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Naples Airport:

A National Leader In Noise Abatement

NAA is committed to reducing aircraft noise impacts

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

As the Naples Airport nears completion of While this undertaking could cost the airport more than
the Part 150 Noise Study, the efforts to reduce $3 million rather than waiting for the FAA, we feel that this
aircraft noise impacts remain a top priority investment is yet another example of our commitment to being the
for the Naples Airport Authority (NAA). The best possible neighbor to the community, all at no cost to the local
NAA eagerly awaits final Federal Aviation taxpayer.
Administration (FAA) review of the noise study While continuing to vigorously promote its voluntary curfew
documents, but during that review we continue from 10 p.m. – 7 a.m., the NAA is taking additional steps to
to move forward on several proactive initiatives address aircraft noise, including the development of our Fly Safe
aimed at improving noise abatement. Fly Quiet Leaderboard which will recognize our quietest and most
Although we don’t expect to hear back from the FAA regarding courteous pilots.
the noise study until later this year, the NAA is proactively moving The NAA has also launched an airport exploratory study, which
forward with the design of new flight procedures. Should the FAA will look to identify potential sites suitable for a new airport in
approve any of the eight noise abatement initiatives recommended Collier County. Besides being a recommendation of the noise
in the study, we will already have completed a lot of work towards study, a projected near doubling of the Countywide population at
preparing them for implementation. These procedures focus on build out, constraints at the existing airport, climate resiliency and
changes to arrival and departure procedures designed to reduce the proximity of other nearby airports are additional factors that
aircraft noise or the number of residences exposed to it. These will be considered. The study will only explore the feasibility of
flight procedures include getting departing aircraft higher, faster; potential new airport sites for further discussion, it will not result
quieter, reduced-power gliding approaches; changes to runway use; in any recommendations. Public meetings are planned during the
and changes to flight paths for departing aircraft. study, which is expected to conclude by mid-2024.
The FAA’s process to develop new flight procedures can take As an economic engine for the community that served more
four years or longer due to its backlog of national priorities. The than 200,000 passengers last year, the NAA takes great pride in the
NAA Board of Commissioners believes that this issue is far too positive impacts that the airport, its businesses, and customers have
important to the community to wait that long. That’s why we’ve on the community, while being keenly focused on minimizing the
hired two internationally recognized firms to help design these impacts of aircraft noise.
flight procedures, essentially doing the work of the FAA, to reduce Want to learn more about the Naples Airport? For a tour of the
the timeframe for design and implementation to as little as two airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting, call
years. (239) 643-0733.

20 Life in Naples | February 2024