The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in response to the increasing Helicopter traffic has decided to amend the existing Heli-Lanes. Nepal has a booming private helicopter industry.
Deputy Director General (DDG.2) for CAA Nepal, Mr Rajan Pokharel stated that the authorities will expand the new routes so that there will be no problem in operating helicopters. Authorities in collaboration with the FSSD, Senior Aviation experts including senior Helicopter Pilots have initiated the work for the extension and modification of the route and is anticipated to be accomplished by the end of December, this year.
The new Heli-lanes will allow helicopter by remaining 7,100 feet below in the coming days. Presently, all the departing helicopters are required to maintain 4600 ft till crossing Take-Off/ landing path then follow respective Heli-lane altitude.
Currently, there are eight Heli-lane existing at Kathmandu named with BAGMATI (Bravo & Kilo), BHAKTAPUR, CHANGU, GOKARNA, MAIJU, SITAPAILA, THANKOT and TOKHA (Bravo & Kilo). But CAA Nepal has prohibited SITAPAILA heli-lane establishing restricted area due Presidential Residence area (Sital Niwas) taking security as the major concern.
The rotor wing aircraft following any heli-lane must maintain 4800 Ft altitude. Presently, the number of helicopters in Nepal is 35.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is a regulatory body dealing with safety issues. CAA of Nepal is also responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within Nepal and for enforcement of Civil Air Regulations, Airworthiness, Operations and Air safety.
The FSSD, formerly known as Aviation Safety Department under CAA Nepal comprises of different divisions and section namely Airworthiness Inspection Division, Flight Standards and Licensing Division, Flight Operations Division.