The Naples Airport Authority is advising the public of a series of flight tests scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 2, lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Hughes Aerospace will conduct the flight tests at Naples Airport, which will utilize all four runway ends, as part of its development of arrival flight procedures. The test flights are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the procedures meet required safety and performance standards.

"We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation as we work to implement procedures that aim to even further reduce the airport's noise impact," said Chris Rozansky, Naples Airport Authority executive director.

A Part 150 Noise Study approved by the Naples Airport Authority identified key measures for enhanced noise mitigation, including the new arrival procedures. This approach is expected to expedite the implementation of those new procedures by at least three years,  as compared to waiting for the FAA to take action The new procedures could be in place by the end of this year.

The changes will raise the altitude of all arriving aircraft, reducing their noise impact on the ground below.

Under the revised procedures, some arriving aircraft will be nearly 1,000 feet higher before beginning their final descent. Approaches from the southwest over downtown Naples are expected to be 100 feet higher as they cross the shoreline near 17^th Ave South.  This adjustment is expected to provide relief to residents living in the downtown area.

This particular approach adjustment was the only flight procedure that qualified to be approved by the FAA as part of the Part 150 Noise Study, as higher altitudes decrease noise intensity.

The Naples Airport Authority is also working to develop improved departure procedures, reaffirming its long-term commitment to noise abatement and its dedication to preserving the quality of life in Naples for years to come.

About Naples Airport

Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of America and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The  airport serviced 119,075 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to corporate aviation, air charter, car rental, flight schools and critical public services such as fire/rescue, air ambulance services, mosquito control and the Collier County Sheriff's Aviation Unit, the airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes.

All funds used for the airport's operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport's annual economic impact on the community at more than $781 million.

For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.