NASHVILLE - The Great Tennessee Air Show, set for May 12 & 13 in Smyrna, is a wonderful opportunity to see some amazing aircraft. Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, says it’s also a good opportunity to teach children about safe summer fun.

“For several hours each day, thousands of children and adults will be staring into the sky, watching aerobatics and fly-bys,” said Dreyzehner, a former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon. “Parents can be role models by using sunscreen with high sun protection factors, or SPFs, and by wearing broad-brim hats and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection.”

“Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and much of it can be prevented,” Dreyzehner said. “Many people mistakenly think skin cancers that develop from sun exposure can be surgically removed and that’s the end of the problem. It’s not always so. Skin cancers can migrate to other parts of the body and can be fatal.”

Some medications, doxycycline used for certain infections and acne for example, can make skin much more sensitive to the sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medication you or your children are taking could increase your risk for a severe sunburn.

Other sun protection advice from the Tennessee Department of Health:

• Wear light-colored clothing, which does not absorb heat as rapidly as dark-colored clothes.
• Drink lots of fluids, and drink before you feel very thirsty. Water is best.
• Light athletic shoes are a good choice. Sandals can expose the tops of the feet to damaging rays, so use sunscreen on your feet if you wear them.
• Avoid eating heavy, high-calorie food that generates body heat.
• Wear ear plugs when you attend noisy events like air shows.

“We know children mimic adult behavior – good and bad – so learning about safe summer practices as early as possible is very important,” said Michael Warren, MD, MPH, FAAP, a pediatrician and director of Family Health and Wellness for TDH. “Events such as the Great Tennessee Air Show offer an excellent way to teach in a fun atmosphere and foster life-long good health.”

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. For more information about TDH services and programs, visit http://health.state.tn.us/.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A public hearing on a proposed plan for future improvements at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport will be held before Murfreesboro Planning Commission Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in City Hall council chambers, 111 W. Vine St.

If planning commissioners give it the nod, the proposed Airport Layout Plan will be forwarded to Murfreesboro City Council to consider for adoption.

Development of this Airport Layout Plan began in 2008, according to Airport Manager Chad Gehrke. Throughout the process, the proposed plan has been reviewed and coordinated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation-Division of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Currently, Gehrke said, the FAA considers the airport a B-II sized airport that serves small single engine aircraft to light twin-engine piston, turbine and jet aircraft.

A study performed during a recent update to the Airport Layout Plan determined that there are some aircraft in the current fleet mix that justify a longer runway, Gehrke added. The proposed plan shows the airport will continue to be a B-II category airport. The runway extension will enable larger, light twin engine, B-II category, aircraft currently using the facility to have a safer and more efficient use of the airport.

A recent MTSU economic impact study concluded the local Murfreesboro Municipal Airport has a positive annual economic impact of over $70 million, the manager said. Murfreesboro’s airport is one of the very few in the state that is self-supporting, meaning no local tax dollars are used in its annual budget for operations or capital improvements.

An Environmental Assessment was conducted on the proposed runway extension last year. The assessment process included a public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed plan to extend its runway north toward DeJarnette Lane.

Comments received at the Public Hearing were transcribed verbatim and included as a part of the Environmental Assessment document, which was sent to the FAA for its review, he said. Held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the rotunda in City Hall Nov. 15, 2011, officials from the City of Murfreesboro, along with engineers and planners from Hanson Professional Services, Inc., Atkins, and Griggs & Maloney, Inc. were available to help explain the project and to answer questions.

The environmental assessment:

• identified the need for the project.
• explored eight reasonable alternatives for addressing the need, including the identification of the preferred alternative to extend the runway 1,102 feet to the north.
• explored whether the proposed improvements would produce adverse environmental impacts.
• identified measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse environmental impacts found.
• identified and satisfied federal laws, regulations, executive orders, and state and local laws applicable to the proposed improvements.
• provided the basis for the FAA Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Along with the extension of the runway to a total length of 5,000 feet, Gehrke said, the improvements outlined in the proposed Airport Layout Plan, if adopted, will include:

• construction grading, drainage and filling in pavement side slopes
• construction of a 35-feet-wide parallel taxiway to serve the new runway extension
• installation of new medium intensity runway and taxiway lights to serve the extended pavement.
• development of new non-precision standard instrument approach procedures, installation of upgraded navigational aids (NAVAIDS), such as precision approach path indicator (PAPI)and runway end identifier lights (REILs), and installation of additional guidance signs as appropriate to meet FAA standards.
• acquisition of an avigation easement of less than three-fourths of an acre on the north side of Dejarnette Lane to control land use.
• Terminal Building, Terminal area ramp, and fuel farm improvements.
• a development plan for additional MTSU Aerospace Department facilities and other hangars and ramp areas on the north end of the airport.

A Special Joint Meeting of the Murfreesboro City Council, Planning Commission and Airport Commission will beheld at 5:30 pm on Thursday, December, 16th, 2010, at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, MTSU Donald McDonald Aerospace Maintenance Laboratory, to review and discuss draft Airport Layout Plan Update drawings prior to their submittal for FAA and TDOT review.

The purposes of the long term Airport Layout Plan Update prepared by PBS&J and Hanson Professional Services , Inc., is to address:  the runway length; current runway conditions; the Runway Protection Zones (specifically for Runway 36); plan for continued development of the MTSU Aerospace Airport campus; and, plan an improved Terminal/Administration Building and ramp area.

Murfreesboro City Council will then convene in regular session at its regular time, 7 p.m., but the meeting will be held in the airport’s MTSU Donald McDonald Aerospace Maintenance Laboratory, 1930 Memorial Blvd., and not in Council Chambers in City Hall.

NASHVILLE, TN ─ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently activated new security screening equipment at the Nashville International Airport (BNA). TSA launched new Advanced Imaging Technology screening machines, which are millimeter wave machines that do not involve X-rays. Passengers may decline to be screened by these new machines. However, those opting out will be subject to a pat down.

The TSA’s new Advanced Imaging Technology is intended to enhance safety and security at BNA without negatively impacting BNA’s streamlined security checkpoint process. BNA has more capacity than current demand, so the security screening process should remain smooth and efficient.

Millimeter wave imaging technology bounces harmless electromagnetic waves off of the human body to create a black and white image resembling a fuzzy photo negative.

Tips for going through the new imaging technology:

• Remove all items from pockets and outer layers of clothing. Passengers are urged to remove all accessories and bulk (belt, jewelry), outer clothing and items in pockets (wallet, cell phone, keys and money).
• Watch your valuables. Keep an eye on personal possessions as they pass through the luggage screening area.
• Know your options. If you choose not to go through the new imaging technology screening process, or if you require further screening, you can request a private room for the pat down.

Enhanced Pat Downs

 

TSA is implementing a more thorough pat down process at BNA. Pat downs are used on passengers who opt out of the new Advanced Imaging Technology (millimeter wave) screening machines, as well as those who set off walk-through metal detectors. Passengers may request private screening rooms. For questions or more information, visit www.tsa.gov.

NASHVILLE, TN - As the holiday season approaches, Nashville International Airport (BNA) wants to ensure that travelers, as well as guests picking them up and dropping them off at BNA, prepare for an expected increase in holiday air travel from mid-November until after the first of the new year.

The following tips can help passengers and guests enjoy the Nashville Airports Experience – being great airports for passengers and partners – by staying on time and taking advantage of airport amenities, both pre- and post-security:

What’s New?

• Take note of new screening technology. TSA launched new Advanced Imaging Technology screening machines, which are millimeter wave machines that do not involve X-ray. Note that being screened using these new screening machines is optional; however, passengers opting out will be subject to a pat down. The TSA recommends removing all items from pockets in addition to accessories such as: wallet, belt, bulky jewelry, money, keys and cell phone. This new screening process may impact the time it takes to go through the security line, so please allow extra time.
• Remove personal identification tags and ribbons from checked luggage. This year, BNA added a new in-line explosive detection system (EDS) to improve the safety and security of the screening process for checked baggage. Passengers are asked to remove old tags and barcodes, as well as tuck in or remove straps and hooks from their luggage.
• Weapons need to be declared at the airline ticket counter and can only be packed in checked baggage.
• Pets and carriers must be screened, and passengers should report to their airline ticket counter for further instruction.
• Phase II interior renovations are still in process, and include updates to areas throughout the airport, including restrooms, holding areas/gates, walls, carpet and more.
• The Consolidated Rental Car Facility is underway adjacent to the Short Term parking garage and Long Term A parking. Please watch for temporary construction signage and workers, especially in Long Term A, while traveling around the airport roadways and walkways.
• Coming Soon: Complimentary Wi-Fi access: Soon travelers and guests will be able to enjoy 20 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi on the Boingo® network within the food courts, meeter/greeter waiting areas and select restaurants. In addition, members of BNA’s popular Frequent Parker Program and valet parking customers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi through the Access Passes Program which will provide 15 minutes complimentary access anywhere in the terminal.

o Travelers who need more Wi-Fi access time can still purchase Internet access through BOINGO at a cost of $7.95 per day or $9.95 for an unlimited monthly subscription, which can be used at more than 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in North America.

• Coming Soon: Complimentary charging stations: BNA is adding 14 complimentary charging stations for electronic devices courtesy of Boingo, with two of those stations expected to be online by the end of the year.

Allow Extra Time

All travelers are urged to arrive inside the terminal at least two hours before their flight due to the anticipated heavy volume of passenger traffic during the holidays and new security screening equipment. This will allow enough time for check-in, security screening and gate arrival. Travelers with children should consider allowing additional time. Call your airline in advance to obtain the status of your flight and its recommended check-in time. You may also log on to www.flynashville.com to check arrival and departure times.

Driving and Parking

Be aware of changes to airport access and parking while construction is in progress on BNA’s new rental car facility. Download a map of BNA roadways and parking lots.

• The names of two parking lots have changed. The Long Term lot, adjacent to the Short Term garage, is now Long Term A. The former seasonal Overflow lot, east of Donelson Pike, is now permanently open as Long Term B.
• Access to Long Term A and the Short-term garage will be maintained; however, detours within the Long Term A lot may exist, so please watch for construction signage.

Take the correct exit from I-40 – Tips for arriving at BNA:

• From downtown and west of BNA: For easy access to the terminal, valet parking, the Short Term garage and the Long Term A lot, visitors should use I-40 Exit 216A. For all other parking, including Economy and Long Term B lots and the cell phone/waiting area, use the I-40 Donelson Pike Exit 216B.
• From east of BNA: Visitors should use the I-40 Donelson Pike Exit 216B to access the terminal and all parking.
• To access the cell phone/waiting area: Visitors should use the I-40 Donelson Pike Exit 216B.

Choose the parking lot that is right for you.

• BNA has more than 11,515 available parking spaces in six lots. An additional Holiday Overflow Parking Lot will be available if needed. As you enter the airport, check the display for latest parking updates. Courtesy transportation in the Long Term A, Long Term B and Economy parking lots begins at 3:30 a.m. daily and ends 45 minutes past the last arrival. Additional shuttle bus service to and from these lots will also be provided.
• BNA offers a frequent parker program to allow travelers to earn free parking, enjoy easier access in and out of gated parking lots, and make automated credit card payments at www.flynashville.com.

Daily Parking Rates

Short Term: $24 Long Term B: $10 Overflow: $8

Long Term A: $13 Economy: $8 Valet: $22

Pre-security Flight Check-in

• Use an airline kiosk to print your boarding pass, or print your boarding pass prior to arriving at the airport from your airline’s website.
• Have your photo ID and flight information in hand.
• Consult your airline regarding changes for checked baggage.

Luggage (checked and carry-on)

• Remove personal identification tags and ribbons from checked luggage. This year, BNA added a new in-line explosive detection system (EDS) to improve the safety and security of the screening process for checked baggage. Passengers are asked to remove old tags and barcodes, as well as tuck in or remove straps and hooks from their luggage.
• Log on to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov before you pack your luggage for a detailed list of what you can and cannot take on an airplane.
• Use TSA-recognized locks if you choose to lock luggage. Visit www.tsa.gov for a listing of locks accepted and recognized by the TSA.
• Carry your film with you. Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Keep pets in their travel case when inside the terminal. This does not apply to service animals.
• Don’t leave luggage unattended, and label it with your name, address and phone number.
• Don’t travel with wrapped holiday gifts. Do not carry wrapped gifts in your carry-on baggage. You may be asked to unwrap gifts in order to pass through security checkpoints.
• Place liquids in checked baggage when you can.

Security Screening

• Take note of new screening technology. TSA launched new Advanced Imaging Technology screening machines, which are millimeter wave machines that do not involve X-ray. Note that being screened using these new screening machines is optional, however, passengers opting out will be subject to a pat down. The TSA recommends removing all items from pockets in addition to accessories such as: wallet, belt, bulky jewelry, money, keys and cell phone. This new screening process may impact the time it takes to go through the security line, so please allow extra time.
  • Passengers who are subject to a pat down may request a private screening room.
• Adhere to the liquids, aerosols and gels 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage:
  • Containers of liquid or gel can be no more than 3 ounces.
  • Liquids should be placed in a 1-quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
  • Passengers are allowed only 1 plastic bag containing liquids and gels, which should be placed in a screening bin separate of other carry-on luggage.
• Choose the right lane. Self-select lanes are now in place at BNA, allowing passengers to choose the appropriate entry lane for their needs. Choose from Expert (designated by black diamond), Casual (designated by blue square) and Family/Special Assistance (designated by green circle) for smoother processing.
• Remove your shoes, coats and jackets. Shoes and outer coats, including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas, must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.
• Have your boarding pass and photo ID in hand. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID.
• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal. Place metal items in your carry-on. Avoid placing metal items such as keys, pagers, loose change, money clips, PDAs, large metal belt buckles, metal hair decorations and mobile phones in your pockets.
• Be mindful of electronic equipment. If you will be traveling with items such as laptops, portable DVD players and video cameras, remove them from their cases and place them in the TSA-provided plastic bins for screening.

Interior Improvements

• Check flight information display boards often, and listen carefully for flight status updates – particularly if the holding/waiting area at your departure gate is under construction.
• Visit BNA’s vendors. Phase I renovations brought many new restaurants and shops to BNA. If you have extra time before your flight, see what is new. A list of BNA vendors can be found at www.flynashville.com.

Arts at the Airport

• View the latest exhibits. From contemporary paintings to traditional quilts, this season’s Flying Solo series showcases local and regional artists with exhibits throughout the airport. Another exhibit, SOURCE, highlights Nashville’s music scene with portraits of women who helped pioneer the music industry.
• Enjoy live music. The Nashville airport introduces patrons to Music City with live musical performances on four stages throughout the airport. Find a schedule of performers and times at: www.flynashville.com/music/music_sched.aspx.

Chapter 419 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA) will host an International Learn To Fly Day event at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, 1930 Memorial Blvd., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

International Learn to Fly Day was created to invite people interested in the world of flight to discover more by meeting local aviators and discovering the initial steps toward “living the dream” of personal flight. Nearly 600,000 people from all walks of life in the U.S. are licensed pilots, but millions more have dreamed of joining that group.

Those who attend this free event Saturday will discover learning to fly is not as time-consuming or expensive as they might think, Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Manager Chad Gehrke said. Pilots, flight instructors and aircraft owners will be available to discuss possibilities and the enjoyment of aviation.

“We will have a number of different avenues for people interested in aviation to explore.” Gehrke explained. “We will have pilots and aircraft owners that can share their experiences that they have had with aircraft ownership as well as representatives from the Mid-Tenn Flying Club to discuss the benefits of group aircraft ownership, Murfreesboro Aviation where you can rent aircraft, and even representatives from a local group that flies remote-controlled model aircraft.

“There are so many different ways you can get involved in aviation and we hope this event will be informative and allow people to make their dreams of flight a reality,” he added.

For more information about International Learn To Fly Day, contact Gehrke at the Airport, (615) 848-3254 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .