Aviation View Magazine | Volume 1, Issue 4

39 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 MCKELLAR-S I PES REGIONAL A I RPORT is one of the largest regional airports in the state. While 2020 was a tough year for most aviation businesses, MKL has seen a major bounce back in growth. “The last six to eight months have been the best for business at the airport since I’ve worked here,” says Steve Smith, Executive Director at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, who has held the position since 2009. This growth in demand, or uptick, has a lot to do with COVID-19 and other airports having to close. This meant that MLK with its Cirrus Service Center and Tennessee Aircraft Services could take advantage. The next closest Cirrus Service Center was forced to close due to the pandemic. McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport also offers a full mechanic shop service for the public on the field, where they’re able to work on smaller aircraft systems including, Cessnas, Pipers, King Air, and occasional jet aircraft. Another reason that more business has come into the airport is the fact that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is based in, and operates a helicopter from, the airport. MKL is a Flying Training Organization (FTO) with a Fixed-Based Operator (FBO). This means there’s a flight school at the airport, as well as old school aircraft, rentals, and flight training. By including all these services and improving the airport, the management at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport can be sure to attract new clientele. “There are a lot of airports within throwing distance of Jackson,” says Smith. “So, we have to work harder, be an airport that folks want to come to.” As a full-service airport that is ARFF indexed, as well as being Part 139 Certificated, this means that MKL can accommodate larger aircraft which fly into the metro area due to the number of major manufacturers in the area. These include Toyota, Kellogg’s, Pinnacle Foods, ConAgra, to mention a few. Having such large companies on the airport’s doorstep means that fuel sales increase. During the initial peak of COVID-19 there were