Where the sky’s the limit

Free as a bird in being born to sail across the azure blue skies is the story of today’s young and daring pilots who are making their mark in Nepal’s aviation history.

Mostly between the age groups of 19-24 these young and independent pilots are setting an example that age is no bar to a successful independent career. In the last five years, due to the emerging private airline business, a large number of youngsters, on finishing their high school, are opting for this daring profession. An increasing number of women too are taking a keen interest in choosing this audacious line of work as a serious profession. Young lady pilots like Runa Rimal (youngest pilot at the age of 19) and Rakshya Rana (first woman pilot) laid the path for other women to come forward in this male dominated profession. Says co-pilot Neeru Shrestha a young lady pilot, "It is an up and coming line of work and there is great opportunity in this field. At present there are four lady pilots in the aviation industry". When asked about the fear related to crashes she boldly adds, "One has to be mentally prepared for the risk involved". Further, apparently at present, there is no such gender discrimination in this field.

So what does it exactly take to be a pilot? In accordance with their educational qualifications most of them complete their higher secondary education and then do the pilot training in Texas choosing from among the popular flying institutes such as Delta Aeronautics and Air Mistral. The training is completed within a year. They are then hired by RNAC (Royal Nepal Airlines) and a large number are even opting to join private airlines like Necon Air, Yeti, Buddha airways etc. where the pay is comparatively better. But according to many, working for RNAC is more profitable in the long run as most go on to be senior pilots and take on foreign routes as well. In the first four years they work as co-pilots usually for the domestic sector within Nepal and have yearly trainings in Bangkok on a contract with Thai Airways and CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal), working in the private sector too. Generally after four years (which is about a minimum of 2500 hours flying time with an ATPL license) they are given the post of captain and take command on foreign routes.

But in recent years there has been a sharp rise in domestic aircrashes, raising serious issues about how safe is air travelling in Nepal. The final investigation reports usually come up with pilot error as the main reason behind the crash. Many young pilots have lost their lives and despite heroic performances, they have served as mere scapegoats to government investigations. Says Prashant Gurung another young co-pilot working for RNAC "A pilot always does his best to bring the aircraft safely down but generally when there is any sort of technical problem, on landing the pilot is grounded. I think that the authorities should encourage rather than discourage the pilot which is what is usually done here. I am not pointing fingers at anyone but this is a good suggestion which should not be taken too personally. "Accidents are mainly occurring due to lack of proper navigation equipments", adds Sabina Shrestha from Yeti Airlines. "For example we are not given the proper weather information above ground level where temperatures are undoubtedly different to ground level which is the usual information we get. We cannot always fly based on a ‘hunch’ which may not always be correct’.

Adds Shikar Rizyal, a first officer at RNAC, "Although we are trained with the latest equipment, the training is different compared to flying here due to the difficult terrain". He further adds, "At RNAC the risk factor involved is greater as we have to fly on non profit but dangerous routes like that of Manang, Bajang and Bajura where one has to fly straight in-between the mountains on either side".

Apart from their hectic professional life, affairs are quite frequently heard. Some are likely to be between male pilots and the modern and chic air hostesses which is why some girls are reluctant to marry a pilot due to the fact that they are usually away from home. To this, adds co-pilot Sabina Shrestha, "Morals depend on one's character. A person who is flirtatious will remain that way even if he comes back home to his partner but everyone should not be pinpointed". She further adds, "I bet in a place like Kathmandu, gossip is indeed the profession of many unemployed people ready to pull the strings especially of those getting along successfully in life, causing sour grapes".

For their constant perseverance, work is definitely paying off. Labour is fun too. Unlike the monotonous 10 to 5 desk jobs, they don’t have specific hours on duty and have flexible timings. It turns into a thrilling experience for most since it was their childhood dream to be a pilot that finally came true. With an average income of over Rs 50,000 they live a well deserved lavish lifestyle when away from their risky job. Most love to spend their leisure hours at health clubs keeping fit or make their way to discos and clubs and let the rhythm take control. Their young yet vibrant personalities have inspired others, especially the youth to reach out for their dreams and who knows, they might just come true just as theirs did. Reach for the skies they say, and it seems that’s what everyone’s talking about these days.

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