Airport Authority Adds Noise-Abatement Communication Position

Diane Terrill has joined the City of Naples Airport Authority as its communications specialist for noise abatement. The position was created to oversee the noise program for Naples Municipal Airport and includes the responsibilities of responding to the public about aircraft noise concerns; promoting noise-abatement procedures among airport users; assisting with public outreach and communication; and working with the Airport Authority’s Noise Compatibility Committee.

Terrill most recently served as manager of Laconia Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport in Gilford, New Hampshire. Built in 1941, the airport serves the needs of pilots flying a range of aircraft: from small, single-engine planes to transatlantic jets. Terrill joined the Laconia Airport Authority in 1990 and served as airport manager since 1999. She developed the airport’s Good Neighbor policy to alleviate noise and traffic issues, increase public awareness and garner strong community support.

The Federal Aviation Administration recognized Terrill for “bold and courageous actions and follow-through at every level of government – local, state, and federal,” resulting in the largest grant in the airport’s history. She also developed a capital improvement plan for Laconia Municipal Airport and helped the airport to become financially self-sufficient.

Terrill was 2012-2014 president of the Granite State Airport Management Association, served as a board member and instructor with the Aerospace and Aviation Education Center at Winnipesaukee and served on the boards of the Lakes Region Tourism Association and the Belknap County Economic Development Council. Active in several other professional associations, she has completed training courses with the American Association of Airport Executives. In addition, the Project Management Institute certified Terrill as a Project Management Professional, which recognizes demonstrated competence in leading and directing project teams.

Executive Director Ted Soliday said, “This position demonstrates the Airport Authority’s commitment to noise abatement and communication with airport users, our neighbors and the public. Finding a candidate with Diane’s airport experience and enthusiasm is advantageous not only for the airport but also for the community.”

In 2012, the Airport Authority and the Noise Compatibility Committee launched the “Please Fly Safe Fly Quiet” campaign to encourage pilots and aircraft operators to do all they can to minimize aircraft noise. The campaign encourages pilots to observe the airport’s recommended 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. aircraft curfew, as well as to follow recommendations such as using the full runway length for takeoffs and landings; observing “keep-it-high” landing procedures and quieter departure techniques; adhering to preferred flight paths; and minimizing reverse thrust.

Naples Municipal Airport, a certificated air-carrier airport, is home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rental agencies and corporate aviation and nonaviation businesses as well as fire/rescue services, mosquito control, the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and other community services.

During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the airport accommodated 95,120 takeoffs and landings.

All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or from federal and state grants; the airport receives no property tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s economic impact to the community at $283.5 million annually.

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