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NAPLES AIRPORT

soars to new heights with safety commitment

receiving statewide, national,

and international recognation

Tom Herman
Safety Officer

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

hile the Naples Airport is renowned This FAA award is given to Naples for actively taking steps
for its industry-leading customer to improve aircraft safety while reducing the chance of injury to
W service and attention to detail, our local wildlife including bald eagles, coyotes, and other native
it is the organization-wide commitment to species by removing attractants that potentially put the animals in
safety that truly sets us apart in the industry. harm’s way.
Recognized statewide, nationally, and Additionally, Naples Aviation, our Fixed Base Operator
internationally, the Naples Airport has created a (FBO) has earned several prestigious certifications from national
culture of safety at the heart of everything that organizations in recognition of our commitment to safety and
we do: safety for our employees, customers, and community. operational excellence. Our FBO is one of over 3,700 in the nation
In 2022, we unveiled our new Safety Management System and is responsible for all activities and services involving arriving
(SMS) Plan, the culmination of more than two years of research and departing aircraft.
and development, which was completed more than a year The International Business Aviation Council named Naples
before the FAA announced a requirement for airports to do so. Aviation as one of only 54, to receive their IS-BAH Stage 1
Recognizing that safety is the primary responsibility of every Certification. Everest Fuel has awarded Naples Aviation with
employee, tenant, and business, the SMS Plan aims to create and its S.A.F.E. accreditation in recognition of our commitment
nurture a culture of safety by identifying, evaluating, and mitigating to maintaining the highest standards in aviation. ARGUS
potential safety issues before they become an incident. This plan also recently recognized Naples Aviation as the only FBO in
has resulted in increased awareness and ownership of safety related North America to receive the ARGUS Pro rating, based on a
issues throughout the organization. commitment to safety, training, and operational excellence.
While safety remains every individual’s priority and As an organization, everyone at the Naples Airport is
responsibility, the Safety Action Team headed by Tom Herman incredibly proud of the role that we play in the community from
our safety officer, leads the way on the issue of safety by setting an economic, historic, and philanthropic standpoint, but we take
standards, introducing training, and proactively speaking with extra pride in ensuring that everything we accomplish is done
employees, pilots, and passengers to ensure that all voices are heard, with safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind. As we look toward
and any issues are immediately addressed. the future of the airport and our community, that commitment to
This increased emphasis on safety has been widely recognized safety is stronger than ever, and I am confident that it will continue
and awarded by national regulatory organizations and industry to be a guiding principle of our organization’s culture of excellence.
groups. In 2022, the Naples Airport won the FAA Southern Want to learn more about the Naples Airport? For a tour of the
Region Safety Award for our Comprehensive Wildlife airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting, call
Management Program. This was the second time that the Naples (239) 643-0733.
Airport has won this award, despite being in a region that includes
every airport in 10 states and territories.
20 Life in Naples | January 2024