From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

24:04

Drones at TYS: The Rules, Risks and Future of...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/08/31

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

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19:32

Flying Smarter: Inside the World of Cirrus Aircraft

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/07/20

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

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26:35

Discovering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/06/15

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.

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33:13

Low Fares, High Stakes: Breaking Down Spirit...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/05/12

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

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26:20

Puppies, Planes & Purpose: Inside Pilots to the Rescue

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/03/23

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

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28:32

Airpower & Community: A Historic Win for Knoxville’s...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/02/23

Episode SummaryIn 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

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30:30

A Legacy of Service: Honoring Retired Chief of Public...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2026/01/26

Episode SummaryIn 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

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Airship Aviation: History, Technology, and the...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/12/08

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

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26:20

Southwest Lands in Knoxville: Inside the Decision to...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/11/17

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

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23:09

Ghosts, Gargoyles, and Graves: The Spooky Side of...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/10/27

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

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Redundancy, Repairs, and RONs: The Secrets of Safe...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/09/29

In this episode, we go behind the scenes at McGhee Tyson Airport to explore the world of aviation maintenance with industry veteran Jay McKinley. Jay shares his journey into aviation, the hands-on work of maintaining aircraft, and how he inspires the next generation of aviation professionals. From overnight inspections to safety redundancies on planes, listeners get a window seat into what it takes to keep aircraft safe and reliable.The post Redundancy, Repairs, and RONs: The Secrets of Safe Flight

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Planes, Buses, and Bowl Games: Logistics of Tennessee...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/08/25

Traveling with college athletics isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s a high-stakes operation that impacts academics, performance, and team morale. In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin take listeners inside the world of University of Tennessee athletics travel. First, Dr. Catherine Green of Lady Vols Basketball reveals what it takes to coordinate smooth charter flights, manage NCAA tournament surprises, and keep student-athletes on schedule. Then, Andrew Goodman,

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Beyond the Exhibit: An American National Zoo Day...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a zoo? In this episode, we return to Zoo Knoxville for a deeper look at the people, processes, and passion that power one of the most respected conservation-focused zoos in the country.This isn't just about cute animals (though we’ve got those too). You'll hear about the expert teams, the intensive animal training programs, and how even aviation logistics play a crucial role in global conservation efforts. From managing a 38-year-old celebrity

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25:02

Fueling the Future: How Aviation and Education Are...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/06/23

In this episode, we explore how aviation is driving workforce development in East Tennessee. Dr. Patty Weaver from Pellissippi State Community College and Jessica Blitz of Blount Partnership share how a powerful collaboration between education, industry, and local government is creating hands-on career pathways for students—starting as early as middle school.From engine donations by Continental Aerospace to new FAA-certified degree programs, we discuss the innovations helping meet the growing

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27:05

Lifting Off: Gulf Shores’ Commercial Aviation Debut

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/05/26

In this episode, we dive into the excitement surrounding the launch of Gulf Shores International Airport, a new travel hub already making waves in Alabama and beyond. Our guests reflect on the overwhelmingly positive community response, share behind-the-scenes insights on launching an airport, and look ahead to what’s next for the region.From expanded air routes and economic development to beach vacations made simpler and more affordable, this episode showcases how aviation can be a true

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35:01

Behind the Scenes with the National Safe Skies...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/04/22

In this episode of From the Runway Up, we welcome back Scott Broyles, President and CEO of the National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), to discuss how this unique nonprofit organization helps shape the future of aviation security. From insider threats and AI tools to the growing importance of situational awareness and risk mitigation, Scott takes us inside the mission of Safe Skies—and why its work matters now more than ever.We also chat about McGhee Tyson Airport’s growth, the value of

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23:18

Real ID 101: What You Need to Know Before the Deadline

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/03/17

In this episode of From The Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin sit down with Eddie McGaha, Assistant Federal Security Director for TSA, to discuss everything you need to know about Real ID and TSA operations at McGee Tyson Airport.With the May 7, 2025, Real ID enforcement deadline quickly approaching, they break down the requirements, how to obtain a Real ID, and why it’s essential for air travel and access to federal facilities. Eddie also shares insights into TSA screening procedures, how to best

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22:15

Empowering Future Aviators with Tuskegee Next

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/02/24

In this episode, hosts Becky and Caitlin discuss the Tuskegee Next program—a nonprofit initiative dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through aviation. The conversation highlights how the program builds on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen to provide flight training, career development, and networking opportunities for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.The post Empowering Future Aviators with Tuskegee Next appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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44:06

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Enthusiasts...

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2025/01/27

In this episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin explore two impactful youth aviation programs in Knoxville, Tennessee, that are shaping the next generation of pilots and aviation mechanics. First, they talk with Eric Dragonetti, CEO of CAVU Pilot Flight School, about the future of aviation training and the rise of flight schools during the pandemic. Then, they chat with Jesse Katz, founder of the Sky Program, a hands-on youth initiative focused on aircraft restoration and aviation

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43:10

In the Winner’s Box: Air Service at TYS

From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast ·

2024/12/16

In this episode, we dive into the evolution of air service at McGhee Tyson Airport and its significant role in East Tennessee's economy. Featuring industry experts Bill Swelbar and MKAA’s own, Jim Evans, we discuss how the airport has adapted to shifting airline strategies, developed strong partnerships with carriers, and fostered economic growth through increased tourism and travel options. From the complexities of attracting new airlines, like Southwest, to the potential for international flights,

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