From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

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.

 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.

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

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.

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

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. 

From Interview with SRQ:

From Interview with AUS:

From Interview with MYR: 

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

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. 

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

The post Clear Skies for General Aviation…Even During A Pandemic appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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.

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