UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021

Robust Army Aviation in for Services to the Country, People and Organization

Man Bahadur Karki

Abstract nimble and adoptable force multiplier for enhanced national security, examines its Aviation is an essential mode of transport contributions in the service of country, people service because of the mountainous terrain and organization as a state–owned institution in Nepal. Diff erent parts of the country with supports from secondary data. cannot be connected through a wide range of road network. Further, Nepal’s diverse Keywords: Air transportation, Nepal Army geographical features, ranging from high Aviation, civil aviation, state owned aircraft hills to low wetlands appropriate airport Introduction: Prospect of Aviation Industry in transport. Nepal Army Aviation unit has Nepal immensely contributed to the organizational operational fl ights, emergency aerial rescue, Aviation is an equally essential mode of relief, humanitarian services and nation’s transport in Nepal. Because of its diverse development with the limited resources and geographical features, infrastructures and infrastructure during its fi fty–fi ve years geo-strategic position, air transportation of journey in the air. After the adoption of can best serve Nepal for its security and liberal sky policy by the Government of Nepal connectivity. Air transportation has an in 1992, the private commenced inherited advantage of speed, height and commercial air operations. Prior to this fl exibility to carry out the tasks through and Nepal Army Aviation unit eff ective utilization of air assets. When there were only the two entities operating inside is a need for service in a short notice and the domestic airspace of Nepal. Despite the regular transportation of passengers, cargos, number of private air operators, there are logistics services, special and other fl ights still not enough and abundantly available at the normal and emergency, aviation is the air assets to fulfi ll all the requirements of most eff ective mode of transport. Despite fast air services especially in emergency aerial growth in private air operators in Nepal, there rescue, quick disaster response humanitarian still lack abundant air assets to provide quick assistance and relief fl ights in a short notice. aerial rescue, relief, humanitarian and special Furthermore, there is a scope for the civil– fl ights. Precisely, there is a tremendous military partnership in the civil aviation fi eld prospect of partnership opportunity for the for the Nepal Army Aviation. This article, Nepal Army Aviation to collaborate with the in eff orts to make the Army Aviation agile, civil aviation in order to promote tourism and strengthen economy in the country.

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In the history of aviation in Nepal, 1949 and charter services in various regions of the AD is considered a beginning of aviation country. As of now there are four fi xed wing operations in Nepal with the landing of operating international sector and nine Ambassador Mr. Sarjit Singh Mahathia four- airlines in the domestic sectors. Likewise, ten seater single engine Beechcraft Bonanza fl ight rotary wing companies and four recreational at Gauchar, (KC, 2020, np). This (Ultralight) companies are operating in the offi cial fl ight opened a new avenue to start development of air transportation in Nepal Himalayan Aviation Dakota chartered fl ight (CAAN, 2020, p. 1). from Kathmandu to , . Within a few years of charter service, then Royal Prior to the entry of private commercial Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) began operation in the aviation industry in 1992, there domestic and international scheduled fl ights were only two Government entities operating from July 1958. Likewise, various domestic inside the domestic airspace in Nepal. Those airports were constructed to expand domestic were the Nepal Army–owned aircrafts and networks for the RNAC commercial fl ights Nepal Airlines commercial aircrafts. Nepal home and also expanded in the international Airlines was rendering mostly the commercial routes with this national fl ag carrier. scheduled and chartered fl ights by the fi xed wing in the various airfi elds. Whereas Within less than a couple of decades, Royal another state–owned entity, Nepal Army Nepalese Army Airborne Transport Support Aviation was rendering the services with the Wing was established in 1965 with the three fi xed and rotary wing across the country for Twin Pioneer aircraft gifted by the British the transportation of developmental goods, Government to start troops transportation, emergency rescue, relief, transportation of V/ rescue, cargo and operational needed fl ights. VIP passenger and other miscellaneous works In the subsequent years, the name of this on charter basis as per the Commercial Flight wing changed with various names and Development Committee Order 2036 BS fi nally expanded at the level of Directorate (Byaparik Udan Bikas Samiti Gathan Aadesh General of Army Aviation (DGAA) in April 2036).1 Some of these commercial fl ights 2010. DGAA comprises fl ying bases of Mid transported turbine, parts of suspension- Air Base, Western Air Base, V/VIP Flight bridge, and daily use commodities to remote Service, Maintenance Service and Training areas. They would also deliver food items, Center. including salt, rice, oil, noodles and lentils. In the meantime, those airlines could carry After the Government’s adoption of the constructions materials, such as rod, cement, liberal sky policy in 1992, the private sector iron, steel and solar power panels. Likewise, started to invest in the aviation industry in those carriers delivered fuel and vehicles Nepal. Such liberalization opened another to rural parts across the hilly region of chapter and expanded aviation services Nepal at the request of Government, non- through private investment in the aviation industry. This policy attracted the investors 1 According to Commercial Flight Development to start fi xed wing (airplane) and Rotary Wing Committee Order 2036 fi fty percent of the amount collected from the charter fl ight goes directly to the (helicopter) operations. Rotary wing service national revenue and the remaining fi fty percent will is mainly on the charter basis, whereas the be used for the maintenance, procurement of spares and fi xed wing started the scheduled commercial training of the crew.

130 UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021 governmental and international organization. civil aviation, transportation of construction Likewise, there was regular charter service materials, explosive for construction of requested by and road, sling operation and V/VIP chartered Salt Trading Corporation to transport daily service. At times, it is taking more than one commodities, such as rice and salt in the day to locate and recover the lost aircraft. Mid-Western and Far Western region where Other times, there are several premature the road connectivity was very limited. In this death of pregnant women without health situation, air was considered the most feasible facilities in the remote villages and delay in option. In this period, other entity aircrafts providing aerial rescue fl ights, lack of air were rendering commercial passengers resources during the monsoon season or at and limited cargo fl ights in domestic and other human induced and natural disaster to international sectors, including the Very/Very provide swift aerial response, transportation Important Personnel (V/VIP) offi cial abroad of fuel, bitumen, explosives in the various trips. regions of the country for road, hydropower construction work, transportation of critical The frequency of the civil support fl ights to medical equipment and medicine during the Nepal Food Corporation and Salt Trading epidemic and pandemic, support fl ights to Corporation decreased in Nepal Army sister security forces, federal and provincial Aviation as the private airlines with fi xed and government fl ights and so on. Therefore, rotary wing aircraft started their commercial it clearly vindicates the utilization and operation from 1992. Nonetheless, there importance of state owned air assets to render are still several requests made at the army service not only confi ned to the organization, aviation for air services of emergency aerial Nepal Army but to the country and people rescue, Search and Rescue (SAR) service to too.

Fig.1 Airports of Nepal (Source: https://www.guthi.net/nepalatc/airports.html#15.%20Bhojpur)

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Army aviation is the state–owned aircraft deal reconnaissance and surveillance, show of in Army assets is investment in the national force, deterrence, battle casualty evacuation assets to strengthen and promote national from the front line, communication fl ights, security of the country. Air assets are costly observation and correction of the artillery fi re to procure, operate and sustain its operation. and so on are the key operational and tactical However, it has got several advantages and fl ights of the robust Army aviation. is indispensable for every country. For that reason, Bhandari claims that Army aviation V/VIP Flight Service “should not be considered as a costly burden Some of the air assets are registered as in times of peace and important at the time per the Nepal Civil Aviation Regulations of threat or war” (Bhandari, 2009, p. 3). The (NCAR). These assets are maintained, more we equip, maintain, expand, improve, operated and regulated in accordance with train and modernize the army aviation, the the prevailing civil aviation act, regulations more the country can reap. In that condition, and standards. This legal provision off ers the the country can serve the public better. Nepal Army Aviation opportunities to serve the Moreover, Nepal Army force projects its people and organizations for the operational military capability while strengthening needs at their request. There is a lack of multi national security through the robust Nepal engine helicopters choice from the civil Army Aviation.Various Types of the Civil operators when the international organization and Military Flight Operations and diplomatic mission at times opt to charter the multi-engine helicopter. Only Army aviation assets are capable enough to the has Mi-17 helicopter, carry out multifaceted tasks. Assets are easily rest another nine helicopter companies are convertible to provide immediate services operating with the single engine helicopter from one role to another as per the need. It (CAAN Report, 2020, p. 46). Therefore, has been providing multiple civil and military army aviation as a state–owned asset is a fl ight operations to the people, organization choice available for important service with and country since its inception–be it at the the ranges of helicopters option in civil normal time or troubled time or disaster with and army confi guration. In most of the V/ the limited available resources. VIPs President, Prime Minister or Foreign Army Operational and Tactical Flights Dignitaries offi cial visits to the country army aviation civil version helicopters are being Army Aviation primarily aims at carrying out used. the strategic, operational and tactical needs of the organization in the normal, confl ict, Para Jump/Supply Drop disaster and emergency round the clock seven One of the other main operational activities days a week. Transportation of troops, cargo, is parachute jump, supply drop, jump master resupply, casualty/medical evacuation from and path fi nder training. These activities are fi eld or transfer to the better medical facilities, only possible through Army air assets. Both close air support, night vision goggles (NVG) the fi xed wing and rotary wing are capable of fl ights, slithering/hoisting operation, insertion carrying out this unique role. During the 2015 and extraction of the troops, combat search Earthquake in Nepal, aerial supply drop was and rescue, training, V/VIP fl ight, aerial proven essential after the onset of earthquake

132 UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021 in providing relief items where the helicopter sorties to Kailash Mansarovar or multiple could not land due to the limited space or shuttles from to Everest Base camp obstacles. required preposition of aviation fuel at the nearest airfi elds. Cargo Transportation Sling/Underslung Operation Transportation of foods, medicines, construction materials, bitumen, solar energy, Sling operation is a kind of service on which iron-rod, steel, zinc sheet, plywood and so the heavy and odd size loads that cannot on are the materials being fl own on cargo accommodate inside the fuselage of aircraft are fl ights request from the Government and airlifted from one place to another. Normally, non-governmental agencies after the approval distance is a short but a topographical barrier from the Army HQ level. These types of fl ight to transport by means of road is inconvenient. are carried out when the civil airlines are For instance, moving heavy turbine machines unavailable enough to execute these tasks. for the hydroelectricity dam construction, Additionally, there is a lack of aviation fuel at transporting other heavy equipments, the remote airfi elds where the pre-positioning such as dozer, excavator, tractor, pick up of aviation fuel is required for the multiple van, generator and fuselage of aircraft for sorties for the civil helicopters. For instance, maintenance are few examples of underslung in to carry out the helicopter multiple operations being carried out to assist in developmental works and economic growth.

Fig. 2 Mi-17 Underslung/Sling operations (Source: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2y3ijy) Search and Rescue to provide rescue operations. SAR mission is launched immediately. When the aircraft Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is fails to provide position report for more than an obligation of Civil Aviation inside the thirty minutes, aircraft lost procedure starts. national airspace. Upon the request from Additionally, to search the lost mountaineers Civil Aviation, SAR mission fl ight is or trekkers in the high hill upon request from carried out to locate, identify and trace the charter parties or Government Agency this whereabouts of the aircraft and if need be type of fl ight will be performed.

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Ceremonial Flights 3. During the visit of the United Kingdom Prince Harry to the various On the regular basis during the Maha locations of Nepal in March 2016. Shivratri and Army Day, Democracy Day, Constitutional Day, Fulpati festival fl ower 4. During the visit of the United Nations showering (Puspa-bristi) and banner display under Secretary General, Department of fl ights are launched. In addition to these, in and Operations (DPKO) other special occasions such as South Asian Mr. Jean Pierre Lacroix in June 2018. Federation (SAF) Games in 1998, Exercise 5. During the President of the People’s Shanti Prayas-I at Birendra Peace Operations Republic of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Hamid Training Center (BPOTC) Panchkhal in goodwill visit to Nepal in November 2019 1999 banner display and free-fall jump were 6. Nepal’s head of state, head of carried out too. government and Army chief offi cial Foreign Dignitaries Special Flights visit to South Asian regional countries India and Bangladesh at various times, For the V/VIP transportation, it is fi xed wing aircraft (Avro/Skytruck) were recommended to use multi-engine air assets. utilized. Recent example is the Chief of Thanks to the Government, most of the Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa air assets in Nepal Army are multi-engine offi cial visit to Bangladesh 12-15 January (aircraft with more than one engine). In multi- 2020. engine aircraft, in case a single engine fails, 7. Employment of air assets for with the help of another running engine can mountain fl ight, visit to various take the passenger, cargo or payload safely heritage and tourist destinations such as to the nearest safe location or destination. Muktinaath, , , Hotel Additionally, if there is not enough air assets Everest View, Namche and so on during in the country, foreign dignitaries may bring the friendly countries Army Chiefs and their own assets to fl y inside the domestic high dignitaries offi cial visit to Nepal at routes during the offi cial visit. Therefore, the the multiple time. Government needs to give due priority and support the Army to equip it with quality Disaster Rescue and Relief Flights and proven air assets. Following are some of the key foreign dignitaries’ special fl ights Every year Nepal experiences various types completed on army air assets. of natural and human induced disasters such as earthquake, fl oods, fi re, landslide, cold/ 1. In November 2014 during the heat wave, thunderbolt, glacier outburst, air South Asian Association of Regional and road accidents, epidemic and so on. In Cooperation (SAARC) Summit army terms of disaster vulnerability to earthquakes aviation provided the air patrol and special and fl oods Nepal ranks 11th and 30th fl ights for retreat and dignitaries visit to respectively in the world. Diromg the 2017 Lumbini, Nepal. and 2018 period, a total of 6,381 small and 2. Kathmandu to Pokhara and return large disaster incidents reported that claimed fl ights of participants of SAARC 37th 968 deaths and 3,639 injuries (MOHA, 2019, Session of the Council of Ministers in p. 4). There is a provision for Nepal Army’s March 2016. role on disaster management according to

134 UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021 the 2015 article 267. Lukla in November 2010. There were As a prime responder of disaster in order to more than 2000 passengers stranded due provide swift and effi cient rescue, relief and to the bad weather hampered commercial rehabilitation/reconstruction fl ights, army fl ights for a few days (Becker, 2010). aviation carried out countless number of 7. In Nepal Earthquake 2015 army assets disaster related rescue and relief fl ights till were extensively employed for initial now. Few of them are as follows: On 31 July, Search and Rescue, immediate rescue, 1992 Thai Airways international fl ight TG relief and recovery fl ights in the various 311 crashed at Ghyang Phedi, Rasuwa army parts of the country. Command centers air assets deployed for the Search and Rescue were established in Kathmandu and (SAR) and recovery fl ights. Pokhara for the eff ective mobilization and 1. Record breaking mountaineering employment. With the limited number of rescue operation of Ecureuil helicopter Nepal Army helicopters transported more from the Camp 1 at an cargo than the multi-nations helicopter in altitude of 19200 feet on 15 May 1995. rescue and relief operations. Indomitable courage and extraordinary 8. In the fi rst week of July 2018, skills of the pilot managed to rescue stranded Indian pilgrims were evacuated two mountaineers. This is the recording from Hilsa to Simikot and Simikot to breaking fl ights made by the Ecureuil by using civil and army air helicopter. assets. There were 1430 Indian pilgrims 2. In November 1995, Army mobilized who were stranded while returning from air assets to evacuate more than fi ve Kailash Mansarovar due to the bad wea hundred people to rescue people who were ther. (PTI News dated 04 and 07 July stranded due to sudden heavy rainfall and 2018) landslide in the western part of Nepal, 9. A pregnant woman who was at risk Manang. after she was unable to give birth to her 3. Nepal army Avro aircraft transported baby was airlifted from Puthauttatganga, relief materials to Bhuj, India and Lahore, Rukum to Nepalgunj by a Nepal Army in Bhuj Earthquake 2001 and helicopter on 02 January 2020. (The Pakistan Earthquake 2005 respectively. Rising Nepal, 2020) 4. On 23 September 2006, Shree Airlines Mi-17 helicopter crashed at Ghunsha, Taplejung army air assets were deployed to locate the crash site and recovery. Ill- fated helicopter crash site was managed to locate only on 25 September 2006. 5. During the fl oods in Koshi, Mid- Western and Far Western Region in 2008, various army air assets deployed for the aerial search and rescue, rescue and relief operations. (NA, 2020). Fig. 3 Nepal Army Aviation Mi-17 at to rescue stranded Indian Pilgrims (PTI: 6. Army air assets evacuated stranded 2018) foreign and national passengers from

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Fig. 4 Nepal Army Aviation various services in pictures Support to the Sister Security Forces 030 (Alouette helicopter) decommissioned light utility helicopter was handed over to At the request from sister security forces the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Nepal Police (NP) and Armed Police Force Campus on Feb 12, 2020 whereas Nepal (APF), army assets provided services for Army registration NA-20 (Avro airplane) was emergency rescue, logistics support and also handed over to Narayanhiti Museum, operational support fl ights. Recent example Kathmandu. Prior to this RAN-19 (Skyvan is to establish APF Border Out Post (BOP) at airplane) was on public display at Army Chhangrul, Darchula. In the past at the time Museum, Chhauni. Partnership between of insurgency period 1996-2006, army air Civil Aviation Authority and Army Aviation assets were used for the rescue, logistics and operational support for both the forces. There is no separate and independent air traffi c service established by the Army Civil Military Partnership Aviation. For the safe, effi cient, reliable and Army Aviation Assets Handed Over to timely separations of traffi c, communication Pulchowk Campus and Narayanhiti and navigational service Nepal Army entirely Museum uses Nepal Civil Aviation Authority facilities and services. Even during the troubled be it Nepal Army handed over used air assets in confl ict or disaster the Civil Aviation has which had completed useful life and declared provided vital Air Traffi c Service (ATS) to as Beyond Economic Repair (BER) air maintain safe operations in the Nepalese assets to educational institution, museum domestic airspace. and training school. This will promote civil - military partnership, military commitment Search and Rescue to support and encourage young minds to Civil Aviation Requirement for Search & explore innovation, creativity and research Rescue (CAR-12) 2.1.1 document states work in the fi eld of science and access to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is public viewers. Nepal Army registration NA- responsible for establishment and provision

136 UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021 of search and rescue services within Nepalese territory in coordination with other agencies to ensure that assistance is rendered to persons In cases like these, the National Civil Aviation in distress. Such services shall be provided Security Committee which is the highest on a 24-hour basis. Likewise, two more body chaired by the Minister/State Minister international airports – Gautam Buddha and of Tourism and Civil Ministry level will be Pokhara – are starting operations in future. activated and provide a decision through Nepal Army Aviation is a reliable service the Committee or Subcommittee as deemed provider and state owned aircraft which has necessary. participated in almost all of the major air Way Ahead to Augment Nepal Army accidents in Nepal. Its staff is also a permanent Aviation Expansion of Air Base to East member of the Rescue Coordination Center and West (RCC) and participated in the number of accident investigation boards. Presently there are three fl ying bases i.e., Mid Air Base (MAB), Kathmandu, Western Air National Civil Aviation Security Committee Base (WAB), Surkhet including V/VIP Flight Nepal Army representative is also a member Service at Kathmandu. Thanks to the current in the numbers of Civil Aviation Committee. leadership to formally inaugurated the Western To name few but not limited to Rescue Air Base, Surkhet on 03 September 2019. The Coordination Committee, Tribhuwan WAB requires equipping with a full number International Disaster Response Committee, of assigned assets, infrastructure, equipment Airport Emergency Plan and National Civil and manpower at the earliest. In the same way, Aviation Security Committee for the safe, Eastern sector to cover Province No. 1 and effi cient, orderly, reliable and cost-eff ective some of the areas of Province No. 2, Eastern air services and tourism promotion in Nepal. Air Base (EAB) is equally quintessential to provide quick, reliable, effi cient air Service to On 24 December 1999, Indian Airlines IC address the present operational requirement 814 with 176 passengers and 15 crew aboard in the changed context and handle the future scheduled fl ights from Kathmandu to New challenges. was hijacked. The hijacked Airbus A300 was taken to Kandahar, . Deep Level Maintenance Facility It took about a week to resolve the case. Present Repair and Maintenance Service In August 2005, Austrian registered Jet should be upgraded with the modern hangar chartered fl ight bound to from and state of the art technology so that it can Guhati (Aasam), India entered to Nepalese repair and maintain the current fl eets of Airspace via Tumlingtar without any Army aviation in Nepal so as to save foreign permission from Nepal. The aircraft was force currency going abroad. It should be capable landed at Tribhuwan International Airport of doing deep level maintenance such as (TIA), Kathmandu due to the unauthorized overhaul of the medium and heavy category intrusion inside the Nepalese airspace and of fi xed wing and rotary wing independently safety of other traffi c. After the fact fi nding in Nepal. and investigation of this incident, the aircraft was released.

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Structural Adjustment with the Modern All types of aircraft are not suitable to Aircraft and Logistics operate in Nepalese remote airfi elds as there are maneuvering restrictions of one-way Army Aviation should be regarded as approach i.e., land from one direction and Combat Supporting Arms similar to Signal, take off from opposite direction at the Short Engineering, Artillery, Air Defense and Take Off and Landing (STOL) airfi elds. Armor. It should not be considered the In some of the STOL airfi elds fi xed wing Combat Support Services because of its aircraft are required to call off the operations operational capabilities at the front line, force in the afternoon due to the strong surface multiplier and lessons learnt from the past wind, turbulence or low visibility. Normally, operations. Around 450 aviation personnel, the fi xed wing operating cost is less, speed including the security staff are providing is higher, payload (carrying capacity) is more unwavering services to the country and and easy to maintain than the rotary wing countrymen. This strength is very low once helicopter. In this uniqueness of operations in its operational footprint expands outside Nepal, right balance and composition of fi xed the capital. At the time of expansion of Air and rotary wing aircrafts in the Nepal Army Bases, due consideration also needs to be Aviation is necessary for effi cient, reliable given on increasing its strength and equipping and cost-eff ective utilization. modern aircraft with the latest technology, infrastructure, quality and environmentally friendly assets.

Table - 1 Aircrafts in Nepal Army Aviation

Type of Aircraft Quantity Manufacture Country Remark Fixed Wing (Airplane) CN-235 1 Indonesia Skytruck 3 Poland Islander 1 United Kingdom Piper Trainer 2 United States of America Rotary Wing (Helicopter)

Mi-17 4 Russia Ecureuil 3 France Lancer 2 India Advanced Light 1 India Helicopter (ALH) Bell 206-2 in Civil & Bell Bell 3 United States of America 407 -1 in Army Version 1 in Civil & 1 in Army Agusta 139 2 Italy Version

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While procuring the aviation materials, Partnership with Civil Aviation Authority the concerned authority should be able of Nepal to streamline the fl eet of the aviation, installations of standard and optional special Army Aviation can establish a formal equipment and instrument, such as fi refi ghting agreement to consolidate and better equip for capability (bumbi-basket), emergency aerial the Search and Rescue operation when deemed evacuation set, hoisting/underslung, Cockpit necessary. In the past, due to topographical Voice Recorder (CVR), Flight Data Recorder features and tough geographical locations it (FDR), Enhanced Ground Proximity required more than three days to locate the Warning System (EGPWS), Traffi c Collision missing aircraft. For instance, Shree Airlines Avoidance System (TCAS), aircraft automatic Mi-17 Ghunsa Helicopter Crash in September tracking system and logistics guarantee at 2006. This ill-fated helicopter crashed on 23 least for the year. This will also help to save September 2006 and located on 25 September the money in terms of training, maintenance 2006 i.e., on the third day after the crash. and operating cost when purchasing upfront. Likewise, Dynasty Air helicopters crashed on Moreover, it also boosts capability, capacity 27 February 2019 bodies were able to recover and readiness to serve on 24/7 (twenty-four on the second day. hours a day and seven days a week) basis. All the airports which are available in Nepal Additionally, the assets should be at least two are not in operation. In Nepal, 31 out of 49 so that it will have an alternate and will not airports are in operation, and 18 of them are jeopardize the operation at the time of crisis not in operation. Besides, three of the airports or even for the normal operation. are under construction. These airports are In the Nepal Army Aviation airpower, every mostly in the hilly and mountainous terrain asset is considered strategically vital. At least where there is limited road connectivity and two thirds of the available aircraft should be also rugged terrain. In these areas, airports serviceable for operations. For this, it also are heavily dependent on-air services for the requires strong logistic back up, maintenance fast and reliable services like in Mid-Western and effi cient service in addition to the Region, Government support. To have better visibility, And Far Western Region (Sudurpaschima eff ective tracking, monitoring, managing Province). In addition, these two provinces and overseeing spares, work in progress are also less developed. During the monsoon and aircraft maintenance records should be or winter season due to the fl ood, landslide governed through the Logistics Management and snow fall, roads stretching from the South System and maintenance applications. to North are impassable and people need to search air options for passenger, cargo fl ights and emergency evacuation of patients to the better equipped medical facility.

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Table: 2 Airports in Nepal Airports in Operations - 31 Tribhuwan International Airport 1 17 Lamidanda Airport (International Airport) 2 Airport (Domestic Hub) 18 3 (Domestic Hub) 19 Airport 4 (Domestic Hub) 20 Ramechhap Airport 5 (Domestic Hub) 21 Rara Airport 6 Bajura Airport 22 Rumjatar Airport 7 23 Salle Airport 8 Bhojpur Airport 24 Sanfebagar Airport 9 Chandragadhi Airport 25 10 Chaurjahari Airport 26 Simikot Airport 11 Dang Airport 27 Surkhet Airport 12 Airport 28 Tenzing-Hillary (Lukla) Airport 13 Dolpa Airport 29 Tumlingtar Airport 14 Airport 30 Taplejung Airport 15 Airport 31 Thamkharka Airport 16 Jumla Airport Airports Not in Operation (18) 1 Baglung Airport 10 Langtang Airport 2 Baitadi Airport 11 Mahendranagar Airport 3 Bajhang Airport 12 Manamaya Rai Khanidanda Airport 4 Darchula Airport 13 Manang Airport 5 Dhorpatan Airport 14 Masinechuar Airport 6 Doti Airport 15 Airport 7 Gorkha Airport 16 Rolpa Airport 8 Jiri Airport 17 9 Kangeldanda Airport 18 Tikapur Airport Airport under Construction - 3 1 Falgunanda Airport 3 Khiji Chandeshwori Airport 2 Gulmi (Resunga) Airport (Source: Airport Profi les: https://caanepal.gov.np/aerodromes/domestic-airports)

Needless to say, if the private operators could the state scarce resource. In order to prevent not see profi t at particular airports and fl ow of further ruining and preserving the national passenger and cargo is less, the operator stops property, Civil Aviation and Army Aviation fl ying on the non-profi t sectors. After some can work under civil enclave so as to make it time, due to the lack of operations airports operational all the time by using the airfi eld for also become non-operational even though it disaster preparedness, commercial operations, is recently black topped or renovated with training and emergency operations.

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Command, Leadership and Management Kathmandu and Surkhet at least at Biratnagar, Opportunity for the Aviators Bharatpur/Pokhara, Dang and Dhangadhi so that all seven provinces will have disaster Army aviation is an indispensable arm of preparedness and aerial response capability. Nepal Army to project air power strength and advice on the air issues to the higher Mi-17 size Helipad on Every Village echelon. Army aviator is also a critical component for the organization. In order At the time of Nepal Earthquake 2015 to generate capable and eff ective future Sankatmochan Operations, there were Commanders of Army Aviation, in addition diffi culties to operate small (Lancer and to their occupational courses pilot, engineer equivalent) and heavy category (Mi-17 and other technical stream personnel should and equivalent) helicopters at the various be provided Command, Leadership and locations of aff ected areas. The helicopter Management (CLM) level courses equally as was restricted to make either a drop from a other supporting arms. height or return to the district headquarter/ main base due to the confi ned space and Service to the Sister Security Forces obstacles to maneuver safely. Therefore, as a lesson learnt to prepare to eff ectively operate Nepal is a small country and aviation is the at the time of mega Earthquakes or any other expensive fi eld. Even a single security entity types of disaster rescue fl ights, there should is going through several challenges to make be at least one Mi-17 size helipad on every all aircraft serviceable, maintain, operate and village across the country. sustain for all types of operations. Increasing the number of aviation units other than the Mission Hardened Air Assets Army warrants huge capital and current expenditure from the national exchequer. In order to face the future challenge army Moreover, by equipping Nepal Army Aviation aviation requires versatile air assets that with more assets to support the aviation can provide eff ective close air support, requirements of the sister security forces and night vision, aerial reconnaissance and Provincial Government would be the most surveillance. Additionally, induction of economic and the best option for the nation at Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/Remotely this time. Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) popularly known as Drone should be procured and used Prepositioning of Aircraft at the various in normal operation of anti- poaching, border location during the Monsoon Season surveillance, light cargo transportation and damage assessment in the disaster. Before the onset of disaster especially in the monsoon season, air assets should be Aviation Friendly Procurement Acts and positioned at the various locations with Rules the disaster equipment for aerial rescue and evacuation either at the safe location There should be a revisit on existing or better medical facility until the Western Government Procurement Act 2063 and and Eastern Air Base are fully functional. regulations in order to make aviation friendly During the monsoon season, dedicated air procurement acts and rules so that at the assets should be pre-positioned in addition to time of emergency or even at the normal

141 UNITY JOURNAL Volume II, February 2021 period i.e., Aircraft on Ground (AOG)2, should also be cognizant of the fact that the provision should be included to authorize more we fl y the more we get confi dence, immediate procurement of spares parts from feel secure and safe to operate as there is the manufacturers or manufacturer approved no second chance in aviation. If there is less vendors. Due to the lack of AOG provision number of operational fl ying and aviators to procure even a minor spare, at times the have not fl own to STOL or high altitude for a aircraft are grounded for a long time. certain period due to the various reasons, with the quality training, continuation, refresher, Regular Basic Pilot Training familiarization, profi ciency check, live Pilot training should be conducted in Nepal exercise, eff ective monitoring and regular on a regular basis to fulfi ll the requirements oversight helps to promote mission fi rst for the organization and become self-reliant safety always in the true spirit. similar to Combat and Combat Supporting Conclusion arms offi cers. This training school should have a vision to train civilians by getting the Since the establishment, Nepal Army approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Aviation has proven its capability as one Nepal and other professional courses for the of the indispensable components of Nepal engineer and other technical personnel. Army with countless number of contributions at normal, disaster and emergency with its Aid to Civil Power limited available air assets, infrastructure, At the time of crisis or Government manpower and resources. In the present disobedience or emergency, army aviation context also, it is equally required for the should also be prepared to complement prompt rescue, relief, humanitarian and aviation related essential services such as special fl ights. Besides, development and Air Traffi c Control (ATC) service, refueling expansion of civil aviation in Nepal has operations, ground handling, Aircraft Crash remained vital for the overall development and Rescue Operations on the base/off the of the country. Through the robust aviation base. This also includes the transportation structure, air assets and expansion in the of ballot box and electoral staff during the eastern and western regions of the country election (federal, provincial and local) and shall diversify, decentralize and distribute Government Board Exams question papers in the national resources to further reach out to the security sensitive areas. the people. Such prompt responses to disasters empower communities and support people Mission First Safety Always in emergencies days and nights. After all, investing in the modernization and better Army aviator has always an obligation and is equipping of it, is an investment in the prepared to carry out the emergency fl ights state-owned strategic assets, airpower and round the clock i.e. twenty four hours in a national security. At last, but not the day. They are also capable and proven by profession in the past. At the same time, we Least, the Government should also need 2 Aircraft on Ground is an aviation term requiring ur- to give enough priority in order to make it gent action to bring the spares from outside in order to robust, agile and nimble for the service to the bring aircraft to fl y as soon as possible normally within country, people and organization. 72 hours.

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References Pokharel, D. (2020). Nepal Army fl ying to Jumla for swab collection and medical supplies Books transportation. https://www.aviationnepal. Bhandari, K. B. (2009). “Civil-military relations com/nepal-army-flying-to-jumla-for- in Nepal’s democratic transition”, swab- collection-and-medical-supplies- transportation/ accessed on 01 December Nepal’s National Interest. Kathmandu: Sangam 2020. Institute. Rimal, Shyam, Nepal 24 Hours.Com Online Kafl e, S. K. (2017).“Disaster Early Warning news. Bangladesh Wants To Be Close To Systems in Nepal: Institutional and Nepal. https://nepal24hours.com/bangladesh- Operational”, Journal of Geography & Natural wants-to-be-close-to-nepal/ accessed on 05 Disasters. Volume 7, Issue 2, Kathmandu. December 2020.

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Becker, K. (2010). Hundreds of Trekkers Stuck In Nepali Army Beyond Primary Duties published Lukla – Nepal. https://himalman.wordpress. on https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np/page/bpd, com/2010/11/29/hundreds-of-trekkers-stuck- accessed on 01 December 2020. in-lukla-nepal/ accessed on 02 December 2020. Airports of Nepal. https://www.guthi.net/nepalatc/ airports.html#15.%20Bhojpur, accessed on 01 KC, S. (2020). Timeline of Nepal Aviation, December 2020. glimpse from 1949 to 2020. https://www. aviationnepal.com/timeline-of-nepal- aviation-glimpse-from-1949-to-2020/ accessed on 04 December 2020.

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Commercial fl ights, Nepal Army choppers Death Toll Rises To 29, PM Oli Reached To deployed to evacuate stranded Indian Kailash Bara And Parsa To Take Stock Of Situation. Mansarovar pilgrims PTI online news on 04 New Spotlight Online news of 1 April 2019. July 2018. https://economictimes.indiatimes. https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2019/04/01/ com/news/politics-and-nation/all-stranded- death- toll-rises-29-pm-oli-reached-bara-and- indian-kailash- mansarovar-pilgrims- parsa-take-stock-situation/, accessed on 09 evacuated-from-nepal/articleshow/64895481. December 2020. cms, accessed on 03 December 2020. Zee News Online Edition 01 August 2005. Nepal Janatapati Online News dated 28 February takes control of a foreign plane entering its 2019. Bodies of helicopter crash airlifted to sky without permission. https://zeenews.india. Kathmandu. https://en.janatapati.com/news- com/news/south-asia/nepal-takes-control- detail/622 accessed on 05 December 2020. of-a- foreign-plane-entering-its-sky-without- permission_232469.html, accessed on 03 Nepal Army MI17 Helicopter Lands in Chhangru December 2020. of Kalapani Area in Darchula. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9Z46Jsto4, accessed on 04 December 2020

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