Museum
FACTS ABOUT TENNESSEE'S MUSEUM OF AVIATION
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation was built in 2001 and opened on December 15, 2001. The entire phase-one aircraft hangar, exhibits gallery, offices and storage occupies 50,000 sq. ft. The museum's aircraft ramp area of over 45,000 sq. ft. lies right beside the active runway at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport. An adjacent maintenance and restoration hangar is 10,000 sq. ft. in size.
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 (GKT) is a publicly owned, public use airport funded by the federal, state and local government programs. The runway, located immediately on the airside front of the museum allows "history to come to life" as airworthy vintage aircraft take-off, land, and conduct impromptu fly-bys.
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 by the State of Tennessee's DOT/Bureau of Aeronautics; has represented the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association; and was the co-founder of the Tennessee Aviation Association.
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
MUSEUM PROGRAMS
Daily Visitor Tours
Children's Programs
School Field Trips
Reunions & Group Tours
MUSEUM EVENTS
Annual Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Gala & Induction Ceremony
(held in November)
Operation Warm Wings
Operation Warm Wings
(Charitable New Coats for Kids - Mid-November)