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 prepare for security checkpoints, and some of the more unusual items TSA agents have encountered. 

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning your next trip, this episode is packed with helpful tips to make your airport experience smooth and stress-free.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Resources Mentioned:

Key Takeaways:

Stay Connected:

The post Real ID 101: What You Need to Know Before the Deadline appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 & Segments:

Resources & How to Get Involved:

The post Empowering Future Aviators with Tuskegee Next appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 education.

Learn about the exciting work that local youth are doing, from restoring Cessna aircraft to learning the technical aspects of flying, risk management, and mechanical skills. This episode highlights the dedication of these programs to create a safe, educational, and inspiring environment for young people to explore careers in aviation.

Key Topics:

Guest Highlights:

Show Notes:

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Thanks for Listening!

The post Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Enthusiasts with Youth Programs appeared first on From the Runway Up.

Episode Summary:

Key Topics Covered:

Key Quotes:

Resources Mentioned:

Previous Episodes About “Air Service”

Next Episode Preview:

Connect with Us:

Thank you for listening, and we’ll see you next time on From the Runway Up!

The post In the Winner’s Box: Air Service at TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 excitement about the economic and travel benefits the project will bring to the region. With strong employee and community support, the Flight Plan is charting the course for the future of McGhee Tyson Airport to better serve travel needs today, tomorrow, and in the future.

In this jam-packed episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin dust off the microphones to bring listeners up to speed on four transformative years at McGee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee. From passenger growth and runway upgrades to exciting new airline routes and the ambitious 10-year Flight Plan initiative, this episode covers it all.

Tune in as Becky and Caitlin explore:

Highlights from the Flight Plan Launch Event: Hear firsthand perspectives from key community figures and leaders:

Looking Ahead: Becky and Caitlin discuss how Flight Plan ensures McGhee Tyson Airport is ready for the future, accommodating growth to 4 million annual passengers by 2034 while maintaining its welcoming, efficient charm.

The post Introducing Flight Plan: The 10-Year Vision for McGhee Tyson Airport appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

“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

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.

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          

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