July 2, 2012
The Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines formally and unanimously elected (Ret) Lt. Gen William Hotchkiss
III as director general of the Authority during a meeting at the Department of
Transportation and Communications.
“(Ret) Lt. General William Hotchkiss III brings to CAAP his comprehensive air operations experience and proven people management skills,” Transport secretary Mar Roxas said. “A staunch advocate of discipline, good work ethic, and prioritizes safety in air flights, he fits the bill in overseeing the operations of CAAP.”
Hotchkiss III is expected to use his air operations skills in
assessing and finding solutions, in consultation with DOTC and other air
transport organizations, on current and pressing CAAP issues. These include the
NAIA runway congestion problem, and more importantly, in bringing the airport’s
category status to higher level.
“Good governance will be part of my agenda,” Hotchkiss III
said. “Air (security) 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.”Hotchkiss III was the former Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, responsible in managing more than 15,000 PAF military and civilian personnel to carry out the Force’s primary mission of securing the national air defense.
Other PAF missions that Hotchkiss III efficiently supervised
include search and rescue, transportation, and communications for all services,
as well as securing the nation’s airports.
Hotchkiss III headed the Special Aircraft Accident
Investigation Committee that investigated the tragic Air Philippines crash in
Davao City in 2001 during the previous administration.
A recipient of numerous military medals including the ‘Top
Gun’ award in both F-86 and F-5 Combat Crew Training, Hotchkiss III is a
dedicated military personnel and countryside development worker for over half a
century.
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