The Naples Airport Authority (NAA) has released an updated draft of the Noise Compatibility Program

Around 800 people complained about noise at Naples Airport between October 2021 and September 2022, according to a recent article by Naples Daily News.However, with the help of a noise study, airport officials hope to reduce that number this year and become more community-friendly.

The public will be asked for their thoughts on moving the airport or raising the flight altitude as part of the noise study.

Manager of Communications at Naples Airport Zachary Burch discussed the research with the Naples Daily News. As for what we do know, here it is.

A study of noise…what exactly is that?The airport sponsor (or agency) conducts a noise study (also known as a Part 150) to determine current noise levels and proposes solutions.The research is broken down into two sections: evaluation and suggestions. After the Airport Authority conducts noise measurements, the results are made available to the public in a report. Residents have the opportunity to review the report’s findings and provide input to the airport on how best to address the noise complaints. The Noise Compatibility Program is the name for this initiative.

The second half of the study is currently underway at Naples Airport, and the staff there would greatly appreciate any feedback the public can provide. When airport staff have compiled all public suggestions, they will submit them to the FAA for evaluation. The airport’s options are subject to approval by the FAA.“Noise concerns are associated with all airports,” Burch said. “It happens quite frequently. This is a challenge that every airport must face and attempt to overcome. The level of noise in this area is being reduced as best as possible through our dedicated efforts.”

How can locals of Naples make suggestions to the terminals?Up until March 17th, anyone with an idea for the airport can submit it online.On Saturday, March 9, the Moorings Presbyterian Church will host two open houses: the first from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the second from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors and locals of Naples can submit their suggestions verbally or in writing to a court reporter.

People will have another opportunity to give input to the airport in person at a formal public hearing on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the same church.Can you suggest some good resources?Basically, anything. However, Burch insists that there are some things that can never be accomplished.

Burch emphasized that no constraints should be placed on the implementation of such recommendations. “It can’t demand things like a strict curfew or a capped number of flights. Modifying procedures, flight paths, and altitudes, among other similar things, is allowed so long as they do not limit operations.”

According to Burch, there are a couple ideas that have already been well received by airport officials.

As Burch put it, “raising the 2,000-foot hold is one of the ones that gets talked about the most and I think has certainly near universal support within the community.”

Flights from Naples Airport are restricted to an altitude of 2,000 feet due to current regulations. According to Burch, if the airport can improve this hold, planes will be able to reach cruising altitude more quickly, resulting in reduced noise levels.Councilman Terry Hutchison stated his dedication to fixing the airport’s noise problem at Monday’s Naples City Council Workshop.

Do you know what measures the airport has taken to lessen the noise level?The airport in Naples has a current voluntary curfew. Taking off or landing between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is discouraged by authorities in an effort to lessen noise pollution.

Since a mandatory curfew would violate federal law, “we work really hard on our on our voluntary curfew,” Burch said. “To that end, we made a concerted effort to spread the word. Just under 99% of what we asked for has been completed.”

Burch says the public should be aware that the airport is limited in what it can do without FAA permission.

When do we see the results of this?On March 9, there will be a public open house for feedback and ideas.Moorings Presbyterian Church, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.On March 9, there will be a public open house for feedback and ideas.At the Moorings Presbyterian Church from 4 to 6 o’clockFormal public hearing for feedback and input on March 9At the Moorings Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m.Recommendations are due by March 17th.The Naples Airport Authority will be holding a meeting on April 20 to finalize their report to the FAA based on public feedback.This morning at 8:30 in the Naples City Council ChambersAfter receiving Naples Airport Authority’s report, the FAA has 180 days to review it and issue a response. The FAA will review the proposals and approve or reject them, at which point the airport can put them into action.

The general public is encouraged to offer suggestions for mitigating airport noise.

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