September 28:  The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has banned the operation of 'AS-350 B 3 E' helicopters belonging to two airline companies, Shree Airlines and Fishtail Airlines. This action has been taken due to serious violations of aviation regulations.

CAAN grounded these helicopters saying that they had violated aviation rules by conducting flights in adverse weather condition in the Lukla region.  Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer at CAAN, said that three helicopters owned by these two airlines were banned from flying due to their non-compliance with the requirement to remain grounded during adverse weather conditions.

These helicopters were observed conducting flights when the visibility was significantly less than the prescribed minimum of 100 meters, a clear violation of Visual Flight Rules (VFR).  (RSS)