John C. Tune Airport

John C. Tune Airport is a public airport located in Nashville, Tennessee, near the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Boulevard. The airport is named after John C. Tune, a Tennessee aviation pioneer and World War I flying ace, who also served as a United States Army Air Forces pilot during World War II. The airport is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which also manages the nearby Nashville International Airport. The airport is a popular destination for general aviation and business aviation flights, with many companies, including FlightSafety International and Cessna Aircraft Company, having a presence at the airport.

● Overview

The John C. Tune Airport is a reliever airport for Nashville International Airport, handling a significant amount of general aviation traffic and providing an alternative to the busier Nashville International Airport. The airport is located near several major highways, including Interstate 40 and Interstate 65, making it easily accessible by car. The airport is also close to several major attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. Many notable aviation companies, such as Gulfstream Aerospace and Bombardier Inc., have a presence at the airport, and it is also home to several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities, including the Nashville Flight Standards District Office.

● History

The John C. Tune Airport was established in 1968, with the first flights taking place in 1969. The airport was built on a site that was previously used as a United States Army airfield during World War II, and it was named after John C. Tune, a local aviation pioneer who had served as a pilot in both World War I and World War II. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of new runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings. The airport has also been the site of several major aviation events, including the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention. The airport has been recognized for its safety and efficiency, receiving awards from organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Safety Council.

● Facilities

The John C. Tune Airport has a single runway, Runway 13/31, which is 6,900 feet long and 100 feet wide. The runway is equipped with a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) and a runway end identifier lights (REIL) system. The airport also has several taxiways and aprons, as well as a terminal building that houses several fixed-base operators (FBOs), including Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation. The airport is also home to several maintenance and repair facilities, including those operated by Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation. The airport's facilities are also used by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, for their general aviation and business aviation operations.

● Operations

The John C. Tune Airport is a busy general aviation airport, with over 100,000 aircraft operations per year. The airport is home to several flight schools, including FlightSafety International and CAE Inc., and it is also a popular destination for business aviation flights. The airport is served by several fixed-base operators (FBOs), including Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation, which provide a range of services, including fueling, maintenance, and catering. The airport is also home to several major aviation companies, including Gulfstream Aerospace and Bombardier Inc., which have maintenance and repair facilities at the airport. The airport's operations are also supported by several major aviation organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Business Aviation Association.

● Incidents

There have been several incidents at the John C. Tune Airport over the years, including a few accidents and near-misses. In 2011, a Cessna 421 crashed on takeoff from the airport, killing both people on board. In 2018, a Beechcraft Bonanza crashed on approach to the airport, injuring the pilot and passenger. The airport has also been the site of several security incidents, including a 2019 incident in which a TSA agent was injured during a screening procedure. The airport's safety record is monitored by several organizations, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

● Future Developments

The John C. Tune Airport is currently undergoing several expansion and renovation projects, including the construction of a new terminal building and the extension of the runway. The airport is also planning to add several new facilities, including a new fixed-base operator (FBO) and a new maintenance and repair facility. The airport is working with several major aviation companies, including Gulfstream Aerospace and Bombardier Inc., to develop new facilities and services at the airport. The airport's future developments are also being supported by several major aviation organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Business Aviation Association. The airport is expected to continue to play an important role in the Nashville, Tennessee area, providing a convenient and efficient alternative to the busier Nashville International Airport.

Category:Airports in Tennessee