KATHMANDU: Senior captain at the Nepal Airlines Deepu Raj Jwarchan has become the first Nepali Designated Check Pilot for Airbus A320 aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has issued a DCP certification to Jwarchan on Tuesday allowing him to provide training and conduct exams for pilots and co-pilots for A320.

'Jwarchan has become the first Nepali pilot to acquire DCP certification for A320,' the CAAN officials confirmed. Prior to this, foreign pilots had been responsible for conducting exams for pilots in Nepal.

Addressing one of the major concerns of the European Union regarding the air safety list, CAAN decided to issue DCP-A to Jwarchan who is also the Type Rating Instructor of A320, the CAAN officials added. The latest safety audit recommended that a DCP should be appointed in Nepal.

Since 2007, Jwarchan has been flying aircraft for Nepal Airlines. After being a DCP he now has the important role in overseeing and maintaining the proficiency of pilots operating Airbus A320 aircraft within the Nepal Airlines Corporation.

According to the ICAO manual, a DCP is a highly trained and experienced pilot designated by aviation authorities to conduct specialized evaluations and checks within an airline or aviation organization. The role of a DCP is critical in ensuring that pilots maintain and continuously enhance their proficiency and adherence to safety standards.

DCPs are responsible for administering check rides, which are thorough examinations of a pilot's skills and knowledge. These evaluations typically include both simulator and actual flight assessments to ensure that pilots can handle various scenarios and emergency situations.