Frequently Asked Questions

The Noise Abatement Program staff regularly provides information to the surrounding communities about the Airport and the Noise Abatement Program. We have provided responses to some of the most frequently asked questions received in the last few weeks by area residents.

1. Why aren’t all aircraft flying up I-95?

Before the I-95 Turn was implemented in February 1994, all jets were directed to fly straight out to the east, which at the time included a large number of much louder Stage 2 jets. The City of Fort Lauderdale, the community and the airport tenants worked with the FAA to implement the I-95 Turn. Today, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the FAA directs jets, that are departing Runway 8 with destinations to the west and north, to turn to the left over the I-95 industrial corridor. This allows the jets to gain altitude before flying over residential areas. The FAA also turns all jets up I-95 during the late night hours, regardless of destination, between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

The City is continuing to work with the FAA to extend the hours of the I-95 Turn to the greatest extent possible and has asked for support from the federally elected officials regarding this issue.

2. Have the flight patterns or routes changed?

The FAA-established flight routes for arriving and departing aircraft have not changed. However, a temporary change began in January 2007 with the closure of the smaller crosswind Runway 13/31 for pavement rehabilitation. This project is completed and the runway has reopened. This closure affected close-in airport traffic patterns, benefiting the neighborhoods immediately to the north and south.

Additionally, seasonal changes in wind direction occur at this time of year as cold fronts move into the area. These temporary changes in wind direction cause the flow of air traffic to shift from a predominately west-to-east flow to an east-to-west flow.

3. Is the number of aircraft operations increasing?

Overall, total traffic at Executive Airport has decreased over 20% in the past five years. Economic conditions, such as the price of fuel, cost of insurance, and overall operating costs, have impacted the amount of sport and recreational activity that takes place. However, the Airport has experienced an increase in the amount of corporate jet activity over the same period, reflecting the business environment in South Florida. Fortunately, this increase has been by the quieter, Stage 3 jets, which currently represent 95% of the jet activity at the Airport.

From January to February 2007, total traffic at the Airport decreased by nearly one thousand takeoffs and landings, according to the FAA’s traffic count. However, the closure of the smaller crosswind Runway 13/31 for rehabilitation shifted all traffic to the main runway, increasing the use of that runway for the past two months. Additionally, the Super Bowl in early February accounted for a greater number of jets over the days of the event period. Seasonal wind conditions also play a role in determining which runway will be used. As a result of these season winds, jet departures for Runway 26 nearly doubled from January to February this year, resulting in more jets departing to the west. (See Tables)

4. Do commercial airline flights fly into Executive Airport?

No. The FAA categorizes Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport as a General Aviation (GA) airport. General Aviation is non-airline aviation that includes business/ corporate aircraft, personally owned aircraft, and aviation businesses such as charter, sightseeing, or flight training. The FAA prohibits the operation of scheduled air carriers, such as regional or major airlines, at GA airports.

5. Why does the airport need a new Control Tower?

The existing Control Tower is fourteen (14) years past it’s 20-year design life. The FAA needs to replace the current Tower with one that is constructed to meet the new FAA Tower Security requirements and to withstand hurricanes. The new Tower would provide a better vantage point of our airport and is important to help ensure the safe operation of aircraft. The Control Tower is an integral part of the FXE Noise Abatement Program that relies on controllers to instruct jet aircraft to make the I-95 Turn and to take off to the west at night, when wind conditions are calm.

6. Will the Foreign-Trade Zone bring cargo aircraft? And why does the Executive Airport need a Foreign-Trade Zone?

The goal of the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is to offer manufacturing and distribution companies in the area cost-saving opportunities and economic incentives. The FTZ is also part of the City’s overall program to promote job retention and growth and to attract new businesses to the area.

The City’s FTZ designation does not change the character of the Airport or the types of airplanes that use FXE. Currently, no airport or industrial tenant is using the FTZ designation. As a matter of fact, Customs does not allow cargo to be cleared at Executive Airport. The FXE Customs facility is only for clearing passengers. One company, located just south of the City, has activated in the City’s FTZ and this maritime company’s goods are transported through the seaport to and from their facility.

7. Where can I learn more about the Noise Abatement Program?

Go to http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/FXE/noise.htm.

For other questions about the Airport, contact the Executive Airport at 954-828-4955.