Issue: Understanding the issues with Nepal’s aviation safety

Problems identified:

• The Meteorological Forecasting Division is grossly understaffed. Currently staff count is 251 which after various restructuring is down from 351 alloted in 2044 B.S. (1987/88 A.D.)
• Based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit of TIA, there are deficiencies at the Meterological department:
  • lack of infrastructure and human resources
  • no investments in developing localized weather forecasting models
  • lack of aerodrome wind shear
  • competency training required, Quality Management System (QMS) and unit required, etc.

Recommendations:

• Split Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
• create an autonomous crash investigation unit
• conduct an analysis of the implementation of ICAO recommendations and past investigation findings.