Tennessee Museum of Aviation | Knoxville

The Tennessee Museum of Aviation, located at 135 Air Museum Way, Sevierville, Tennessee, is one of the most respected aviation museums in the Southeastern United States. Situated on the grounds of the Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge Airport, this museum offers a rare combination of interactive education, living history, and military aviation preservation. Opened in 2001, it serves as a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts, veterans, families, and tourists exploring the Smoky Mountains region.

1. Founding and Purpose

The museum was conceived and developed by aviation enthusiast R. Neal Melton, a philanthropist whose passion for flight and military history helped shape the institution. Originally planned as a traditional aviation museum, it evolved to include the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, which was incorporated into the facility to honor the state’s contributions to aviation history.

The museum’s mission is to preserve aviation heritage, especially the military aviation history of Tennessee and the southeastern U.S., while also educating the public about the science, courage, and innovation that define the field of flight.

2. Structure and Layout

The facility encompasses over 50,000 square feet of space, divided into several distinct areas:

A. Main Exhibit Gallery (Air-Conditioned)

Features a wide array of aviation artifacts, including:

Vintage flight suits and pilot gear.

Aircraft engines and propeller components.

Detailed scale models of famous military and civilian aircraft.

Rare aviation memorabilia from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War.

The "Faith and Courage" exhibit, honoring military chaplains.

Interactive educational panels that trace aviation history from the Wright Brothers to the Jet Age.

The 52-foot-long “Wave Wall”, a visually striking timeline showcasing major milestones in the evolution of flight.

B. Aircraft Hangar (35,000 Sq. Ft., Heated)

Houses an active “living collection” of fully restored and airworthy military aircraft, many of which are still operational and flown during special events.

Open connection to the adjacent runway, allowing visitors to witness planes taxiing, taking off, or landing during flyovers.

Aircraft rotate in and out periodically, contributing to a dynamic and evolving visitor experience.

3. Aircraft Collection

Among the most compelling features of the museum is its collection of rare and flyable warbirds:

Signature Aircraft Highlights:

P-47 Thunderbolts (2): These World War II fighters are among the few airworthy models left in the world. They were essential in both bomber escort missions and ground attacks in the European theater.

Douglas A-1H Skyraider: A large single-engine attack aircraft used in both Korea and Vietnam, known for its durability and ability to loiter over the battlefield for hours.

MiG-17: A Soviet-built jet used during the Cold War and in combat during the Vietnam War.

North American B-25 Mitchell: A twin-engine bomber made famous by the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in WWII.

Bronco OV-10: A light attack and reconnaissance aircraft used for observation and forward air control.

A-4 Skyhawk Cockpit: Available for visitors to enter and photograph, offering a tactile, immersive feel for military aviation.

Other aircraft include T-6 Texan, Cessna O-2 Skymaster, Beechcraft T-34, Piper, Cessna, and helicopters.

Aircraft are regularly flown for maintenance and public demonstrations, enhancing the authenticity of the museum's "living history" concept.

4. Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame

Housed within the museum is the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, which honors pilots, engineers, instructors, and aviation pioneers from the state.

Features plaque displays, biographies, and awards recognizing contributions to military service, civil aviation, commercial flight, and aviation education.

Some inductees include astronauts, Air Force aces, airline founders, and test pilots.

This portion serves as both a tribute and educational archive of the state’s aviation legacy.

5. Educational & Community Role

The museum provides a variety of educational programs and visitor experiences:

Docent-guided tours, many led by veterans, offer personal insight into aircraft, warfare, and technological evolution.

School field trips are welcomed, with tailored content on aviation science, history, and engineering.

Veteran reunions and honor events are regularly hosted on-site.

The museum emphasizes STEM engagement, particularly for younger audiences, through hands-on activities and interactive displays.

6. Visitor Information

Hours of Operation:

March 1 – November 30: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

December 1 – February 28: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Closed Sundays, Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Admission Prices:

Adults: $18.00

Seniors (60+): $15.00

Children (6–12): $12.00

Children under 6: Free

Military (with ID): $13.00

Group and school rates available upon request.

Accessibility:

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Parking is free and located on-site.

Facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and seating areas throughout.

Location:

Just off U.S. Route 411, 2 miles from central Sevierville and within easy reach of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

7. Special Experiences

Flyovers & Flight Days: Occasionally, aircraft from the museum’s collection take to the skies. These spontaneous or scheduled flights create unforgettable moments as historic warbirds roar overhead.

Photos & Media Shoots: The hangar and aircraft are often used for photography, film, and historical reenactments.

Veteran Testimonies: Informal talks from veterans and retired pilots who volunteer at the museum lend firsthand perspective and emotional depth to the exhibits.

8. Future Developments

As of 2025, discussions are underway to relocate the museum to the Lebanon Municipal Airport, with plans for a new state-of-the-art facility. The move is intended to expand exhibition space, offer improved infrastructure, and better accommodate its growing aircraft collection and visitor base. However, the current Sevierville site remains fully operational until any relocation is completed.

Conclusion

The Tennessee Museum of Aviation offers more than static displays-it delivers a living narrative of flight, combining rare aircraft, veteran voices, and immersive education in one of Tennessee’s most engaging museum experiences. Whether you're a military history buff, an aviation enthusiast, a student, or simply a curious traveler, this museum provides a thoughtful and often awe-inspiring journey through the history of flight and the men and women who made it possible.