Connect & Stay Updated Book flights at Southwest.com Previous Episode about bringing carriers to TYS: In The Winner’s Circle: Air Service at TYS. The post Southwest Lands in Knoxville: Inside the Decision to Join TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

In this special Halloween edition of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin take listeners on a spirited journey through the eerie legends, mysterious artwork, and paranormal tales that haunt the aviation world. From Denver International Airport’s infamous blue Mustang—nicknamed “Blucifer”—to underground tunnels, Freemason rumors, and gargoyle guardians, this episode dives into the fascinating myths that surround one of America’s most talked-about airports. Guest Stacey Stegman joins to share how Denver International has embraced its reputation for mystery with creativity and humor—turning conspiracy theories into clever marketing moments. The hosts also swap other spooky airport stories, including grave markers on Savannah’s runway, ghostly encounters at McGhee Tyson’s old terminal, and haunted hangars in Kansas. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just love a good travel story, this episode will make you see airports in a whole new (and slightly creepier) light. Stories Covered The eerie legend of Denver International Airport’s blue Mustang, “Blucifer”. Freemason symbols, underground tunnels, and the “New World Airport Commission”. Misunderstood art: murals, mining symbols, and gargoyle sculptures with hidden meaning. How Denver turned conspiracy theories into a clever brand strategy. Grave markers in Savannah’s runway and Atlanta’s cemetery beneath Runway 5. Paranormal activity at New Century Air Center in Kansas. McGhee Tyson Airport’s own ghostly passenger from the 1970s terminal. The post Ghosts, Gargoyles, and Graves: The Spooky Side of Airports appeared first on From the Runway Up.