Episode Gallery
Derrick vs. The Self-Destruct Button
In this hilarious behind-the-scenes moment from The History of Aviation podcast, Derrick forgets how to stop recording and spirals into a full-blown panic about accidentally triggering a "self-destruct button." Spoiler: there is no self-destruct button. Or is there? 🚨✈️
#78 Runway Ready: From Asphalt to Ice – The Untold Story of Aerodrome Surfaces (video)
What lies beneath the tires of every aircraft taking off and landing around the world? In this riveting episode, Derrick, Shae, and Julien pull back the curtain on the remarkable world of runway compositions. From the concrete jungles of JFK to the icy expanses of Antarctica, we explore how runway design shapes aviation history, safety, and innovation. Text or Voicemail Feedback: 615-813-5180 Email Feedback to infor@hoapod.com Visit our website for more: www.hoapod.comHosted Derrick Beeler, Julien Martinson. Producer Shae Jones Julien Martinson Aviation Career Coach: julienmartinson.com History Of Aviation Podcast - YouTube ( / @historyofaviationpodcast732 ) History Of Aviation Podcast (@history_of_aviation_pod) | TikTok ( / history_of_aviation_pod ) Facebook ( / historyofaviationpodcast ) (1) Instagram ( / historyofaviationpodcast ) Thanks for listening!!!
#77 - Wings, Water, and Community: Derrick’s Visit to the EAA Chapter 1494 Splash-In
In this fun and freewheeling episode, Derrick takes us lakeside to the EAA Chapter 1494 Splash-In, where floatplanes, flying boats, and aviation fans gather for a celebration of flight on water. He’s joined by Producer Shae Jones—who may or may not be watching YouTube videos mid-recording—and Julien Martinson, as they share stories, laughs, and insights from the event. From the buzz of engines to behind-the-scenes moments, this episode captures the laid-back charm and passion of the aviation community. Tune in for a splash of adventure, a dash of distraction, and a whole lot of aviation love.
Icon Seaplane Takes Off During Interview with Jett Family | EAA 1494 Splash-In
At the EAA 1494 Splash-In, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Jett family just as an Icon seaplane took off behind us—an epic moment that captured the spirit of the event! ✈️🌊 Aviation, community, and perfect timing all in one reel.
Katherine Jett Takes Flight: A Splash-In Success Story
Filmed at the EAA Chapter 1494 Splash-In, this short update celebrates Katherine Jett’s inspiring aviation milestone—earning her private pilot’s license! One year after we first shared her story, Katherine returns with wings and a smile. Tune in for a quick look at her journey, the community that cheered her on, and what’s next in her flight path.
✈️ Congratulations from all of us at the History of Aviation Podcast—Katherine, we’re so proud of you!
Episode 76: The Evolution of Airline Meals
✈️ The Evolution of Airline Meals | From Luxury to Plastic Trays 🍽️ Ever wondered what airline food used to be like? Join us on a fascinating journey through the skies as we explore the history of in-flight dining — from the golden age of aviation with gourmet meals and silverware, to the modern-day pre-packaged trays we know today. In this video, you'll discover: 🍷 The luxurious meals served in the early days of commercial flight 🛫 How airline food changed with the rise of economy class 🧊 The science behind reheating meals at 35,000 feet 🌍 Cultural differences in airline cuisine around the world 🥡 What the future of airline meals might look like Whether you're a frequent flyer, aviation enthusiast, or just curious about what’s on the menu at 30,000 feet, this video is for you! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more travel and aviation content! #AirlineMeals #AviationHistory #InFlightDining #TravelTrivia #airlinefood
Here are the photos that we used for episode 75
663rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Mission Lineage
- Unit: 663 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
- Status: Discontinued on 1 June 1961
Stations
- McGhee Tyson Airport, TN – Nov 1951
- Maryville, TN – Nov 1951
- Cross Mountain (later Lake City AFS), TN – Mar 1952
Assignments
- 541st Fighter Group
- 30th Air Division – 6 Feb 1952
- 35th Air Division – 5 Aug 1952
- 58th Air Division – 1 Mar 1956
- 35th Air Division – 1 Sep 1958
- 32nd Air Division – 15 Nov 1958
Commanders
- Maj. Israel D. Siegel, circa 1957
Honors
- Service Streamers: Not listed
- Campaign Streamers: Not listed
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: Not listed
- Decorations: Not listed
Emblem / Motto / Nickname
- Not specified
Operations Overview
- The 663rd AC&W Squadron operated from Lake City Air Force Station, located 7 miles from Lake City, TN, and 30 miles from Knoxville.
- It was a split-site installation:
- Administrative section at the base of Cross Mountain.
- Operations area atop the mountain.
- Personnel were transported via a 22-minute cable tram-car ride, making it one of the most unique arrangements in the Air Defense Command.
Strategic Importance
- Located near:
- Oak Ridge (Atomic Energy Commission)
- Norris Dam (largest in TVA)
- The site’s mission was considered vital due to its proximity to these strategic assets.
Technical Details
- Latitude: 36-11-54 N
- Longitude: 084-13-50 W
- Call Signs: Twig, Sweet Sue
- ADC ID: P-42
Radar Equipment
- 1952: Began operations with AN/CPS-6B and AN/FPS-10 radars.
- 1958: Added AN/FPS-6 height-finder radar.
- 1959: One AN/FPS-10 radar removed.
Closure
- Ceased operations: 1 June 1961
- Reason: Budget constraints and limited effectiveness due to elevation.
Historical Context
- Construction began: 1950
- Station opened: 1951
- Elevation: ~3,500 feet – too high to detect low-flying aircraft effectively.
- Tramway: 10,000 feet long, connecting barracks to radar site.
- Economic Impact:
- Created jobs during construction.
- Boosted local economy—365 men stationed, often paid in $2 bills to show local economic impact.
- Community Relations:
- Initial resistance (some blamed a drought on the radar).
- Eventually accepted; some servicemen married local women and settled in the area.
