Frequently Asked Questions

Activity generally increases between November and April.

Daily activity generally increases on Thursdays, Sundays and during holiday weekends.

While overall activity has only grown modestly, the Naples Airport has seen a significant increase in jet activity, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide increase in the demand for private air travel.  This change in consumer patterns coupled with Naples demographics, high end development and the airlines struggles in recovering from the pandemic is expected to drive demand for private air travel in the foreseeable future.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the sole authority in determining where aircraft will fly and how the airport will operate. These decisions are made solely on standard air traffic control procedures. Noise complaints are not considered when making these decisions.

However, aircraft noise and flight activity complaints are used in conjunction with flight tracking data to determine compliance with noise abatement procedures, corroborate specific events, or identify possible trends. The Naple Airport Noise Abatement staff can answer questions, provide data, and help residents understand aircraft operations.

It is important to know that aircraft noise complaints alone cannot change how the airport operates. Where aircraft fly, as well as their associated noise levels, depends on factors such as wind and weather, the number of arrivals and departures, the time of day, construction activity on airport grounds, and other conditions, all of which play a part in how an airport operates at any given time.

For FY22 (October to August) there have been an estimated 184,134 passengers flying through the Naples airport.

The airport receives passenger details only on customs flights, this estimate is based on those numbers along with concessions made to account for pilots and ferry flights.

No, the airport has no commercial airline service.

While the Naples Airport has had periodic commercial service in the past, there are no plans to restart commercial service in the future.  This is largely due to:

• The airport’s decades-old 75,000-pound weight limit, which severely reduces the aircraft options available to commercial carriers.
• The wide availability of commercial airlines at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

All matters of airspace including altitude, flight paths, runway use, timing, and frequency of arriving and departing aircraft are solely under FAA jurisdiction and outside of the NAA’s control.

Aircraft exceeding 75,000 pounds maximum gross weight are prohibited from operating at APF.

Rare exceptions may apply, such as aircraft operated by Federal or State government, law enforcement, or emergency services.

Even as fuel prices have risen sharply in 2022, jet activity has not been impacted. Fuel and other service prices at the Naples Airport are often higher than other local airports. For example, the ramp fee for a large cabin jet (Gulfstream or Global Express) at Naples is $1,000 per night, whereas at Immokalee it is $75 per night.  Despite this, large jets almost universally choose Naples due to its location, even with the significant price difference.

Citizens have also asked ‘Do people park their jets in Naples because it’s cheaper and then drive to Miami?’ No, those who fly on private aircraft land at the airport nearest to their final destination.

Small general aviation aircraft are more price-sensitive.  Owner-operators of small piston aircraft are more conservative but are still likely to choose the airport nearest to their final destination.

Multiple independent surveys conducted by outside firms have shown that over 80% of customers either live in Collier County or were travelling for the purpose of purchasing a home.

Whether an aircraft is owned by a single person or multiple owners, those coming to the Naples Airport tend to have local connections.  This also holds true for charter flights, including those operated by large companies.  The aircraft may be owned by charter and fractional aircraft operators, but it is very likely that the passengers making use of the services are homeowners and business owners.

The Naples Airport is financially self-sustaining. The Naples Airport Authority (NAA) receives no local tax dollars and generates revenues primarily from hangar rent and fuel sales.

The Naples Airport does receive occasional grants from the state and federal government for safety and environmental improvements, however those grants are primarily funded through a system of aviation user fees collected through taxes on fuel, airfare, etc.

The NAA currently has three existing sets of contractual obligations with various government agencies and customers:

State and federal obligations currently exist through 2042.

Contractual obligations with tenants through 2053.

Existing lease with the City of Naples through 2068.

FAA Code of Federal Regulation 91.119 requires aircraft to fly at a minimum safe altitude of 1,000’ over congested areas, however this does not apply to aircraft in the process of taking off and landing.

According to federal law, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains exclusive authority over all matters of airspace.  Any changes to aircraft altitudes, flight paths, runway use, or hours of operations require approval by the FAA.  Neither the NAA nor the City of Naples can enact any changes or restrictions without prior FAA approval.  See the enclosed memo, ‘Federal Preemption of Local Regulation of Aeronautical Operations.’

The concept of a publicly owned, private airport has been pursued by the Town of East Hampton, New York as a means to implement restrictions on the use of their airport.  Federal law expressly prohibits any new use restrictions put in place solely by local governments or airport sponsors without prior FAA approval.

To date, this has been affirmed by multiple ongoing lawsuits between the Town of East Hampton and its residents, businesses, airport users and industry associations.  Courts have found those actions illegal and have prohibited the restrictions from being enacted. In November 2022, the Town increased their annual legal budget to $3 million for 2022 to continue these efforts.

Federal law prohibits discrimination in allowing certain types of aircraft or operators to use an airport while prohibiting others that are safely able to do so.

Additionally, it is not accurate to say that those who own an aircraft are local residents while those that use charter or fractional services are not. In 2020 and 2021, the NAA hired an independent, outside research firm to survey passengers. In both instances, the study found that over 80% of jet passengers surveyed either lived in Naples or were coming to purchase a home.

In calendar year 2021 the Naples Airport had approximately half of the jet traffic of RSW.  Below is a chart comparing operations at Naples, Southwest Florida International and Page Field Airports.

*Calendar year data was used to match data reported by other airports.

Additionally, the jets operating at RSW are considerably larger than anything operating at the Naples Airport.  The Naples Airport’s maintains a 75,000-pound weight limit, with aircraft that average 9 seats each while those at RSW average 150 seats per aircraft.

FY 2021 operations are also considerably lower than the number of flights that the Naples Airport experienced at its peak nearly 20 years ago.  In 2005, the Naples Airport had over 163,000 flights and for many years operated well above the current level of operations.

It has also been stated that during season a jet flies overhead every three minutes.  While true for certain periods of time on some days, especially around the holidays, a jet every three minutes during season would equate to more than double the jet operations the Naples Airport actually handles during that timeframe.

The Florida Legislature created the Naples Airport Authority in 1969 at the request of the City of Naples because the airport was unprofitable and causing the City to fund the airport with taxpayer funds.  The City leased the Naples Airport to the NAA for 99 years for a rent of $1 per year.  This eliminated the financial burden on the City and its residents.  Since that time the airport has received no funds from the city, directly or indirectly and in fact the NAA paid for the construction of City Fire Station #3 and continues to pay for the equipment, salary and benefits of the firefighters that serve both the airport and surrounding community at a cost of nearly $1 million per year paid for by the NAA.  The NAA also provides portions of the Greenway at no expense to the City.

Additionally, in 2022 the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) estimated that the airport has a $781 million economic impact on the local economy. This further underscores the importance of the airport to the area’s tourism and real estate based economy.

Naples is not one of the 10 busiest general aviation airports in the country, in fact it is not near the top 10. In 2020 the Naples Airport had 104,179 operations, far outside of the top 10 General Aviation airports in the US.

Source: Private Jet Card Comparisons

However, in 2021 during the peak of the pandemic, the Naples Airport was the 10^th busiest airport for private jet activity in the US.  As of November 30, 2022, jet activity has decreased 18% compared to last year (as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Ian, persistent inflation and an uncertain economy) and is no longer among the top 10 busiest airports in the US for private jet activity.

FAA Code of Federal Regulation 91.119 requires aircraft to fly at a minimum safe altitude of 1,000’ over congested areas, however this does not apply to aircraft in the process of taking off and landing.

Blue Ash Airport, East Hampton Airport, Reid-Hillview Airport, Richards-Gebaur Airport, Santa Monica Airport and St. Claire Regional Airport declined federal funding. These airports did so only as part of a long-term effort to close the airport entirely, and the process often did not result in the outcome the airport was seeking. Read more here.

In addition to the $8.37 million invested in noise abatement efforts since 2000, the NAA has adopted the following measures and efforts to address the community’s concern with aircraft noise:

• Voluntary (due to federal law) flying curfews from 10 PM to 7 AM. Incentives are offered for pilots to change their travel plans outside of Quiet Hours.
• Ban on Stage 1 and Stage 2 jet aircraft, which are the oldest and noisiest types of jet aircraft.
• Redirection of approaching and departing aircraft over commercial areas to reduce noise over heavily populated residential developments.
• Preferred routes for arriving and departing helicopters over major roadways, away from residential areas.
• Departure turn headings to route northbound aircraft traffic over industrial areas and away from residential areas.
• Engine maintenance run-ups are prohibited from 10 PM until 7 AM. Daytime run-ups restricted to the center of the airport to reduce noise in the residential areas closest to the airport.
• Noise Abatement Hotline (239-643-1879) and Noise Comment Form to report excessive airport noise.
• Letters mailed monthly to all operators flying during the voluntary curfew, reiterating the importance of flying as quietly as possible and observing the curfew.
• The Noise Compatibility Committee, which holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting notices are published on our website and officially posted in the General Aviation Terminal.
• Initiated the nearly $2 million Part 150 Noise Study (the NAA’s 4^th such effort) a voluntary but federally regulated process for determining noise impacts and evaluating possible mitigation techniques.
• Posting of names and contact information for the top curfew violators at the top of the NAA’s home page, flynaples.com
• Live flight tracking available to the public for help in determining information about aircraft overflights.
• Curfew information included in leasing and badging documents for airport tenants and users.
• Publish information about the Fly Safe Fly Quiet program and curfew throughout the airport and on the NAA’s web site.

For more information on Noise Abatement at the Naples Airport, please contact Zachary Burch, Community Engagement/Communications Manager, at 239.643.0733 or email zburch@flynaples.com.

FAA regulations prevent the airport from instituting a mandatory curfew. However, the NAA has made concerted efforts to establish and actively promote a voluntary “Quiet Hours” curfew program to deter pilots from flying between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Currently, the airport has over 98% compliance with the curfew and continually looks for additional ways to improve that number.

In short, no. There are federal laws that pertain to what the federal government considers “discrimination,” which prohibits an airport from arbitrarily deciding that some aircraft may land, and others may not.

Airports are public transportation facilities, similar to the interstate highway system, and aircraft are entitled to use any public airport they can safely land at.  This does not include aircraft that exceed the Naples Airport’s 75,000-pound weight limit.

Airport staff is currently working on further outreach to aircraft owners about the importance of following the Quiet Hours curfew and the impact that nighttime flying has on the community.

The airport contacts aircraft operators that violate the curfew to explain the importance of abiding by the curfew.

Letters are mailed monthly to all operators flying during the voluntary curfew to reiterate the importance of flying as quietly as possible and observing the curfew.

The NAA has also established a Fly Safe Fly Quiet campaign, which includes efforts such as:

• Signage and flyers that communicate the importance of curfew compliance and other noise mitigation strategies.
• Pilot incentives to adjust arrival or departure times
• Posting of names and contact information for the top curfew violators at the top of the NAA’s home page.
• Curfew information included in leasing and badging documents for airport tenants and users.
• New landing pages for Wi-Fi and flight planning computer that direct users straight to information about the Fly Safe Fly Quiet program and curfew information.

The Noise Compatibility Committee (NCC) was formed in 1997 to help the airport maintain its rigorous Noise Abatement Program, represent the community, and make recommendations regarding noise mitigation and abatement.

The NCC is made up of 9 citizen volunteers representing different geographic and stakeholder groups around the airport.  Additional information about the NCC, including contact information, can be found here.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is a critical part of the current Part 150 noise study and is made up of community volunteers representing the various stakeholder groups and geographic regions of the city and county. The role of the TAC is to provide technical input and feedback to the NAA, relative to the Part 150 Noise Study.  Additional information about the TAC, including contact information, can be found here.

The effects of aircraft noise largely impact a small swath of the City of Naples, predominately the southern portion of the Old Naples neighborhood.  Recommendations to disperse aircraft departures (and associated noise) have resulted in angst and opposition by other neighborhoods within the City including Port Royal, Royal Harbor, the Moorings, Aqualane Shores, Park Shore and the Gulfshore Association of Condos.  As a result, this has become a citywide issue.

A Part 150 Airport Noise Study, is a voluntary process that an airport can undertake to evaluate opportunities to mitigate noise impacts to the surrounding community. It provides a federally regulated process for airport operators, pilots, neighboring communities, and the FAA to evaluate opportunities to address community concerns regarding aircraft noise while preserving safety and the operational capabilities of the airport.

Most importantly, the Part 150 Noise Study process provides the NAA with the opportunity to be an advocate for the community in addressing aircraft noise issues under the control of the FAA.

Additional information about the Part 150 Noise Study can be found here.

Detailed analyses of aircraft noise.

Identify existing and future flight corridors.

Develop aircraft noise exposure maps to illustrate current and future conditions.

Evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas.

Consider land use measures that could reduce future incompatible land uses within high noise areas.

Evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.

Part 150 studies typically consist of two primary components:

1. Development of Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs)

Detailed information and maps showing existing and 5-year future airport/aircraft noise exposure patterns.

2. Preparation of a Noise Compatibility Program (NCP)

During the NCP, the NAA will produce several supplemental analyses including seasonal contours, a detailed population study and runway use analysis. This data and analysis will then be used to develop noise abatement and noise mitigation options/programs for FAA review.

The Part 150 Noise Study must be prepared in accordance with guidance provided by the FAA and submitted to the FAA for their review and approval.

As part of the Part 150 Noise Study, the NAA and its consultant mapped existing (2021) and future (2026) aircraft noise exposure levels in the vicinity of the Naples Airport as part of the NEM development. The NEM was submitted to the FAA in August 2021 and approved in December 2021. The full NEM report can be viewed here.

The NEM Report provides a set of noise maps that identify areas exposed to aircraft noise of Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) 65 decibels and higher.

Since completing the NEMs, the NAA has begun the NCP process to examine potential measures for improving aircraft noise compatibility with the surrounding communities. During this stage of the study, a large number of feasible mitigation measures will be considered and analyzed in collaboration with the community and other key stakeholders. These include operational, remedial, land use, preventative, and administrative measures.

The measures providing the greatest potential to improve compatibility will be submitted to the FAA for review and approval.

Measures approved by the FAA will be implemented and incorporated into the Naples Airport’s overall Noise Program.  The NCP Report is scheduled to be completed in early 2023, with dates for implementation of adopted measures to be determined thereafter.

The Part 150 process will evaluate a number of potential operations recommendations that require FAA approval, including changes to flight paths, altitudes, arrival and departure procedures and more. Additionally, land use and programmatic recommendations will also be evaluated and submitted to the FAA.

While the FAA only approves recommendations in the NCP that would reduce noise impacts to noncompatible land uses, voluntary measures identified during the study may also be recommended for implementation or be investigated independently by the NAA and other key stakeholder groups.

However, because these voluntary measures are not recognized by the FAA as part of the Part 150 Noise Study process, they can be encouraged and promoted, but not enforced. Their success is ultimately dependent on cooperation of the aircraft operators.

Any restrictions on aircraft activity, as defined by the FAA, that result from the Part 150 process must go through a Part 161 Process to be enforced.

(See https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-161)

Part 150 Noise Studies vary in duration depending on several factors, including

• The complexity of the airport operations and local airspace
• Availability of data
• Public outreach activity
• Agency review periods

The estimated duration of the APF Part 150 Noise Study is approximately 3+ years. The NAA is committed to taking the time required to provide the FAA with best possible NEMs and an NCP that meets all federal requirements and are most likely to result in FAA approval.

• Phase 1 of the two-part study, preparing the Noise Exposure Map (NEM) report, was completed in August 2021, and approved by the FAA in December 2021.
• Phase 2, development of the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP), began in late 2021 and is expected to be submitted to the FAA in late 2022 or early 2023.

The FAA has developed the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) for evaluating aircraft noise exposure in the vicinity of airports. The AEDT is a computer model which uses an entire year of flight data to develop aircraft Noise Exposure Maps.

AEDT uses a federal database of aircraft noise data to create DNL maps based on the types and number of aircraft operations, annual average airport operating conditions, aircraft performance, and aircraft flight patterns.

Use of AEDT also allows for prediction of future noise conditions resulting from changes in aircraft activity levels, aircraft types, flight procedures or other operational factors.

Sound measurements collected from external noise monitoring devices are not recognized by the FAA.

A noncompatible land use means that the sound exposure (DNL) at a given property is above the thresholds identified by the FAA.

The thresholds for determining the compatibility of land use vary depending on the current use of the land. For example, for residential land use, the threshold is DNL 65, but for commercial land use (offices, business and professional), the threshold is DNL 70.

The City of Naples and Collier County have both adopted the DNL 60 contour as their threshold for noncompatibility. As a result, the non-compatibility threshold for residential property in Collier County is the DNL 60.

No, airports that choose to conduct a Part 150 Noise Study do so voluntarily with the goal of improving compatibility between the airport and the surrounding communities. In fact, airports must apply to the FAA for permission before undertaking a study.

This is the fourth Part 150 Noise Study Update for the Naples Airport.

The first Noise Study was completed in 1987 and approved by the FAA in 1989.

The most recently approved study, prior to the one currently underway, was completed in 1997. The approved 1997 NCP included six operational measures, four land use measures, and five program measures for improving compatibility.

An update was initiated in 2010, but the study findings determined that there was no basis for modifying the 1997 NCP, as no new measures were identified that would offer improved noise compatibility.

The current study began in early 2020 and is expected to be submitted to the FAA in late 2022 or early 2023.

The last FAA-approved Part 150 Noise Study was completed more than 20 years ago (1997). Changes in aircraft fleet mix, operational levels and land use warrant an updated evaluation of the airport noise environment and potential measures for addressing aircraft noise impacts.

The Part 150 Noise Study will be based on actual real-world operational data and will reflect the current operational characteristics at APF.

The NAA’s goals are to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acceptance of the NEMs and approval of the NCP, which will include noise mitigation and abatement measures to address community concerns regarding aircraft noise, while preserving safety and the operational capabilities of the Airport.

The NAA is also committed to conducting an extensive public outreach process that exceeds federal requirements. Opportunities for community and stakeholder input are ongoing and remain available throughout the study.

The major stakeholders of the airport that are expected to provide input for the Part 150 Noise Study include the NAA, the FAA, elected officials, pilots, and residents.

NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The NAA is the sponsor of this Part 150 Noise Study and is responsible for planning and assisting with the implementation of actions designed to reduce the effect of noise on residents of the surrounding area. Such actions, if approved by the FAA, may include noise abatement procedures, sound insulation, and other measures that do not discriminate among aircraft operators, create an unsafe situation, impede the management of the air system, or interfere with interstate or foreign commerce.

Any operational procedure recommended by NAA must first be approved by the FAA. To be approved, a measure must demonstrate that it provides a noise benefit for non-compatible land uses, while not impacting safety.

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

The FAA has the primary role to ensure safe and efficient use of the National Airspace System. FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) is responsible for the movement of aircraft on the airfield and in the air, and the FAA has the sole authority to implement noise abatement operational procedures.

Any noise abatement procedures considered by the FAA must be consistent with air safety and all legal requirements and demonstrate a reduction in noise for non-compatible uses. The FAA makes the final determination on any new procedures resulting from a Part 150 Noise Study.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Local elected officials (Collier County and the City of Naples) have the responsibility to provide for land use planning, zoning, and housing regulations that limit land use near airports to those compatible with airport operations.

PILOTS

In both commercial and general aviation, the pilot has the ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of their aircraft. Although ATC assigns the flight track and altitude, the pilot still maintains the authority to make the final judgment due to safety. In general, it is up to the pilot to adhere to noise abatement procedures.

RESIDENTS

The residents in areas surrounding an airport and throughout the City of Naples and Collier County are asked to attend meetings, provide input regarding noise concerns, and strive to understand actions that can and cannot be taken to minimize the effects of aircraft noise.

It is not too late for residents to provide valuable feedback for the ongoing Noise Study at the Naples Airport. Public input and participation are critical to the success of the study, and community outreach has been offered throughout the process to achieve greater levels of collaboration with the community.

Throughout this study, workshops and public meetings/hearings are being held, and information is shared in these sessions and made available online.

Please plan to join airport staff at one of the open houses, briefings with public agencies, committee meetings, and other in-person or virtual public meetings, which are held to maximize public participation and collaboration. You can review data, talk to subject-matter experts, have questions answered, and provide input that could be incorporated into the NCP.

For information about upcoming opportunities to become part of the process, visit: https://www.flynaples.com/noisestudy/.

Comments regarding the Part 150 Noise Study can be submitted online or via mail. The comments should focus on the Part 150 Study process, community concerns, and potential recommendations.

*Noise complaints should be submitted directly to the airport (see the Resident Resources section of this FAQ).

COMMENT ONLINE:

https://www.flynaples.com/noisestudy/submit-comments/

COMMENT BY MAIL:

Naples Airport Authority
C/O APF Part 150 Study
160 Aviation Drive North
Naples, FL 34104

The Part 150 Noise Study website will be updated with information as it becomes available, and periodic updates will be posted summarizing project progress.

NAPLES AIRPORT NOISE STUDY

Anyone interested in the current Noise Study and other activity at the airport are also encouraged to subscribe to receive email updates, which are distributed on a regular basis by the NAA.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE AIRPORT NEWSLETTERS

For every doubling of altitude (e.g. increasing altitude from 1,000’ to 2,000’ or from 2,000’ to 4,000’) noise decreases by 6 decibels. People generally cannot notice a change of less than 3dB, whereas a reduction of 5-6 dB is readily noticeable. A reduction of 10 dB is generally perceived as being half as loud.

The benefits are reduced at higher altitudes as it becomes harder to distinguish noise from aircraft noise relative to noise from other sources.

At the November 21, joint meeting of the Naples City Council and the NAA Board of Commissioners, a professional pilot explained that the safest place for aircraft to be is over a “wide open body of water”.  He further explained that “the current route is the best route for safety” and that “it helps to mitigate the risk to people on the ground, the pilots and passengers”.  Similar statements have been made by other pilots throughout the Noise Study.

In 2019, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) determined that the Naples Airport has a $440 million annual positive economic impact on the community. That number has likely grown over the last 3 years and is currently being updated by FDOT.

The NAA pays the City of Naples for utility, police and fire fighting services and has also built, equipped, and maintained City Fire Station #3 at a benefit to the city of more than $1 million per year, as well as several stormwater and environmental facilities. It also builds and maintains internal roadways and utilities, and has constructed many of the external roadway improvements, including horticultural beautification and bicycle paths.

Our commitment is, and has always been, to minimize the adverse impacts of aircraft noise on the community to the extent feasible.

Multiple outside studies have also shown that over 80% of our passengers are local residents, meaning that the success of the airport largely relies on the attractiveness and livability of the community as a whole.

The Florida Department of Transportation estimates that the Naples Airport has an annual economic impact of $440 million on the local economy. The airport is an economic engine that positively impacts the local economy and in turn is partly responsible for the continued increase in local property values.

Additionally, data included in the chart below shows a corollary relationship between jet operations and city and county taxable value.

Transportation is responsible for 14% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

(Source: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data#Sector)

Aviation is responsible for 12% of CO2 emissions from all transportation sources compared to 74% from road transport. It is important to note that average daily aircraft activity at the Naples airport is 310 operations, compared to the following average annual daily traffic (AADT) counts for our nearby streets:

Airport road: 40,000

Golden Gate: 42,000 – 49,000

Pine Ridge: 48,000 – 52,000

I-75: 70,000 – 75,000

US-41: 31,000 – 34000

According to the Air Transport Action Group, the global aviation industry accounts for approximately 2.1% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

(Source: https://www.atag.org/facts-figures.html)General aviation, including aircraft used for business, represents only .20% of global annual CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels and cement making.

(Source: https://terrapass.com/blog/sustainability-35000-feet-business-aviation-climate-change)

In 2021, the American Lung Association rated Collier County an “A” for ambient air quality/ozone.

Naples has both a high pollen count and high humidity. When pollen mildews, it turns black and sticky.

In 2008, the NAA commissioned an outside laboratory to conduct an independent analysis of material found at a home under the flight path approximately a half mile southeast of the airport.  The study concluded that the “substance appears to be pollen”.

(Source: 2008 Analysis Results)

In 2012, the City of Naples commissioned a study through a licensed engineering and geology firm to investigate and test the black soot that some Naples residents find outside on their terraces and cars. The study results showed that the material was pollen consistent with that of palm trees and was not petroleum-based.

(Sources: www.flynaples.com/NDN-6.2012 and City of Naples Analysis Report)

In 2018, the NAA commissioned a different firm to test a sample on a roof tile from a home under a flight path two miles northeast of the airport in the Wyndemere subdivision. That test showed the same results.

(Source: www.flynaples.com/DaaneLabsReport-4.2018)

Small piston-engine aircraft do use 100 low-lead fuel, also known as avgas. This type of fuel makes up approximately 2% of fuel sales at the Naples Airport. Beginning in June 2023, Naples Airport began offering UL94 (94 octane unleaded fuel) for piston-engine aircraft, as an environmentally cleaner alternative to traditional aviation gasoline.

The FAA along with the aviation and fueling industries are committed to finding an unleaded replacement for avgas by 2030 or sooner. As a member of the EAGLE (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions) Initiative the NAA is working with counterparts from across the country to develop an alternative that will be safe for all piston aircraft, however a federal ban on the sale of avgas before a viable alternative is developed would have drastic economic and safety ramifications for communities across Florida and the US. Additional information on the EAGLE Initiative may be found here.

The Naples Airport is proud of the number of public services that are based at the airport, including:

• City of Naples Fire Station #3
• Collier Mosquito Control District
• Collier County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Aviation Teams
• Collier EMS MedFlight
• Angel Flight Southeast
• Civil Air Patrol, a US Air Force auxiliary
• Humane Society of Collier County

Each of these agencies provide critical services when the community needs them most.

The Naples Airport was the recipient of the 2015 J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award for its water-management system upgrade to remove an open water canal and create a water-management pond on airport property. This work improves the quality of water by treating runoff from the industrial park before it leaves airport property and removes a major wildlife attractant from the immediate airside area.

The NAA is also a proud partner of the Gordon River Greenway, and has developed 2 miles of trails, boardwalks, and bridges on airport property. The Greenway is dog-friendly and contains fishing and look-out piers, a kayak/canoe launch with storage rack, bike racks, restrooms with water fountains, a playground with a treehouse, and picnic pavilions.

The airport also provides an observation deck that is open to the public, with a small exercise area as well as a pavilion situated to watch aircraft arrivals and departures, with Air Traffic Control communications broadcast through a speaker.

The Naples Airport has a fascinating history dating back to its founding as a WW II Army Air Base.  Additional information about the airport can be found at the following links.

https://www.flynaples.com/about/

https://www.flynaples.com/noise-program-milestones/

Airport staff also leads free tours of the airport and gives presentations to groups that include information on the history of the airport and its development alongside the City.

To schedule a group tour visit: Airport Tours – Fly Naples

Naples Airport Authority representatives are available to speak with the community to educate and inform the public about Naples Airport. To learn more or to schedule a presentation for your group visit Airport – Speakers Bureau

For general questions of comments residents and the public can contact the airport at 239-643-0733 or NAA@flynaples.com.

The Noise Abatement Hotline was created to enable community residents to call and leave a report about aircraft related noise events. Upon receipt of a report, airport staff will initiate an investigation into the event and provide a response (if requested).

NOISE ABATEMENT HOTLINE:

(239) 643-1879

NOISE COMMENT FORM:

www.planenoise.com/kapf.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS:

https://www.flynaples.com/

READ THE NAA COMMUNITY BLOG:

https://www.flynaples.com/category/news/blog-community/

FOLLOW NAA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Naples-Airport-104714542110947

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naplesairportapf/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naples-airport-authority/

Presentations to groups and organizations are also available. Contact Zac Burch to set up a presentation: 239-643-0733 or zburch@flynaples.com.

Prospective residents are encouraged to acquaint themselves with noise and flight paths in the vicinity of a prospective home by visiting the property several times during peak seasonal activity (between January – April on Thursdays, Sundays and during holiday weekends).

The maps below show heat maps of the jet arrivals and departures in 2021.

Jet Arrivals

Jet Departures

Additionally, the NAA invites current and prospective residents to inquire about aircraft operations and meet with airport staff before making a home purchasing decision.

Contact the NAA Communications Office at 239-643-0733 for more information.