Tennessee

Airport Authority Selects Wes Blair as New Chief of Police

Kim Stevens

Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) has announced James “Wes” Blair as its next Memphis Airport police chief. With a proven track record in law enforcement, education, and leadership, Blair brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. MSCAA’s current and longtime police chief, Jerry Brandon, is retiring in the Fall of 2024.  

James “Wes” Blair

Throughout an extensive search and interview process, MSCAA’s top priority was to identify a candidate with a proven track record of effective leadership, a commitment to public safety and collaboration, and an understanding of the unique airport environment. 

“Wes Blair comes to Memphis International Airport with nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement. His education, tenure of service, and commitment to public safety speaks for itself. I am confident that he will be a great asset to us and serve in a vital role as we continue to prioritize safety,’ said MSCAA President and CEO Terry Blue. “We are also very grateful to Chief Jerry Brandon, who has served the Airport Authority, and his country prior to that, with honor and distinction.”

Blair’s longtime law enforcement career spans over 30 years and began in California as a United States border patrol agent. His most recent tenure was at the Cape Girardeau Police Department in Missouri, where he has served as the Chief of Police since 2013. He will begin his new role on August 12.

As Memphis airport’s Chief of Police, Blair will lead the fully accredited, independent law enforcement agency to ensure the safety and security of passengers, tenants, and members of the public. Airport property spans 3,900 acres and includes not just the Memphis International Airport terminal, but dozens of tenant facilities, businesses, roads, runways, and more. Blair will report to Nathan Luce, Director of Airside Operations & Public Safety. 

“As the new police chief at Memphis International Airport, I am excited to join a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of travelers and staff. I look forward to leveraging my experience and expertise to uphold the highest standard of law enforcement, collaborating with airport stakeholders to implement innovative strategies, and fostering a culture of professionalism within the organization. Together, we will continue to safeguard the airport community and uphold public trust in our services.”

Blair holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Mountain State University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a doctorate degree in criminal justice leadership from Liberty University. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Alumni Association and served as the president of the Missouri Federation of Chiefs of Police.

Austin Peay to Buy Airport Hangar, Fueling Future Growth of Aviation Science Program

Kim Stevens

Austin Peay State University is collaborating with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport to purchase a hangar for the University’s growing aviation science program. The airport authority board recently approved the sale of the over 13,700-square-foot facility, Hangar 5, to Austin Peay for $780,000.

The purchase will provide much-needed space for the aviation science program that launched in 2019 and has rapidly expanded. The program currently leases about two-thirds of the hangar.

“Acquiring this hangar is a key step in the continued growth and success of our aviation science program,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “As the state’s only bachelor’s degree program in aviation science with a focus on helicopters, we’re committed to providing our students with the best possible facilities and learning experiences. This hangar will help us do that.”

The hangar includes 10,000 square feet of aircraft storage space and about 3,700 square feet of state-of-the-art classroom and office space, including flight simulation stations.

Since its inception, the aviation science program has grown to 53 students and a fleet of six helicopters – two leased Robinson R44s and four owned Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters.

Dr. Karen Meisch, dean of the College of STEM, said the additional space is critical to supporting the program’s expansion.

“Owning the hangar will allow us to have full control over the facility and to make improvements that will enhance the learning environment for our students,” she said. “It also provides room for our fleet to expand as the program continues to attract more students.”

In December 2022, the program achieved a milestone when it graduated its first seven students, each earning a Bachelor of Science in aviation science with a concentration in rotor-wing flight. All seven also earned their private pilot helicopter certificates. Graduates have gone on to careers in flight instruction, aerial tourism and agricultural support.

Program Director and Chief Pilot Charles Weigandt said the hangar purchase comes at an ideal time, with eight more students expected to graduate in 2024.

“We’re seeing strong demand for our program and expect interest to keep growing,” he said. “Having a dedicated facility with ample space for our aircraft and students will help us meet that demand and provide an outstanding educational experience.”

The aviation science program is designed to take students with no aviation experience to graduation. Weigandt said students receive a well-rounded education along with the opportunity to earn Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot and flight instructor certifications. The combination makes Austin Peay graduates highly competitive in the job market, especially with the current high demand for helicopter pilots.

Licari lauded the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport’s strong partnership with Austin Peay. The airport authority’s support has been invaluable, from providing hangar space to accommodating the university’s growing helicopter fleet, benefiting the university’s growing number of aviation science students.

“We’re excited about the future of our aviation science program,” Licari said. “This hangar purchase is a significant investment in our students, our university and the Clarksville community.”

The hangar’s acquisition and subsequent land lease are subject to state agency, Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees, and Clarksville-Montgomery County Airport approval. University officials anticipate all processes will conclude smoothly.

New Guimbal Added to APSU’s Helicopter Fleet

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Austin Peay State University’s new Guimbal G2 Cabri is equipped with technology similar to standard commercial aircraft and will offer valuable experience to students in the Aviation Science Program. | Photo by Colby Wilson

Austin Peay State University’s Aviation Science Program, housed within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), has added a fourth Guimbal aircraft to its fleet at Hangar 5 at Clarksville Municipal Airport.



Jerry Gray, the maintenance manager for Austin Peay’s Aviation Science Program, works on the university’s new Guimbal G2 Cabri. | Photo by Colby Wilson

The Guimbal G2 Cabri has a state-of-the-art touchscreen Garmin G500H, GTN 650TXi and Mid-Continent instrumentation. It also includes an upgraded GTX 345 transponder to identify other aircraft in close proximity and send the aircraft’s position to others with similar abilities, allowing for an increased level of safety and situational awareness. These upgrades will help Austin Peay’s aviation students familiarize themselves with digital information systems similar to those of many helicopters in the industry.

“It’s a fantastic aircraft, a 21st-century aircraft,” said Charles Weigandt, the Aviation Sciences Program’s director and chief pilot. “Because it’s more state-of-the-art, the leap from this training aircraft to more conventional, commercial aircraft is smaller because it’s more up-to-date.”

By Weigandt’s estimate, owning the Guimbals will reduce Austin Peay’s operating costs by at least 45% as opposed to leasing the French-made aircraft.

The four wholly-owned Guimbal helicopters are joined in the Austin Peay fleet by two leased Robinson R44s at Hangar 5, which has more than 10,000 feet of aircraft storage space. The program has grown exponentially since it launched in 2019 – there are now 53 students in the program, including eight expected to graduate in 2024 and a large influx of incoming freshmen scheduled to hit campus this fall.

Tennessee 2023 Airport Manager of the Year Awarded

Kim Stevens

The 2023 Tennessee Airport Manager of the Year award was recently presented to Paul Turner, manager of the Maury County Regional Airport.

This award recognizes the Airport Manager that contributed the most to the development, safety, customer service, airport promotion and/or airport operations for the previous calendar year in the state of Tennessee.

Paul Turner

“Paul Turner’s passion for aviation and dedication to providing outstanding customer service make him an exemplary individual among our state’s airport professionals,” noted John Saalwaechter, Aeronautics Director. “The TDOT Aeronautics Division and Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC) are proud to give Paul the honor and recognition that he deserves.”

Turner has been at Maury County Regional (KMRC) for 15 years and has served as Airport Manager for the past 14 years. Under his leadership, KMRC has become the preferred destination for cargo operations in support of the automotive industries operating south of Nashville. Executives of these companies and world-famous performers alike routinely utilize KMRC for its focus on privacy, safety and security.

Turner has always been a major proponent of community involvement. He hosts classroom visits, annual youth aviation events, and joint community events at the airport. Most recently, he led KMRC through the rehabilitation of runway 06/24.  Working as part of team with the TDOT Aeronautics Division, airport consultants, and contractors, the runway was reopened on time and on budget.  Within the first months of re-opening, the airport’s fuel sales exceeded previous record highs. Paul’s passion for the airport and his commitment to outstanding service have made KMRC an invaluable asset for the flying public.

The annual Tennessee Airport Awards began in 1983. The TAC and TDOT Aeronautics Division present these awards to commend recipients for their hard work, diligence, and devoted efforts in improving airports, airport safety, and aviation in Tennessee. The awards, in a small way, reflect the respect that the TAC and TDOT Aeronautics have for the many airports and airport managers within the state that have dedicated themselves to excellence in aviation and aviation safety.

Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority Announces New Director Appointments

Kim Stevens

As part of its ongoing leadership transition, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) has announced three new director appointments: Nathan Luce, Kenneth Parrish and Lori Morris.

Nathan Luce

Nathan Luce has been appointed Director of Airside Operations and Public Safety. In his new role, Luce is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning for airside operations at Memphis International Airport (MEM) including airfield management, communications/ dispatch, emergency planning, aircraft rescue firefighting, public safety, and airport security. He has been with MSCAA for nearly 15 years, most recently serving as Director of Procurement. Prior to joining the MSCAA, Luce worked for 5 ½ years for the engineering firm Fisher & Arnold, Inc. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Luce received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Christian Brothers University and a Master of Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Kenneth Parrish

Kenneth Parrish has been promoted to Director of Procurement. Parrish is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Procurement department, which is responsible for MSCAA’s purchasing, bidding, and contract services. In addition, the department coordinates the vendor registration process. Parrish joined MSCAA in 2017 as the Manager of Procurement. Prior to his career with the Airport Authority, Parrish accumulated more than 28 years of procurement experience for companies such as Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories, Vitro America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dial Corporation and Tupperware. He is an Airport Certified Employee (ACE) of AAAE. Parrish received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Lori Morris

Lori Morris has been promoted to the position of Director of Terminal Operations. She is responsible for leading MSCAA’s new Terminal Operations department, which includes the ticketing, baggage, ground transportation and parking areas. The area is also responsible for customer service initiatives related to construction and other projects. Morris joined MSCAA in 2011 as the Manager of Environmental Services. She has more than 20 years of experience in environmental engineering and previously worked for both AutoZone Inc and EnSafe Inc. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and both a Certified Member (C.M.) and an Airport Certified Employee (ACE) of AAAE. Morris is also the chairperson for MSCAA’s Community Foundation. She received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Christian Brothers University.

“Nathan, Kenneth and Lori are valuable members of the MSCAA team, and each has made numerous positive contributions during their careers here,” said Terry Blue, MSCAA President and CEO. “Our continued leadership transition is focused on delivering a positive travel experience for our passengers, and these appointments are vital to that effort.”

Memphis International Airport to Receive More Than $16 Million in Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Funding

Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $16,135,955 to Memphis International Airport (MEM) as part of its Fiscal Year 2024 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The latest round of grants was announced by the FAA on January 30 and included $243.7 million in grants to airports in 37 states. The funds can be used to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety, and create jobs.

For MEM, the grant will help fund a portion of projects associated with the Terminal Modernization program, which involves reconstruction of the outer drive outside the terminal, modernizing and increasing the size of the ticketing and baggage areas, expanding the security checkpoint, implementing technological improvements to baggage and security, and seismic enhancements.

MSCAA’s two general aviation airports, General Dewitt Spain Airport and Charles W. Baker Airport will also receive $294,000 each for infrastructure improvements, including the upcoming construction of a new terminal at Charles W. Baker Airport.

“This funding is vital to MEM’s upcoming terminal modernization project,” said Terry Blue, MSCAA President and CEO. “It will also benefit our general aviation operations by helping to fund the construction of a new terminal at Charles W. Baker Airport and additional infrastructure projects at General Dewitt Spain Airport. We appreciate the continued airport infrastructure investments made by the FAA.”

Memphis International Airport Announces World Class Tour Dates for 2024

Kim Stevens

Memphis International Airport (MEM) has announced its Jon K. Thompson World Class Tour dates for 2024. The first tour of the year will take place on March 28.

Named after Jon K. Thompson, one of the Airport Authority’s longest-serving board members, these tours are designed to give attendees a better look at the airport’s operations and a better understanding about the important role MEM plays in the Mid-South economy.

The tours will take place from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on the following dates:

  • Thursday, March 28, 2024
  • Thursday, April 25, 2024
  • Thursday, May 23, 2024
  • Thursday, June 27, 2024
  • Thursday, July 25, 2024
  • Thursday, August 22, 2024
  • Thursday, September 26, 2024
  • Thursday, October 24, 2024

The tour begins with a continental breakfast and presentations on the airport’s history, current activities, finances, projects, air service development efforts, and FedEx operations. The presentations are followed by a comprehensive bus tour around the airfield, including the FedEx World Hub and the Tennessee Air National Guard base. At the conclusion of the bus tour, attendees will also have the option of a walking tour of MEM’s concourse.

“The World Class Tour provides our community with a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about MEM’s operations,” said Terry Blue, President and CEO of Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “Attendees can learn about the latest projects as well in-depth information about FedEx operations and Tennessee National Guard activities.”

Register online at www.flymemphis.com/jon-k-thompson-world-class-tour. For more information, email wct@flymemphis.com or call 901-922-8079. To register for tour click here.

Murfreesboro Airport receives 2022 FAA General Aviation Airport Safety Award

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Mayor Shane McFarland addresses gathering at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, Dec. 14, 2023 (Photo: Jim Davis)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division presented Murfreesboro Municipal Airport with the 2022 Federal Aviation Administration Southern Region General Aviation Airport Safety Award, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, during a special award ceremony at the airport attended by the City Council, City administrators and Airport staff.

John Saalwaechter, left, Director of Tennessee Aeronautics Division and Bob Hill, FAA FSDO Safety Team Manager, Dec. 14, 2023.
(Photo: Jim Davis)

The FAA formally recognized the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Oct. 17, 2023, during the FAA Southern Region meeting in Atlanta where John Saalwaechter, Tennessee Department of Transportation Director of Aeronautics, received the award on behalf of the Airport.

“This award is a great example of how the airport team and the City Council put safety first,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “Although there are various challenges, our team continues to be dedicated to providing the safest environment for our aviation customers and our residents in the City.”

“We are proud of this recognition from the FAA Southern Region,” said Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Director Chad Gehrke. “Many people should be commended for the arduous work in addressing safety and capacity concerns at the airport over the past few years. That includes the Airport Commission, City staff, elected officials, Middle Tennessee State University Aerospace staff and students, and expertise from consultants.”

The FAA Southern Region Airport Safety Awards program recognizes general aviation airports that have taken actions, instituted programs, or otherwise operated in such a manner deserving of special recognition for improving airport safety.

L/R Steve Waldron, Chairman, Murfreesboro Airport Commission, Chad Gehrke, Director, Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, holding 2022 FAA Southern Region General Aviation Airport Safety Award, Dec. 14, 2023.
(Photo: Jim Davis)

Gehrke specifically credited the support and advice of key partners and consultants for the improved safety, among them Les Goldsmith and Virtower. “The expertise and capabilities that Les and Virtower brought to our airport operations was a game changer,” added Gehrke.

Gehrke also recognized consultant Dave Byers for his expertise and knowledge of FAA regulations, data collection, and creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to enhancing safety operations.

MTSU and Murfreesboro Aviation cooperated with the study and adoption of the Standard Operating Procedures. MTSU Aerospace created an Aviation Safety Director position and hired additional faculty and staff in the interest of flight training safety.

“Adopting the SOPs is the key factor in improving Airport safety while reducing complaints from neighbors and pilots, but it took the initiative of the City leaders and Airport Commissioners to recognize the concerns and address the issues,” said Gehrke. “Recognition from the FAA confirms that we are moving in the right direction enhancing safety for aviators and non-aviators.”

Murfreesboro Municipal Airport accomplished the following which significantly enhanced airport safety:

  • Installed operations data collecting equipment (Virtower) (First in the state of TN)
  • Conducted Airport Safety and Capacity Study
  • Consulted with Nashville Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Nashville Air Traffic Control (ATC), and Memphis Airport District Office (ADO)
  • Conducted multiple stakeholder and operator meetings to discuss alternatives
  • Collaboratively created set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

“The members of the Airport Commission, but especially the airport staff, took a very proactive role in utilizing some new technology via Virtower,” said Airport Commission Chairman Steve Waldron. “This provided airport staff new data to effectively update the standard operating procedures along with other changes that applied to all airport users. This in turn created a more efficient and safer airport environment. Everyone involved with the airport is honored to be chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region for this award.”

Murfreesboro joins recent Safety Award winners, including Naples Airport Authority, Naples Florida (2021), Lakeland Linder International Airport, Lakeland, Florida (2020), Rocky Mount, Wilson Regional Airport, Elm City, North Carolina (2019) and Flagler Executive Airport, Palm Coast, Florida (2018).

In September, the Murfreesboro City Council gave approval for the Municipal Airport to submit application to participate in the FAA Federal Contract Tower Program. If approved by the FAA, an air traffic control tower could be operational in three to five years.

The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport recently underwent required maintenance of the Runway, Taxiway and Apron for safety enhancements as part of FAA requirements. During the process, CityTV produced a video, including aerial drone footage of the work https://youtu.be/jQqCEz4Hh3I?si=8D24dfAxsrexZ_wJ

The Airport’s 16,000-square-foot terminal includes a large main lobby with raised and ground level observation areas, lounge seating, a large leasable Business Center, smaller conference room space, pilot lounge, and office space. The new Hangar 1 enhanced the Airport’s infrastructure with a modern, versatile hangar facility, allowing the expansion of Mike Jones Aircraft Sales, and creation of highly skilled jobs.

Cirrus Aircraft Adds Second FAA-Certified Vision Jet Simulator for World-Class Flight Training

Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft announced the addition of a second FAA-certified Level D full-flight Vision Jet simulator to serve the company’s expansion plans and provide access to world-class flight training, including initial type-ratings and recurrent training for new and pre-owned aircraft owners at the Cirrus Aircraft Vision Center in Knoxville, Tenn. The latest Vision Jet simulator, built by CAE, is now fully operational. 

Vision Jet Sim Interior

As the world’s first single-engine personal jet, the Vision Jet has continued as the best-selling jet for the last five years. Owners enjoy the Vision Jet’s luxurious and spacious interior design, advanced safety systems such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, reduced workload flight deck, convenience and entertainment features and impressive regional flight capability. Today, there are over 500 Vision Jets in the market and over 1,055 people are type-rated.

“Cirrus Aircraft is dedicated to providing world-class flight training and we are continually investing in the Vision Center campus to expand our capacity and offer ultramodern training resources,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience of Cirrus Aircraft. 

The global leader in personal aviation now leverages two FAA-certified Level D full-flight simulators, two FAA-qualified Level 6 fixed-based training devices and multiple avionics trainers for Vision Jet training and demonstrating aircraft systems such as CAPS.

First established as a Factory Service Center in 2016, the Vision Center campus has grown to include an Experience Center, Delivery Center, Flight Training Center, additional Factory Service Center and a Flight Center/Hangar Complex. The state-of-the-art Vision Center also offers training for its best-selling, high-performance, single-piston SR Series aircraft. The SR Series accounts for 32% of single-engine piston aircraft deliveries worldwide and over 77% of the high-performance single-engine piston market deliveries. 

Through the company’s award-winning flight training program called Cirrus Approach™, all Vision Jet and SR Series training is accompanied by a dedicated Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), individual training aircraft and a diverse catalog of instructional video courses.

The Vision Center is complemented by three Cirrus Flight Training locations in Scottsdale, Arizona; McKinney, Texas and Orlando, Florida and over 100 Cirrus Training Center partners worldwide. The Vision Center in Knoxville is the only location that offers Vision Jet type ratings.

Learn more about Cirrus Aircraft Flight Training at cirrusaircraft.com/training.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Begins Planned Leadership Transition

Kim Stevens
Terry Blue

As part of a carefully planned process, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) has announced that Terry Blue has transitioned into the role of President. Blue was selected to replace the retiring Scott Brockman as President and CEO by the MSCAA Board of Commissioners at their monthly meeting in April. Blue, who previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, joined MSCAA in 2015 and has more than 25 years of aviation experience.

Scott Brockman

While Brockman’s retirement will be effective on December 31, 2023, he will now serve as CEO in a strategic planning capacity until that date. “The President / CEO succession plan has been in the works for well over a year. Chairman Keeney and I have agreed that the organization is stable and strong and that it is now time that I relinquish my authority as President and as CEO, become a resource to the executive management team,” said Brockman.  “I am extremely proud of how this process has gone and even more proud of the strength of the team that will carry on our mission.”

“The Airport Authority is one of the largest economic engines in the entire region,” said Michael Keeney, Chairman of the MSCAA Board of Commissioners. “Thus, this transition is something that has been planned for months in an effort to keep the airport’s operations as seamless as possible as we close out 2023.”