CAAP board elects ex-PAF chief Hotchkiss as director-general

Former Philippine Air Force chief retired Lt. Gen William Hotchkiss III was elected by to head the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Department of Transportation and Communications said Monday.   In a statement on the Official Gazette, the DOTC said the CAAP board of directors unanimously elected Hotchkiss to the post.   Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II said he expects Hotchkiss to bring to the CAAP his comprehensive air operations experience and proven people management skills.   “A staunch advocate of discipline, good work ethic, and prioritizes safety in air flights, he fits the bill in overseeing the operations of CAAP,” he said.   “Good governance will be part of my agenda,” Hotchkiss said. “Air operations are not new to me, but I need some time to fully understand the pressing issues facing CAAP before I can make the right decision to institute reforms,” he added.   The DOTC said Hotchkiss is expected to use his air operations skills to address aviation issues – in consultation with DOTC and air transport organizations – including congestion problems at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway and the NAIA category status with the Federal Aviation Authority.   As former PAF commander, Hotchkiss managed more than 15,000 PAF military and civilian personnel in securing the nation's airports and in conducting search-and-rescue missions.   He headed the Special Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee that investigated the Air Philippines crash in Davao City in 2001.   His military awards included the "Top Gun" award in both F-86 and F-5 combat crew training.   The DOTC described him as "a dedicated military personnel and countryside development worker for over half a century." — GMA News