ACIA-NA 2013 Excellence in Airport Marketing and Communications Awards“The Aviation Academy”Category: Community OutreachSubmitted by: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Entry Statement

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Entry Statement

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Application Process

In order to spread the word about the Aviation Academy to government officials, community members, media representatives and our Board of Commissioners, we sent out letters informing these publics about the new program and asking them to apply or nominate someone from their organization.

Page 1 of Letter

Page 2 of Letter

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Application Process

The Aviation Academy application allowed us to ask questions that help us select a diversified class. We provided print versions of the application and an electronic, interactive version that applicants could fill out

online and email back to us.

We received more than 150 applications, and 101 were qualified and submitted for consideration.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Selection Process

Our target audience for the Aviation Academy was community leaders within the five counties surrounding our area. After the selection process, we exceeded our goal and chose participants from eight surrounding counties (shown by the picture of our dry erase board during the selection process).

Selecting this class was challenging. We chose the applicants that best met our mutually agreeable requirements. As hoped, these Academy participants are now active airport ambassadors.

The Aviation Academy would not have been the experience it was without the effort, support and

participation of our airport tenants, shown to the right.

Academy Participating Organizations

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Class Agenda

The MKAA, along with all airport tenants, strategically chose topics and tours for the class each night. We started each session with dinner and then a behind-the-scenes tour or presentation followed.

Page 1 of Class Agenda

Page 2 of Class Agenda

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Night One: Airport 101

The primary focus of Night One was to get the participants acquainted with airport staff and its facility. Presentations were made from the MKAA President, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Marketing, and an airport tour followed. During the behind-the-scenes tour, participants learned about the security checkpoint, main concourse and gates, ticket counters, baggage claim, and the facility maintenance area.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Night Two: Airport Safety & Security

Night Two was based on airport safety and security. After enjoying dinner in the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility (ARFF), the class heard presentations from the CEO of National Safe Skies Alliance, the MKAA Public Safety Department, and the local TSA Security Director. The class toured the ARFF and was able to get try on uniforms and spend time with the airport’s fire and rescue equipment.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Night Three: Military & Air Traffic Control Operations

On Night Three, participants were able to experience the Air National Guard Base, tour the 134th Air Refueling Wing, and learn about the Air Traffic Control Center.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Night Four: General Aviation & Aircraft Maintenance

On the final night, the class learned about general aviation and aircraft maintenance. They heard presentations from TAC Air and ExpressJet representatives and then toured both locations. At the end of the night, the we held an official graduation ceremony where each participant received a SWAG bag, class photograph and a certificate of completion.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Graduation

The Aviation Academy class was able to participate in the 134th Air Refueling Wing’s Orientation Flight program where they were able to fly on a KC-135 refueling mission. During this experience, each member was able to view the boom while a C-17 was refueling.

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Evaluation

Based upon the overwhelming positive feedback from Academy participants, the Aviation Academy was a success. The class survey provided us with extremely positive feedback as well as helpful advice for next year’s class.

Out of the 18 survey responses (out of class of 28), the following results were concluded:

When asked about the application process, all 18 participants said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the process.

When asked about the communication between themselves and the Academy throughout the program, all 18 participants said they were very satisfied with the communication.

When asked about the Academy’s materials, all 18 participants said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the materials provided.

When asked if they believe they know more about McGhee Tyson Airport now than they did before the Academy, all 18 participants said yes.

When asked if they would recommend the Aviation Academy to others, all 18 participants said yes.

Written feedback included:

“Awesome experience! I always am aware of the airport being in our backyard, but after the last 4 weeks, it truly made me appreciate what an asset it is to our community.”

“This class was informative and educational about aviation in general and our airport in specific. I also met and became friends with airport staff as well as public officials and business leaders. I highly recommend this class.”

“The academy was well organized from where to park your car to leaving at night. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I walked away with a better understanding of the aviation industry. Highly recommended and had fun!”

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Evaluation

Beyond filling out surveys, 12 participants sent personal notes thanking us for the opportunity and nominating someone for our next Academy.

Left: Letter from Jane Chedester, U.S. Senate Rep. Right: Letter from Nancy McEntee, College Professor

Community Outreach: The Aviation Academy – Budget

Our budget for the Aviation Academy was $10,000, and as shown, we spent approximately $4,000 less than that.

To view the complete budget, see the budget attachment in our electronic entry.