May252021
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Naples Airport prepares for hurricane season

Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-normal 2021 season. In Southwest Florida, almost everyone has a plan in place and makes preparations for their homes, but many do not think of their aircraft until it is too late. Below is information on what you can do to prepare and what you can expect from airport and FBO staff before, during and after a storm. 

Please remember: 

  • Naples Airport recommends that all tenants have aircraft evacuations plans in place. Plan to leave APF at least three days prior to the anticipated onset of tropical-force winds. Storm tracks can shift quickly, so be alert to changing conditions. 
  • Contact two alternate airports and make arrangements for apron/hangar space in the event that it is necessary. If you wait until a storm gets close, you will be competing with other evacuees for space and fuel.
  • It is recommended that all aircraft are removed from the airport. APF cannot guarantee that your aircraft will not receive storm damage. Please do not count on your hangar to provide protection in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. APF hangars are not wind-rated.
  • If you have tie-down or ramp parking, APF cannot guarantee that your aircraft will be moved into a hangar in advance of an anticipated storm. Plan to move your aircraft to an airport that will not be impacted.
  • Fuel rationing prior to a storm should be anticipated in order to conserve APF’s supply for post-storm emergency response aircraft. Plan early for fuel as it may not be available when a storm is approaching.
  • Please monitor Everbridge communications and www.flynaples.com for emergency status updates.
  • Tenants will not have access to their aircraft or hangars once they are secured in anticipation of a storm.
  • After a storm, power may be out and telephone service maybe limited.
  • Avoid coming to the airport before receiving communications from APF that it is opened.
  • AOPA suggests to having an “evacuation” pilot who can assist in relocating your aircraft if you are unable to do so. For more information, click here. 

Hurricane readiness checklist: 

  • Check insurance policy.
  • Identify and contact two alternative airports. 
  • Preplan flight route and have alternative routes.
  • Make sure all of your contact information on file is correct by contacting Naples Airport at 239-643-0733 or Leasing at leasing@flynaples.com. 
  • Recruit a friend or family member who can carry out your hurricane plan in the event that you are out of town and can’t get to your aircraft in time. 
  • Secure an “evacuation” pilot as a backup. Check with your insurance company for qualifications and the AOPA Hurricane Preparedness Guide for more information. 
  • Submit a Temporary Access Authorization form for your friend/family member in order to allow the airport to give them access to your aircraft/hangar. 
  • Purchase fuel four days before and evacuate airport three days prior to an anticipated storm. 
  • Provide keys to Naples Aviation FBO for any vehicle left in hangar. 

APF storm readiness plan: 

Naples Airport has plans in place for anticipated hurricanes and tropical storms. 

  • An Airport inventory inspection (time permitting), including hangar inspections, begins in early summer and is completed again prior to a storm. 
  • Once the airport has been notified of an anticipated storm, the staff begins clearing the ramp of any and all objects that can become airborne and dangerous during a storm. 
  • Staff clears the ramp of as many remaining aircraft as possible. In doing so, APF reserves the right to use any available hangar space, including leased hangars that may be empty. There will not be time to notify individual tenants of these arrangements. Airport staff does everything possible to shelter aircraft before a storm; however, if your aircraft remains at APF, even if hangered, the airport can not guarantee that it will not be damaged. 
  • Tenants can receive communications via the Everbridge Emergency Notification System. The airport will distribute storm updates leading up the storm and after the storm as quickly as possible. 
  • The airport will begin to ration fuel approximately three days prior to anticipated storm landfall. The airport stops fueling all aircraft two days before the anticipated storm. 
  • Naples Airport will close approximately two days prior to an anticipated storm to allow employees time to prepare their homes and ensure their families’ safety. No access will be granted after closure. 
  • Once the airport is closed, airport staff will begin to secure the hangars doors as time permits. 
  • APF will resume operations post-storm as quickly as possible, but it will remain closed until it is deemed safe. 
  • Prior to opening the airport, all areas of the airport will be inspected. 

 

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