Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pande, has held a series of discussions with Defense Minister Manvir Rai and Chief of Army Staff Ashok Sigdel regarding improvements in the civil aviation sector. These discussions come in the wake of recent aircraft and helicopter accidents that have prompted a comprehensive review of aviation safety measures.
During the discussions, officials from the Nepal Army provided valuable insights on training, management, and best practices in aviation safety. They emphasized the need to incorporate modern technology to address the challenges posed by Nepal’s diverse geography and seasonal variations. This includes the installation of advanced weather monitoring systems to prevent accidents caused by adverse weather conditions.
Minister Pande convened a meeting on Sunday with the Defense Minister, the Chief of Army Staff, and the secretaries of the relevant ministries to collectively address these concerns. The focus of the meeting was to explore how the Nepal Army’s effective aviation services could be utilized to enhance the safety of non-military flights.
Although an investigation committee has been formed to examine recent aviation incidents, the final report is still pending. In the meantime, the Nepal Army officials suggested that while the overarching system and regulations for aviation safety are in place, greater emphasis should be placed on the implementation of these regulations.
The Army clarified that its aviation safety guidelines are aligned with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thereby not necessitating adherence to additional ICAO directives. They also recommended the construction of helipads in high-traffic areas and proposed the formation of a joint committee involving the Civil Aviation Authority, ICAO, and the Nepal Army. This committee would focus on regular discussions, research, and monitoring of aviation safety practices.
Overall, the discussions underscore a proactive approach toward enhancing aviation safety in Nepal, aiming to leverage the expertise of military aviation practices to safeguard civilian air travel.
