Inside this Episode: 140 Years of McGhee Tyson Airport Experience

Episode Description

A lot has happened over the years at McGhee Tyson Airport. From the kick off of the 1982 World’s Fair, to the roaring engines of the first jumbo jets to enter the market, to the aftermath of 9/11, TYS has continued adapt to meet the challenges it has faced. Listen to long-time airport employees as they discuss how the airport has changed and what they see on the horizon for aviation in our community.

Guest in this Episode

Larry Eastridge

Drew Smothers

Gina Caughron

Trevis Gardner

Larry Eastridge is a Lieutenant at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA). He has been with the MKAA for 24 years.
Captain Drew Smothers is a Public Safety Supervisor at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA). He has been with the MKAA for 25 years.
Gina Caughron is an Accounts Receivable Specialist at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA). She has been with the MKAA for 31 years.
Trevis Gardner is the Vice President of Operations at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA). He has been with the MKAA for 30 years.

Mentioned in this Episode

Mentioned in Interview with Larry Eastridge & Drew Smothers
- Experience at the Tennessee Air National Guard Base
- Lone Star Airlines
- Cherokee Aviation
- Microburst
- Previous Podcast Episode Referenced: FIDS, BIDS, and WiFI, Oh My!
- Everbridge System
Mentioned in Interview with Gina Caughron
- Did you know MKAA used to own more than 20 houses around airport property? Gina has the opportunity to act as the ‘landlord’ on behalf of MKAA.
- Ground Transportation
- Arts in the Airport
- In-House Advertising
- The ‘Ride Sharing‘ effect at airports
Mentioned in Interview with Trevis Gardner
- 1997-2000 Airport Terminal Rennovation
- Smoky Mountain Air Show
- Local parade participation
- Airfield Modernization Program
- 1978: MKAA was established as a result of airline regulation
All interviews discuss the change in the airport before and after 9/11