Naples Airport Safety by by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

Safety is at the core of the Naples Airport Authority’s (NAA) values, and not because it is a regulatory requirement. Safety for passengers, staff, and aircraft is the top priority, from implementing proactive programs to earning industry coveted safety awards, the NAA consistently goes above and beyond to safeguard the airport and community.

Two years before it was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the NAA developed a key safety measure: a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS).
By creating this safety program ahead of schedule, the NAA demonstrated its commitment to safety well in advance of the regulatory deadline. The SMS plan helps the airport identify,
assess, and mitigate potential safety risks across all facets of airport operations while promoting a continuous culture of safety.

The airport’s Safety Manager is responsible for reinforcing this focus on safety culture. This position works closely with employees, tenants, and businesses to help maintain a safe airport environment.

These proactive safety measures have garnered industry recognition. In 2021, the NAA received the FAA’s Southern Region Safety Award for its outstanding Comprehensive
Wildlife Management Program, having also won the award in 1998. This prestigious award is a testament to the NAA’s efforts to ensure that wildlife hazards are effectively managed.
The Southern Region encompasses 10 states and territories, making this recognition even more significant for the NAA. The program exemplifies the NAA’s commitment to protecting both the local wildlife population and the safety of airport operations.

Naples Aviation, the airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO), has earned numerous industry certifications which highlight its commitment to safe operations. Naples Aviation has achieved the IS-BAH Stage 1 Certification, a prestigious recognition in the aviation industry demonstrating the FBO’s dedication to implementing safety management practices. Furthermore, Naples Aviation has earned the Everest Fuel S.A.F.E. certification, which reflects the company’s commitment to safe fueling operations.

One of the most esteemed distinctions held by Naples Aviation is its status as the only FBO in North America to earn the Base Ops Pro Certification from ARGUS International. This certification recognizes the highest standards in safety and operational excellence, underscoring Naples Aviation’s commitment to safety at every level of its operations. These safety procedures and policies are routinely audited by outside vendors and consultants to ensure the airport maintains and exceeds its already high safety standards.

Additionally, the NAA built the City of Naples Fire Station #3, provided the trucks and equipment, and continues to fund operations including firefighter salaries at the NAA’s
expense – a net saving to the City’s taxpayers of over $1 million per year. These dedicated public servants respond both on and off airport property, serving a critical need in the moments when our residents need them most.

These safety certifications and awards are symbolic of the NAA’s daily commitment to safety. Whether it’s through a comprehensive Wildlife Management Program, the
implementation of safety management systems, earning industry leading certifications, or by providing critical emergency services, the NAA has successfully embedded safety in every facet of airport operations in a way that also benefits the community.

FEATURED PHOTO: Naples Airport Authority Safety Manager Tom Herman, ACE

For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website at www.flynaples.com

Want to learn more about the NAA?

Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite a member of our team to speak with your group. Better yet, call us to arrange for a tour of the airport:
(239) 643-0733