Martinez names team to review aircraft

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE/AP) - Gov.-elect Susana Martinez has named a former state aviation director to lead a team in reviewing New Mexico's aircraft fleet.

Martinez said Wednesday that Mike Rice will serve as chairman. Rice is a former director of the state Aviation Division. He is an aviation consultant and a retired New Mexico Air National Guard brigadier general.

The team will make recommendations on whether New Mexico needs the three aircraft operated by the General Services Department. Martinez has said she wants to sell a jet bought in 2005.

The team also will assess whether the aircraft have been properly maintained and are safe to operate. KRQE's Larry Barker investigated the aircraft safety in November and found that many were in violation of safety regulations.

Team members include an aircraft maintenance company owner and retired Air Force and Air National Guard officials.