Episode Description

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.

Guests in this Episode

Caitlin Worth is the acting management assistant and public affairs specialist at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)
• National Park Service (NPS)
• 130 species of trees in the Smokies
• Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Careers with the NPS: start with a volunteership or intership
• The TomCast with Tom Stanley
• Tips for a successful trip to the Smokies:
  • Plan ahead!
    • Visit the park’s website for active closures and alerts
  • Treat wildlife with respect!
  • Expect there to be traffic!
• Annually, the GSNMP generates an economic impact of more than $1 billion and contributes to more than 14,000 jobs in our region
• There is 73 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the GSMNP– hikers call it their ‘favorite section’ of the AT

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post TYS and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Where Modern Transportation Meets Nature’s Wonders appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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!

Guests in this Episode

Mr. Bob Davis is a local historian; Knoxville native; pilot based at DKX; and a FAA designated pilot examiner.

Mentioned in this Episode

• How did McGhee Tyson Airport get its name? Answered at 6:53
• July 29, 1937: first commercial flight at McGhee Tyson Airport, an American Airlines transcontinental airmail route
• Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame
• Tennessee Museum of Aviation
• East Tennessee’s Early Aviators:
  • Evelyn Johnson
  • Elmer Wood
  • Farris Thomas
  • Hodges Briscoe
  • Walter Self
• East Tennessee Historical Society
• There are not many historical landmarks within the industry, because “aviation moves on.”

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post 8+ Decades of Aviation History in East Tennessee appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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.

Guests in this Episode

Huckaby-TYS.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1" alt="Podcast Hosts" width="600" height="600">

Mentioned in this Episode

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s (AUS) website
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s (RDU) website
• AUS’ podcast: The Austin Approach
• RDU’s podcast: The Fly Angle
• Popular podcast episodes mentioned in this podcast from The Austin Approach:
  • The Austin Approach Winter Weather Update
  • Let there be rock! And R&B! And country!
• Popular podcast episodes mentioned in this podcast from The Fly Angle:
  • RDU CEO Mike Landguth Shares His “Lessons Learned” From The Past Year
  • Popular Triangle Brewery on Tap at RDU
• Favorite (non-aviation) podcasts mentioned by our guests:
  • development-hot-seat.captivate.fm/listen">Talent Development Hot Seat
  • Dateline Podcast
  • Song Exploder
  • We Interrupt This Broadcast
  • Serial
  • The Disconnect
  • Hidden Brain

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post What Do AUS, RDU, and TYS Have in Common? A Podcast! appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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.

Guests in this Episode

Astran-ADK-Website-2020.jpg?resize=200%2C250&ssl=1" alt="" width="200" height="250"> “Blake joins ADK with years of executive recruiting experience primarily focusing on public sector clients including aviation, transportation, and local governments. Previously, Blake practiced law in both the public and private sectors, with a concentration on criminal law. Most recently, Blake was a senior associate at Krauthamer & Associates, Inc, a large executive recruitment firm in Chevy Chase, MD. Prior to his work at Krauthamer, Blake was an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Daniel J. Wright. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in sports management with a minor in business from the University of Florida, Blake attended Barry University Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree and is a licensed attorney in the state of Maryland. Blake also spent time in Rome, Italy at Temple University School of Law’s Cultural Immersion Program. Blake currently resides in Florida with his wife and three young children. They enjoy traveling, attending Florida Gator football games, and going on cruises.” Photo and Bio Credit: ADK Consulting & Executive Search

Mentioned in this Episode

• ADK Consulting & Executive Search
• Current and Active Projects with ADK
• The #1 quality interviewers look for: communication
• The #1 quality interviewees look for: culture
• Aviation certifications, such as the AAE, can help interviewees stick out amongst other candidates.
• ‘Silver Tsunami’–this will have major implications on succession planning

Shot-2021-09-27-at-1.42.44-PM.png?ssl=1">Shot-2021-09-27-at-1.42.44-PM.png?resize=1024%2C556&ssl=1" alt="" width="1024" height="556">

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post Help Wanted: New Trends in Hiring within the Aviation Industry appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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.

Guests in this Episode

Spicer2-1.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1" alt="" width="200" height="300">Rebecca Spicer was named Senior Vice President, Communications at Airlines for America (A4A), in June 2018. She is responsible for communications initiatives that execute key public relations strategies, help advance policy priorities and achieve advocacy objectives. In March 2020, she was named to PRWeek’s Hall of Femme, which recognizes women who are “leaders in the communications industry who challenge the status quo, move the needle in business and strive to make a difference.” Prior to joining A4A, Spicer worked for nearly 12 years at the National Beer Wholesalers Association, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs. Additionally, Spicer served in the George W. Bush White House as associate director of communications, where she produced televised presidential events. Earlier, she worked as a television producer at stations across the country, including six years at WJLA in Washington, D.C., where she produced the award-winning six p.m. newscast, in addition to stations in Houston, Texas; New Haven, Conn.; and Birmingham, Ala.; as well as CNN in Atlanta, Ga. A native of Nashville, Tenn., Spicer holds degrees from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. She serves on the Board of the National Council for Adoption and on the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army National Capital Region. Photo and Bio Credit: Airlines for America          

Mentioned in this Episode

• Airlines for America’s website: airlines.org
• A4A’s motto: ‘We Connect the World.‘
• Harvard’s ‘Curb-to-Curb Travel Through Airports’ study
  • Highlights and Summary
  • Full Report (262 pages)
  • Main takeaways: 
    • • “probability of being infected in an airport is very low”
      • “impressive and consistent commitments that airports have made to reduce risk of disease transmissions”
• Summer 2021: passenger traffic down approximately 20% compared to 2019 passenger levels
• Airlines (and airports) are moving towards touchless travel.
  • Pro tip: Download your airline’s mobile app!
• Airline Sustainability
• A4A’: Fly Healthy, Fly Smart
• Only state to add flights during the pandemic? Montana!
• Travel tips: 
  • Give yourself extra time to get to the airport.
  • Don’t be surprised by airport construction.
  • Pack a snack and empty water bottle. Concessionaires are operating with limited hours. 
  • Don’t forget your mask!

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post Airline Pandemic Progress: From Rescue to Recovery appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

 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.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Allegiant’s new flights to Austin, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Myrtle Beach
• American Airlines resumes flights to Miami International
• Delta now offering mainline service (bigger aircraft, Boeing 717) to Atlanta
• Summer travel tips:
  1. Per federal mandate, masks are required while inside the airport and on-board aircraft. This mandate is in effect until September 13, 2021.
  2. If you are arriving at McGhee Tyson Airport, we highly recommend that you pre-book your taxi or rental car in order to ensure transportation. A list of ground transportation companies that are licensed to do business at the airport can be found here: flyknoxville.com/ground-transportation.
  3. We are in the process of a Parking Garage Improvement Project, which will temporarily close various areas of the parking garage. If the Long Term Lot is full, additional parking can be found in our Economy Lot, which is located behind the Airport Hilton. A parking map can be found here: flyknoxville.com/parking-directions.
  4. We strongly encourage you to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight in order to give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot, check your luggage with your airline, get through security, and find your departure gate
  5. If you have any questions or concerns about travel restrictions in the area to which you’re traveling, visit flyknoxville.com/covid19 in order to access travel tools and recommendations for COVID-19 questions.
  6. Look into programs that can make your travel experience quicker and easier, such as TSA’s PreCheck.
     1. Enrollment Location can be found here. 

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post Hot Tips for Summer Travel appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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.

Guests in this Episode

• Sam.jpg?fit=225%2C300&ssl=1" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt=""> Ken.png?fit=208%2C300&ssl=1" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="">

Mentioned in this Episode

• MKAA implements a building automation system.
• Facility management includes energy management.
• Daylight harvesting
• MKAA has light-emitting diode (aka LED) lighting in-terminal.
• MKAA must consider the ROI for lighting projects. 
• DID YOU KNOW: MKAA is the tn.gov/366/Pay-Your-Bill">City of Alcoa’s highest paying customer, spending approx. $50,000 a month for electricity. 
• There are currently 2,200 airfield lights at McGhee Tyson Airport. 
• After the runway construction project is complete, the TYS airfield will have 3,500 lights. 
• More facts about airport beacons

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post TYS is Lit: The Facts About Airport Lighting appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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. 

Guests in this Episode

• Rick Piccolo, A.A.E., is the President & CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
• Bryce Dubee is the Public Information Specialist Sr. of the City of Austin Aviation Department
• Sue Stevens, A.A.E., works in Air Service Development for Myrtle Beach International Airport 

Mentioned in this Episode

From Interview with airport.com/">SRQ:

• SRQ has airport.com/flight-information">10 airlines and 47 nonstop destinations.
• airport.com/terminal-map">Parking and rental car area is right across the street from the terminal.
• Restaurants in Sarasota are at 100% capacity, live events are happening as scheduled, and (most importantly!) the beaches are open.
• Alleigant’s service from TYS to SRQ beings on June 3, 2021, and is twice weekly– Thursday and Sunday. Book your flight to SRQ here!

From Interview with AUS:

• Check out Austin-Bergstrom’s podcast: The Austin Approach
• Allegiant flies into AUS’ south terminal. Find out more by using AUS’ interactive airport map. 
• AUS has Covid testing on-site if you want to get tested before you leave AUS.
• The Austin area is known for their BBQ, live music, and outdoor activities (and Austin City Limits Music Festival).
• Alleigant’s service from TYS to AUS is offered year-round, twice weekly– Monday and Friday. Book your flight to AUS here!

From Interview with MYR: 

• Myrtle Beach has 60 miles of beaches!
• It’s known as the Miniature Golf Capital of the World. 
• It’s also known as the seafood capital on South Carolina, thanks to Murrells Inlet. 
• ‘Myrtle Beach has something for everybody!’ 
• Alleigant’s service from TYS to MYR begins on June 2, 2021 and is twice weekly– Wednesday and Saturday. Book your flight to MYR here!

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post What to Expect if Traveling to FL, TX or SC from TYS this Summer appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Description

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. 

Guest in this Episode

Mike Ginter is the Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Mentioned in this Episode

• AOPA is the largest aviation association in America with more 330,000 members.
• The pilot population has increased annually over the past five years and should continue to grow.
• Downtown Island Airport is MKAA’s general aviation airport 
  • Previous Podcast Episode: ‘General Aviation at the Island’
• AOPA provides pilots with any information they want to know regarding purchasing aircraft, maintenance, regulations, medical safety, legal support and more.
• On any given day, there are more Cessna 172s flying than 737s.
• ‘Civil Air Patrol Delivers Coronavirus Vaccine’
• AOPA’s Air Safety Institute
  • Aviation safety is continuing to increase!
• Interested in becoming a pilot? Check out ‘You Can Fly’.
• Annual Aviation Events:
  • SUN n’ FUN in Lakeland, FL
  • EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI
• Airport and Airway Trust Fund
• In order to be successful, communities need to look at their airports as a magnet for growth.
• AOPA: protecting your freedom to fly

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

Feature Photo for this Episode

• Courtesy of AOPA

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 passion for fostering relationships and opportunities for companies that qualify as a Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBE). Through their wealth of experience, learn how to qualify as a DBE, become eligible for consideration for projects, and tap into a multitude of beneficial programs.

Guest in this Episode

Art-photo-14-006.jpg

Mentioned in this Episode

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
• 21-Board-Meeting.mp3">Alan Jones’ DBE Presentation to the MKAA Board of Commissioners
• History of the Department of Transportation DBE Program
• East Tennessee Purchasing Association
• Diversity Business Alliance, which is made up of the following eight agencies: 
  • City of Knoxville
  • Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
  • Knox County
  • University of Tennessee
  • Knoxville’s Community Development Corp.
  • Blount County 
  • Public Building Authority
  • Knoxville Utilities Board 
• TDOT’s DBE Certification Process 
• More than 800 vendors are certified through TDOT’s process
• 4th Annual (Virtual) Diversity Business Expo: March 4, 2021
• Tennessee Veterans Business Association 

Music in this Episode

• Birdy by KV https://soundcloud.com/kvmusicprod
• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
• Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/dSCbsObNJo0

The post How TYS & Local Municipalities are ‘Leveling the Playing Field’ for Minority-Owned Businesses appeared first on From the Runway Up.