From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

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 neve...

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 a...

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 d...

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 Septem...

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...

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...

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 myt...

Redundancy, Repairs, and RONs: The Secrets of Safe Flight Hosts: Becky & Caitlin, Public Relations, McGhee Tyson Airport Guest: Jay McKinley, General Manager of PSA Airlines’ Maintenance Hangar at TYS Episode Overview: 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 avi...

Episode Summary: 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 Greene of Lady Vols Basketball reveals what it takes to coordi...

Episode Summary: 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 train...

Episode Summary: 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...

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...

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...

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 trav...

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. Key Topics & Segment...

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...

Episode Summary: 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 an...

McGhee Tyson Airport’s Flight Plan is a comprehensive 10-year initiative aimed at enhancing the airport’s facilities and passenger experience to meet the needs of a growing East Tennessee community. Kicking off with the construction of a new parking garage, the plan includes expanded parking, roadway improvements, and upgraded terminal spaces. Community leaders and stakeholders expressed excitemen...

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...

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....

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 po...

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....

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...

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, Bost...