From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

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 animal welfare, disaster response, and community support—while also highlighting the importance of general aviation in making it all possible.

What You’ll Learn

How Pilots to the Rescue coordinates animal transport missions across the U.S.

Why overcrowding is more common in Southern shelters

The logistics of flying animals—from puppies to pigs to sea turtles

How aviation supports disaster recovery efforts for displaced animals

The difference between air and ground animal transport—and why both matter

The ongoing challenges of maintaining aircraft and recruiting volunteer drivers

Why general aviation is essential to missions like these

The Bigger Picture

This episode highlights a powerful truth: aviation isn’t just about travel—it’s about impact. From disaster relief to life-saving animal transport, general aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities and saving lives behind the scenes.

How You Can Help

Adopt or foster from your local shelter

Volunteer as a pilot or driver

Donate to support rescue missions

Share stories and raise awareness

Support through merchandise at their online shop

Learn more: pilotstotherescue.org

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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 dual state and federal mission.

The 134th plays a vital role in rapid global mobility, flying the legendary KC-135 Stratotanker—a fleet that has served since the late 1950s and remains essential to U.S. air operations.

The Big Announcement: KC-46 Pegasus

The episode’s headline moment: The 134th has been selected as the sole winning wing to receive the new KC-46 Pegasus, built by Boeing.

After a 20+ year strategic effort—and competition with 19 other wings nationwide—Knoxville secured this next-generation tanker aircraft.

Why This Matters:

Ensures long-term mission viability for the base

Brings brand-new aircraft straight from the assembly line

Modernizes infrastructure, including runway upgrades

Strengthens economic and military impact in East Tennessee

Arrival Timeline: Late 2030 / Early 2031

KC-135 vs. KC-46: What’s Changing?

Col. Selvidge explains the key differences:

Modern Systems & Technology

Increased fuel capacity and expanded refueling capabilities.

Dual refueling systems (boom + drogue on every sortie)

Refuelable tanker capability (tankers refueling tankers!)

Boom operators transitioning from lying in the tail of the aircraft to using 3D camera systems from the cockpit

While the KC-135 may fly into the 2050s, the 134th will fully transition to the Pegasus platform.

Beyond Tankers: Cyber Mission Growth

The base isn’t just about air refueling. The 134th also houses a growing cyber operations mission, protecting critical infrastructure and military systems from digital threats.

Plans are underway to add:

A new cyber operations squadron

Dedicated cyber protection teams

A powerful reminder that today’s defense mission extends far beyond the runway.

Interested in Serving?

The Tennessee Air National Guard offers:

Tuition assistance and state education benefits

Part-time service with civilian career flexibility

Opportunities in aviation, maintenance, cyber, and more

Learn more by searching for the 134th Air Refueling Wing online or visiting their social media pages.

https://www.134arw.ang.af.mil

https://www.facebook.com/USairforce/

https://www.twitter.com/USairforce

This episode captures a milestone moment not just for the Tennessee Air National Guard—but for the entire East Tennessee aviation community.

Stay tuned as From the Runway Up continues following the journey toward Pegasus arrival.

The post Airpower & Community: A Historic Win for Knoxville’s Air Guard appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 September 11, 2001.

Hear how airport public safety evolved over time, the leadership philosophy that guided Chief Aiken through moments of crisis and calm, and the deep sense of community that defines East Tennessee. The episode concludes with a moving tribute to Chief Aiken’s retirement, including the dedication of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building and a look ahead to the department’s future leadership.

Topics Covered

The early days of McGhee Tyson Airport and the creation of the Public Safety Department

Transitioning from police and ARFF to an integrated public safety model

Aviation security before and after 9/11

Rewriting the airport security program in the immediate aftermath of September 11

East Tennessee’s community response during national crisis

Leadership, trust, transparency, and decision-making under pressure

The importance of best practices, training, and inter-airport collaboration

Reflecting on a 46-year career and the meaning of legacy

Honoring Chief Aiken through the dedication of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building

Welcoming incoming Chief of Public Safety, Sammy Schaefer

About the Guest

Tom Aiken joined the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority in 1979 after serving in the United States Air Force as a base law enforcement specialist. Over 46 years, he held multiple leadership roles before serving three decades as Chief and Director of Public Safety. His career spans some of the most transformative moments in aviation safety, leaving a lasting legacy of professionalism, preparedness, and service.

Special Recognition

This episode includes the reading of an official resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners honoring Chief Aiken’s career and approving the dedication and naming of the W. Tom Aiken Public Safety Building at McGhee Tyson Airport.

The post A Legacy of Service: Honoring Retired Chief of Public Safety Tom Aiken appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 dozen active airship pilots in the U.S., what it takes to fly a blimp, and why these aircraft remain a staple of aviation culture. From technology upgrades to unexpected missions—including disaster relief, scientific research, and even extreme sports—this episode delivers an up-close look at a flying legend.

Topics Covered

The origins, evolution, and modern role of the Goodyear Blimp

Doc’s personal journey into airship aviation

What differentiates airship piloting from airline or general aviation careers

A behind-the-scenes look at training, crew operations, and maintenance

Surprising historical roles: research missions, military coordination, and emergency response

What it’s like to fly cross-country, navigate weather, and land a blimp

Iconic moments from the blimp’s 100-year legacy

The post Airship Aviation: History, Technology, and the Goodyear Legacy appeared first on From the Runway Up.

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 for when entering a new market, and how Knoxville fits into Southwest’s broader network strategy. From aircraft selection to connection opportunities to the Southwest customer experience, this is the insider conversation Knoxville has been waiting for.

Topics Covered

The decades-long effort to recruit Southwest Airlines to Knoxville

Adam’s personal career story: from throwing bags in Cleveland to leading network planning

How airlines evaluate new markets and why Knoxville’s timing finally aligned

The importance of UT, tourism, and regional demand in the decision

The Southwest aircraft fleet—no regional jets, only Boeing 737s

The “Southwest experience,” empowered employees, and customer-first culture

What success looks like for the airline and the community

Connect & Stay Updated

Book flights at Southwest.com

Previous Episode about bringing carriers to TYS: In The Winner’s Circle: Air Service at TYS.

The post Southwest Lands in Knoxville: Inside the Decision to Join TYS appeared first on From the Runway Up.