Winchester Airport Negotiates New Lease as TCAT Aviation Program Comes to an End

WINCHESTER, TN — With the Tennessee College of Applied Technology’s (TCAT) lease on an aviation-education building expiring, the Winchester Airport Authority is in negotiations with Med-Trans Air Medical Transport to take over the facility. Airport Manager Katelyn Sanders told officials on Dec. 18 that while no agreement has been finalized, the goal is for Med-Trans to begin operating out of the building by spring 2026.

Med-Trans already maintains a presence at the Winchester Municipal Airport, and leasing the former TCAT building would allow the helicopter ambulance service to expand its operations. Sanders said the Airport Authority has not received confirmation that TCAT’s aviation-maintenance-technology program will be revived, and the lease officially expired at the end of the year.

The TCAT program faced ongoing challenges from its inception, including staffing shortages, delays with Federal Aviation Administration approvals, funding issues, and lack of access to required equipment. TCAT President Jimmy Wright previously said the most significant obstacle was securing approval and funding—approximately $457,000—for the power-plant portion of the program, which ultimately did not occur.

Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess said the county was relieved it would not be required to repay its $125,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant, noting that some equipment will be used at the Winchester TCAT campus while other items have been transferred to Shelbyville. “The program didn’t pan out,” Guess said. “If it had, it would have been an educational and economic benefit to the county.”

The program also endured significant delays due to the deaths of two instructors and the retirement of a third. Although additional personnel were hired, funding limitations forced the program’s abandonment.

Former instructor Fred Zummach has disputed TCAT’s handling of the program, alleging misrepresentation, lack of support, and improper termination. TCAT officials have said financial constraints left no alternative.

Airport officials say negotiations with Med-Trans represent a productive next step for the facility and the airport’s future.

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