Museum
FACTS ABOUT THE TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF AVIATION
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation opened on December 15, 2001. The phase-one aircraft hangar, exhibits gallery, offices and storage occupies 50,000 square feet. The museum's 45,000 square foot aircraft ramp is right beside the active runway at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT). An adjacent 10,000 square foot maintenance and restoration hangar allows the museum to "Keep 'em Flying."
MISSION STATEMENT
PRESERVE – EDUCATE - HONOR
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is dedicated to the preservation of aviation history, including the aviation history of Tennessee; to the advancement of aviation education and to honoring those who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace for Tennessee, our nation or the world.
IRS STATUS
The United States Internal Revenue Service recognizes the Tennessee Museum of Aviation as an exempt public charity. IRS Code Sec 501(c)(3) subsection 509 (a)(2).
CORPORATE STATUS
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Inc. and Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc. are public benefit, non-profit Tennessee corporations.
The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame is Tennessee's Official Aviation Hall of Fame; TCA Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3. (April 2001)
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation has been designated by the General Assembly as Tennessee's Official State Repository and Archive of Aviation History. Public Chapter No. 158 (May 19, 2003)
LOCATION
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is located on the airport in Sevierville, Tennessee. The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT) is a publicly owned, public use airport funded by the federal, state and local government programs. The 5,506 ft. runway, located outside the hangar doors of the museum allows "history to come to life" as our airworthy vintage aircraft often conduct maintenance test flights and unscheduled flight demonstrations.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is independently operated. The museum does not receive support from the federal government or the State of Tennessee. The revenue generated from admissions, annual memberships, Flying Gift Gallery sales, and donations help to support the day operations of the museum. Donations are required to assist in the aircraft restorations, exhibit developments, facility improvements, and our educational programs. Your donations are tax exempt to the fullest extent allowed by law. If you would like to help the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in preserving aviation history and furthering aviation education, your support would be appreciated.
Please contact info@tnairmuseum.com for more information.
FOUNDER - PRESIDENT - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MUSEUM FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
R. Neal Melton, founder of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Inc. is a native of Greeneville, Tennessee and a former founding partner of Regal Cinemas, the world's largest theater chain, headquartered in Knoxville. Mr. Melton is a dedicated patriot and an avid student of aviation history. He owns more than a dozen historic aircraft, some of which are on loan to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.
R. Neal Melton, founder of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Inc. is a native of Greeneville, Tennessee and a former founding partner of Regal Cinemas, the world's largest theater chain, headquartered in Knoxville. Mr. Melton is a dedicated patriot and an avid student of aviation history. He owns more than a dozen historic aircraft, some of which are on loan to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.
AVIATION HALL OF FAME FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
Robert E. (Bob) Minter, a native of Kingsport, Tennessee, founded the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc. Bob has been employed at the State of Tennessee's DOT/Bureau of Aeronautics; has represented the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association; co-founded the Tennessee Aviation Association; and was the Director of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation until December 2006.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
R. Neal Melton - TMA Founder & Chairman
Robert E. (Bob) Minter - TAHF Founder & Chairman
Vic Barrett
Tom Patten
Bill Pratt
Harry "Wes" Stowers
Steve Stone
William Neal Perkins
John Shoffner
MUSEUM PROGRAMS
Daily Visitor Tours
Children's Programs
School Field Trips
Daily Visitor Tours
Children's Programs
School Field Trips
Reunions & Group Tours
MUSEUM EVENTS
Operation Warm Wings
(Charitable New Coats for Kids - Mid-November)