Kathmandu, October 25

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has issued Aircraft Search and Rescue Regulation, 2017, which provides for a provision of an 11-member National Coordination Committee led by minister or state minister overseeing the portfolio of MoCTCA.

According to the regulation published in the Nepal Gazette on Monday, the NCC to be formed in Kathmandu Flight Information Region shall make policy provisions relating to aircraft search and rescue operation. As per the regulation, KFTR refers to all airspace located within the geographical boundary of Nepal.

Similarly, there shall be a seven-member Rescue Coordination Committee headed by general manager of Civil Aviation Office at the Tribhuvan International Airport to carry out search and rescue operation of aircraft in a coordinated manner.

The new law has also stipulated a provision of Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at TIA for deployment of trained human resources in case any aircraft goes missing within KFIR. The regulation requires the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to keep ready human resources, equipment and other logistics necessary for search and rescue of aircraft.

“If any aircraft goes missing or is in serious crisis within KFIR, the centre shall immediately carry out search and rescue operation,” it reads. The Search and Rescue Coordination Committee may deploy aircraft, equipment and human resources of Nepali Army and airline operators for search and rescue operation.

“It also may seek necessary assistance of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local administration, governmental an non-governmental organisations and persons for this purpose,” the regulation says.

The CAAN may establish and operate search and rescue coordination sub-centres at other airports across the country.

The regulation allows the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre to coordinate with and receive necessary assistance from foreign countries for search and rescue operation as required, while conducting joint training or drill in the regard.

All expenses to be incurred for carrying out search and rescue operation shall be borne by the concerned airline operator.