From The Runway Up: An Airport and Aviation Podcast

One hundred episodes, countless aviation stories, a few unexpected screams, and at least one very memorable snake encounter! In this special milestone episode of From the Runway Up, hosts Becky and Caitlin celebrate a decade-plus of sharing the fascinating stories behind airport operations. The duo looks back at how the podcast began in 2015 as a way to help the community prepare for an air show, becoming what they believe was the first airport-hosted podcast in the country. Since then, they've

Drones are changing the way industries work—and airports are no exception. In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin talk with Katie Ryan, an airside operations specialist at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, about the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aircraft. Katie explains what drones are being used for today, from inspections and construction monitoring to public safety and emergency response. She also breaks down why drones and airports can be a dangerous combi

In this episode of From the Runway Up, Becky and Caitlin sit down with Matt Bergwall, Executive Director of the Vision Jet product line at Cirrus Aircraft, to explore why Cirrus has become one of the biggest innovators in personal aviation. The conversation highlights the company's focus on safety, technology, pilot training, and why Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport serves as the headquarters for Cirrus' customer delivery, training, and service operations. Listeners will learn what makes the Ci

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 never served McGhee Tyson Airport, its shutdown is sending ripples across the aviation industry. Bill a

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 gene