2008 aviation conference draws record participants

The 2008 Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop kicked off yesterday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan with the three-day conference breaking the record for turnout, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority acting executive director Lee Cabrera.

Cabrera, in a telephone interview, said the first day of the workshop saw more than 176 participants register for the event.

“It was an excess of 176 registrants. We understand from Barry Brayer [Federal Aviation Administration Micronesia Program manager] that it was more or less a record as far as the turnout was concerned.”

The first day of the 2008 Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop opened with reports from the various airport managers around the region. The first series of speakers consisted of reports from Palau International Airport manager Charles Obichang, Marshall Islands Ports Authority director Jack S. Chong-Gum, RMI Directorate of Civil Aviation director Stanley Myazoe, and Federated States of Micronesia Division of Civil Aviation safety inspector Massy Halbert during the morning schedule.

They were followed after lunch by Pohnpei Ports Authority general manager Ieske Iehsi, Kosrae International Airport manager Wadel Kinere, Chuuk International Airport manager Lukas Mori, and Yap International Airport manager Frederick Figir.

The final batch of reports were then delivered by Pago Pago International Airport manager Dave Fuimaono, Hawaii DOT Airports Division design engineer Guy Ichinotsubo, and CPA’s Cabrera.

“It was a record number, not to mention the number of sponsors. If an issue pertains within FAA, various concerns across all Micronesian airports, it will fall on the one-on-one afternoon session,” said Cabrera during the telephone interview.

Reports primarily focused on the airports’ ongoing improvement programs or AIP and status reports on runway safety and equipment. Today, Tuesday, the workshop is expected to shift gear and discuss FAA matters—primarily technical side and grant programs associated with the agency.

CPA comptroller Frances Mafnas, for her part, said the record number of registrants was welcome news for the organizing committee led by its chairman Jack Diaz. She said it was the first time that this kind of workshop had that high number of participants.

The theme for the workshop is “Planning for Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Development in Partnership with Government and Industry”.

Topics for discussion include air traffic, risk management systems, flight procedures and standards, as well as other airport related topics involving weather service, funding opportunities and airport emergency procedures.

Invited speakers will also provide reports on the much anticipated military buildup in Guam.