Business Aviation Operations at Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

Naples Municipal Airport (APF) in Florida is a key general aviation hub that significantly contributes to the local economy. It supports corporate, private, and charter aviation, along with flight training. The airport hosts public services like law enforcement aviation, fire/rescue, and mosquito control. With two runways and multiple FBOs, it handles over 100,000 operations yearly. APF also promotes community engagement through environmental efforts and educational exhibits.

Key Facts and Services at Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

Naples Municipal Airport (APF) recorded 122,281 operations in FY22 and is home to 360 based aircraft, with numbers rising seasonally. It generates a $781 million annual economic impact and remains financially self-sustaining, relying on hangar rent and fuel sales without local tax funding. U.S. Customs services enable international access, with 1,998 aircraft clearings and 8,994 passengers in FY22. APF also hosts flight schools, aircraft charter and sales, air ambulance services, corporate aviation, and the Civil Air Patrol.

Terminals and Runways at Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

Naples Municipal Airport features two main asphalt runways—Runway 5/23 (6,600 feet) and Runway 14/32 (5,000 feet)—capable of handling a wide range of general aviation aircraft, including corporate jets. The airport has modern terminal facilities with business lounges, meeting rooms, and pilot lounges tailored to the needs of private and corporate travelers. Fixed-base operators (FBOs) have full-service amenities including fueling, catering, and comfortable waiting areas, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Landing Permit Requirements for Business Jets at Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

Naples Municipal Airport (APF) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-designated airport, enabling international arrivals. Below are key requirements for business jets:

Domestic Flights (U.S.-Registered Aircraft):

• No formal landing permit required.
• Compliance with FAA Part 91 regulations suffices.
• Ensure aircraft airworthiness, crew licensing, and standard operational documentation.

International Flights:

• CBP Clearance Mandatory: APF has CBP services for immigration and customs.

Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS):

• Submit crew/passenger manifests ≥60 minutes before departure.
• Required for both inbound and outbound flights.

FAA Landing Permits (Foreign-Registered Aircraft):

• Commercial Flights (Charter): FAA Part 375 permit required. Apply via the FAA’s online portal (72+ hours recommended).
• Private Non-Revenue Flights: Permit not required if operating under “private” status.

Documentation Checklist:

• Aircraft registration and airworthiness certificate.
• Valid insurance (minimum $1M liability coverage).
• Crew licenses/medical certificates.
• Passenger manifests (full names, nationalities, passport details).
• Prior CBP notification.

Slot Coordination & Peak Operational Hours at Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

APF does not operate a formal slot system, but operational constraints exist during peak periods:

Peak Seasons/Times:

• High Season: December–April (snowbird traffic).
• Daily Peaks: 8:00–10:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM (common for corporate arrivals/departures).
• Event-Driven Demand: Major events (e.g., Naples Winter Wine Festival, golf tournaments) increase traffic.

Coordination Process:

• Contact Early: Secure parking/handling during peak season (parking is limited; 24–48 hours’ notice advised).
• Runway Constraints: Single runway (5/23; 6,000 ft). Expect delays during peak; prioritize off-peak scheduling.
• TSA Security: No security slots, but adhere to FAA/TSA guidelines (e.g., sterile area protocols).

Operational Tips:

• Alternate Airports: Consider Page Field (FMY) or Southwest Florida Int’l (RSW) if APF is congested.
• Noise Abatement: Voluntary curfew (10:00 PM–7:00 AM); adhere to FAA noise procedures.

 

Final recommendations include verifying requirements at least 72 hours before your flight, monitoring NOTAMs for real-time updates such as runway closures or CBP availability, and booking handling and fuel services early during the peak season to ensure smooth operations.

Naples Municipal Airport (APF) Ground Handling Operations

By leveraging APF’s robust ground handling infrastructure, business flight operators can deliver a seamless, high-end experience for passengers and crew:

Fuel Availability

APF has reliable fuel services through its Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), with 24/7 availability:

Fuel Types Available:

• Jet A-1: Available at both FBOs.
• AVGAS 100LL: Available for piston-engine aircraft.

Fueling Procedures:

• Hot Refueling: Permitted with proper safety protocols (fire extinguishers and bonded fuelers).
• Fuel Orders: Prioritized via FBOs; pre-order to minimize delays during peak seasons.
• HAZMAT Compliance: Fuel trucks adhere to FAA and EPA regulations.

Ramp Handling

APF has full-service ramp handling for business jets:

Aircraft Marshaling:

• Certified marshaling teams guide aircraft to parking positions.
• Hand signals or lighted wands for night operations.

Pushback/Towing:

• Available for all aircraft types (up to Gulfstream G650/Bombardier Global 7500).
• Towbars provided; confirm compatibility with ground handlers in advance.

Lavatory Servicing:

• Blue Ice (waste tank) and greywater disposal available.
• Servicing trucks comply with FAA sanitation standards.

Potable Water:

• Filtered water replenishment upon request.
• Use of potable water trucks with FAA-approved hoses.

De-Icing:

• Limited availability (rarely required in subtropical Naples climate).
• Glycol-based de-icing can be arranged with advance notice.

Ground Power Units (GPU):

• 28V DC and 115V AC GPU carts available.
• Compatibility checks conducted before connection.

Additional Services:

• Aircraft cleaning (interior/exterior).
• Baggage handling (manual or belt-loader support).

Passenger & Crew Services (Customs Clearance)

APF is a Port of Entry with full CBP services:

• Inbound Flights: Clearance occurs at the FBO facility (pre-coordinate with handling agent).
• Outbound Flights: eAPIS submission required; CBP available for outbound inspections.

Operational Notes

• Peak Season Constraints: During December–April, book all services 24–48 hours in advance.
• Noise Abatement: Avoid running APUs for extended periods; use GPU where possible.
• Waste Disposal: Strict adherence to EPA rules for lavatory/chemical waste.

FAQs About Naples Municipal Airport (APF) for Business Flight Operators

1. What are APF’s noise abatement procedures and run-up restrictions?

APF enforces strict noise mitigation rules due to its proximity to residential areas:

 

Runup Restrictions:

• Piston Aircraft: Must use designated runup pads on Taxiway A (for Runway 5/23).
• Jet Aircraft: Restricted to the runup area on Taxiway C between Taxiway C3 and Taxiway D. and PPR (Prior Permission Required) from the ATCT.
• Timing: All engine runups prohibited daily between 2200–0700 local time.

 

Calm Wind Runway Designations (2200–0600 Local):

• Arrivals: Use Runway 23.

• Departures: Use Runway 5.

2. Are there aircraft weight or operational limitations at APF?

Yes. APF restricts operations to ensure infrastructure safety:

• Max Gross Weight: Aircraft exceeding 75,000 lbs are prohibited unless equipped with dual main landing gear as certified by the manufacturer.

 

Taxiway Constraints:

• Taxiway C (C-1 to Runway 32): Not visible from the ATCT. Ground handlers must coordinate movements via radio (CTAF 120.0 MHz).
• Apron Obstacles: Light poles on the GA apron require caution during taxi/parking.

3. When is full-service fuel unavailable?

• Daily Fuel Service Gap: Full-service fueling (Jet A-1 and AVGAS) is unavailable 0130–1030Z (8:30 PM–5:30 AM local time during standard time).

4. How do taxiway visibility issues impact ground operations?

Taxiway C Blind Spot: The segment between Taxiway C-1 and Runway 32 is not visible from the control tower. Operators must:

 

• Report positions clearly via CTAF (120.0 MHz).
• Follow explicit ATC instructions; do not proceed without confirmation.
• Use wing walkers after dark if uncertain about taxiway alignment.

5. What are APF’s parking and apron guidelines?

• Apron Caution: Light poles on the GA apron may obstruct wingtips. FBOs assign parking spots based on aircraft size.
• Tow Requirements: Aircraft parked overnight may need towbars left in place for rapid repositioning during emergencies.

 

At Just Aviation, we ensure seamless operations at Naples Municipal Airport (APF) by handling permits, slots, ground services, and compliance for your business flights. Trust our expertise to navigate APF’s unique requirements—contact us for tailored support and stress-free travel. Your flight, our priority.