Aviation Takes Off in Blount County, TN, as Partnerships Fuel Industry Expansion
Blount County is transforming into an aviation hub with industry leaders, such as Cirrus Aircraft, Standard Aero, Endeavor Air, PSA Airlines and the 134th Air Refueling Wing, leading the way in the region. In fact, regional forecasts estimate a demand for some 750 aviation maintenance technicians over the next decade. Fortunately, local businesses and higher education institutions are partnering to create innovative workforce development programs that will ensure the industry continues growing in the right direction.
Flight Paths to Success
Pellissippi State Community College, for example, recently launched a new Aviation Maintenance Technology program to address the critical workforce needs in the region’s expanding aviation industry. The college worked with the Blount Partnership – the county’s economic development arm – to develop the program.
“One of our key industries of focus is aerospace, as it has a significant economic impact and plays a crucial role in ensuring we have a thriving economy in our county and region. The aviation market is expected to continue to grow, with air travel increasing over time,” says Jessica Belitz, director of workforce development for Blount Partnership.
Blount Partnership’s Aviation Collaborative discusses the workforce needs, opportunities and challenges in the aviation industry. The committee and its employer members expressed several areas of workforce needs in the industry, with aviation maintenance being the top priority, Belitz says.
“We are thankful for our partnership with Pellissippi State and their willingness to develop this program,” she says.
Cleared for Collaboration
Rachel Wedding McClelland, executive director of marketing and communications at Pellissippi State Community College, says the Partnership’s Aviation Collaborative has been instrumental in getting the program launched. Industry partners Cirrus Aircraft, Standard Aero and Endeavor Air have also contributed to curriculum development, ensuring students are trained on the latest technology.
“They also are supporting the program by providing state-of-the-art equipment and valuable resources that are helping us meet the equipment needs necessary to receive FAA certification,” Wedding McClelland says.
Standard Aero recently donated a Pratt and Whitney APS2300 APU and an AE3007 turbine engine and various tools to the program. Cirrus Aircraft and Continental Aerospace Technologies donated a TSIO-550 K piston aircraft engine and a cabin fuselage skin for composite training.
Wedding McClelland says that over the next five years, Pellissippi State plans to strategically expand and evolve its aviation programs.
“To meet the needs of a diverse and evolving industry, Pellissippi State is exploring the addition of specialized certifications and advanced training tracks in areas such as avionics, composites, simulation systems and unmanned aerial systems. These additions will provide students with deeper skill sets and position them for a broader range of career opportunities,” she says.
Runway to the Future
While companies and educational institutions are driving growth on the ground, McGhee Tyson Airport is transforming the region’s skies. As the region’s primary airport, McGhee Tyson has experienced substantial passenger growth in recent years. The airport now offers 32 nonstop destinations and averages 130 daily flights. In response, the airport launched an ambitious Flight Plan expansion and renovation program.
“East Tennessee is a thriving business and leisure destination that attracts visitors from across the world,” says Patrick Wilson, president of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. “As our community grows, so does the need to provide safe, affordable and accessible air travel into and out of our community. The airlines that serve our market see the value of investing in TYS, and we appreciate the service they provide and the community’s support.”
The Flight Plan includes upgrades to terminal facilities, parking and infrastructure, designed to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and enhance the overall travel experience. These improvements are not only critical for supporting tourism and business travel but also for attracting new airlines and routes. The airport’s expansion is also creating jobs in construction, engineering and airport operations, adding to the economic ripple effect of the aviation industry’s stellar growth.
East Tennessee has logistical strength as it is located in the heart of the Southeastern U.S. and close to major highways and transportation corridors. It is also positioned to support aviation industry growth, due to a very strong manufacturing and engineering base in the region, Belitz says.
“The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Pellissippi State and other aviation workforce efforts uniquely position us for this boom,” Belitz says. “The shortage of skilled aviation workers has definitely emerged as a challenge for this industry, but our region is tackling that head-on by making sure those pipelines are in place.”
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