RunwayMcGhee Tyson Airport
Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing
Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville combines robust commercial regional traffic with vital national defense air-refueling missions. Operating at 981 ft elevation in the Tennessee River valley, TYS features two well-separated parallel runways that ensure uninterrupted civilian scheduled flights alongside military logistics. The 10,000 ft primary strip provides generous safety margins for diversions navigating Appalachian mountain weather fronts.
🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis
Elevation & Atmospheric Density
McGhee Tyson Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 981 ft (299 m MSL) in Knoxville/Maryville. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.
Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)
Primary commercial aviation gateway to East Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated 84 NM northeast of Chattanooga (CHA). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.
Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll
McGhee Tyson Airport's active flight strips comprise 05L/23R (10,000 ft), 05R/23L (9,000 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,000 ft (3,048 m), the primary runway accommodates transcontinental twin-engine widebodies and long-range narrowbody airliners at standard operational weights.
🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering
| Runway Designator | Length (ft / m) | Width (ft / m) | Surface Material | Lighting | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05L/23R | 10,000 ft (3048m) | 150 ft (46m) | Concrete (CON) | ✅ Lighted | ✅ Active |
| 05R/23L | 9,000 ft (2743m) | 150 ft (46m) | Asphalt (ASP) | ✅ Lighted | ✅ Active |