KATHMANDU: Uncertainty surrounds over helicopter flights from Nalinchok helipad just three weeks after the new helipad came into operation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has instructed helicopter flights to adhere to current safety standards. However, helicopter companies have requested the CAAN to halt flights from the helipad, citing security concerns.

Pilots have stopped flying from Nalinchok helipad, operational since June 21, claiming it is unsafe. They submitted an application to the CAAN highlighting flight safety issues at Nalinchok. In response, the CAAN formed a 16-member committee to address these concerns, chaired by Prabhakar Chandra Mallik, deputy director of CAAN. The committee is tasked with submitting a report with suggestions within a week.

CAAN Deputy Director Hansraj Pandey explained that a list of security risks was prepared before the helipad's construction, followed by a safety risk assessment. Despite measures to reduce safety risks, pilots have reported experiencing practical risks during flights, prompting serious discussions.

The committee will analyze both the initial theoretical safety risks calculated by the CAAN and the practical risks observed by pilots. Their report, due in seven days, will assess the helipad's operability and suggest measures to minimize any identified risks.

Initially, CAAN minimized risks from terrain, geographical conditions, and man-made structures (buildings, towers, electrical wires, poles) to start helipad operations. However, pilots have now reported practical difficulties in operating helicopters, leading to the formation of the committee to consider both theoretical and practical aspects.

Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer of CAAN, noted that many points raised by pilots focused on convenience. He emphasized that CAAN will not compromise on security matters. A test flight was conducted at Nalinchok Helipad on December 12, 2023, following procedure, and regular flights began on June 21 after a meeting with helicopter company owners on June 19. CAAN said it is committed to addressing security concerns and will take further action based on the committee's report.

Currently, there are no flights taking place from Nalinchok due to lack of demand.