AVIATION
Heli Pilot suspended by CAAN for letting passenger manipulate aircraft switches
CAAN has intensified the process of revoking his pilot’s license and immediately banned him from flying.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended a Nepali citizen Pilot of Prabhu Helicopters for allowing passenger to manipulate the sensitive switches of Helicopter and making TikTok videos while sitting in the cockpit during helicopter flights. The Pilot under suspension is Capt. Pasang Norbu Sherpa, grounded by the authority because of his careless action of letting passengers touch the switches as well as taking photos and videos during the flight.
They have intensified the process of revoking his pilot’s license and immediately banned him from flying. Even Capt. Vijay Lama of Nepal Airlines was temporarily suspended by CAAN previously for posting photos and videos of cockpit taken during different phases of his flight.
The authority has taken action against Pilot Sherpa for making TikTok videos in the cockpit during the flight sequence. They emphasize the serious impact on aviation safety when making videos during flight. Capt. Pasang Norbu Sherpa is a General Member of Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) too.
It has been observed that Capt. Sherpa uploaded a video on TikTok, showing himself sitting in the cockpit with a woman. The woman was touching and operating the ‘Start’ switch of the helicopter as seen in the video which is very reckless. Rules prohibit pilots from taking photos and videos during the flight sequence.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has even banned taking any kind of photos/videos without taking permission in the restricted area of the airport.
