Question: How does the airport determine which runway to use?                                                         

Answer: Wind direction determines which runway will be active.  Aircraft will take off and land into the wind for safety purposes.  The wind helps to slow the aircraft's ground speed on approach and landing, making it easier to control and reduces the landing roll distance.  On take-off, the wind helps pilots attain flying speed more quickly, which allows pilots to clear obstacles and attain a higher altitude before passing over populated areas.

Question: What is the minimum altitude for airplanes and helicopters?                                                  

Answer: The minimum altitude for airplanes is 1,000 feet above a populated area unless the aircraft is ascending after take-off or descending on approach to an airport.  The exception to this is Mosquito Control spray aircraft, which may operate at a somewhat lower altitude with a special exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Question: How are pilots made aware that Naples is a noise sensitive community?   

Answer: Signs are posted in the airport pilot briefing room, as well as the entrance to each runway.  Additionally, notices are published in aviation reference manuals.  Naples Municipal Airport also includes noise abatement information on the Automatic Terminal Information Service, a radio broadcast system for all arriving and departing pilots.  The air traffic control tower also broadcasts noise advisories.  Noise abatement brochures have been mailed to over 3,000 corporate pilots and flight schools.

Question: Are any of the runways less noise sensitive than others?

Answer: Yes.  Runway 5 is the northeast departure corridor and is over a commercial/industrial area.

Question: Why do we frequently hear aircraft revving up their engines?

Answer: Pilots are required to test the aircraft engines to ensure that the engines and systems are operating safely.  This operational test is called an engine run-up, which is required prior to take-off.  Routine operational run-ups are normally brief and performed just prior to take-off.  Nighttime maintenance engine run-ups are prohibited from 10 p.m. until 7 a. m.  Pilots are subject to fines if they violate airport regulations.

Question: Why can't the airport be closed at night or moved to the east?  

Answer: The City of Naples Airport Authority cannot place operating restrictions that are contrary to the Federal Aviation Administration National Airports System Plan unless the Authority can fully demonstrate several things, including no restriction to interstate commerce.  Moving the airport is cost prohibitive. Based on past studies, it would cost nearly $100 million to rebuild all of the facilities now located on the airport.  In addition, there are no areas large enough for the airport that are not environmentally sensitive.

For any further questions, please contact the Noise Abatement Office at 239-643-1140.