NBAA Strongly Supports FAA Decision that Naples Stage 2 Ban Violates Federal Law

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Washington, DC, March 12, 2003 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) strongly supports the FAA Director’s Determination released yesterday that the ban on Stage 2 aircraft operations imposed by the Naples Municipal Airport (APF) violates the Federal Aviation Act and Federal grant assurances.

According to the determination by David Bennett, FAA director of airport safety and standards, in banning Stage 2 operations in March 2002, the City failed to demonstrate that it faced liability from Stage 2 operations and also failed to consider all reasonable alternatives. The decision also notes that, “These and other positions argued by the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) would have potential adverse effects on the national airspace system that have not been seriously considered, much less studied in detail, and have not been raised in any forum in which all affected members of the aviation community could comment.”

“This is a landmark determination for business aviation,” stated NBAA President Jack Olcott. “The FAA’s determination upholds the integrity of the 65 dB noise contour and the fundamental concept that Federal aviation grant assurances cannot be ignored. It also reaffirms the importance of the Congressionally-mandated Part 161 process.”

If the determination becomes final and the airport continues its ban on Stage 2 operations, the airport could become ineligible for future Federal funding from FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.

A copy of the FAA’s complete decision is available online at www.nbaa.org/airports/APF.

NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,300 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.

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