COL. BISHNU BASNYAT is a retired Army Aviation engineer. He worked for the Army Aviation for 27 glorious years as Maintenance Engineer, Flight Engineer and Flight Instructor. Under his tenure, army handled many successful missions. Currently, the Engineering Director of country’s leading helicopter company, Simrik Air, Col. Basnyat has been the guiding star to the company. Under his guidance and supervision, Simrik has taken the giant leap. We bring here, a candid talk with Col. Basnyat, to share is journey and experiences.
- Sir, tell us about your childhood and your hometown?
A: I was born in Lalitpur ward no. 4 Aphaldole, Basnet village. My father Mr. Krishna Bahadur Basnet was ex-army personnel, later on joined agriculture. I belong to a farmer’s family and so did my childhood take shape. I completed my school leaving certificate from a general school of Lalitpur.
- Though you look, a fit and fine aircraft engineer, how do you remember your younger days?
A: (with a smile) after my SLC, I continued my studies in Technical Training Institute, Thapathali. Back then, the institute had Nepalese and German lecturers as faculty. The newly founded institute had ample study materials along with tools and equipment for the practical classes. As I was brought up in peasant family I believed in toiling hard and work on my own to learn and excel.
That’s why I picked up mechanical engineering. The hard work paid off quite well and I secured first rank in the final semester exam for my Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. I grew up in family where work was worshiped may be this pushed me to work along with my studies. Where ever I got opportunity, I never backed out.
I had developed this habit of working all the time. Moreover, my compassion grew stronger. Once I was done with my work, I helped my friends to get over with theirs. May be this, brought my friends affection towards me and became easier to work together. They remember me till date. Fortunately, I got the chance to study and work with different type of aircraft and helicopters and their maintenance related work; I spent my youth considering this opportunity as task in a playful manner.
- From where did you complete your course as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
A: I studied AME from AST (Britain Air University) Scotland and obtained license in AME License category a) “A” Aero plane b) “C” Engine c) “A” Rotorcraft, Helicopter and “C” Turbine Engine. During the early stages, Scottish accent English was hard to understand.
Our institute had a very rigorous examination rule. Every three months one has to pass out the term exam of 4/5 papers and the attendance of 97% was mandatory y. After many of such criteria’s were completed only then one was allowed to sit for the final paper along with oral and practical exams.
Once these were completed, then you were qualified for the licensure exam of Civil Aviation Authority UK. It was very unique to me then, which pushed me to study even harder. The institute comprised of many other foreign national students too. Slowly interaction with them started and friendship bloomed. Life became a little easier too. I had some wonderful times and overwhelming moments knowing different people, their aviation industry and dynamics. Those old friends still are in touch. It feels really good whenever I see and meet them today, reminds me of those older days.
- How did you get into the Aviation industry? Was it your interest from childhood or a recommended industry by someone?
A: Back then, Nepal Army’s Airborne Support Transport Wing (now Mid air base, Gauchar) had issued vacancy for Diploma holder. It was the breakthrough for me to get into the aviation. I applied and got the opportunity to work for Nepal Army Aviation. It was really hard to get in the field where you really want to work. Even in the Aviation industry was not easy, it was like an unattainable dream. Nepali Aviation was dominated by foreign engineers and maintenance personnel. It was an irony that local people were not given enough chance to show and prove their worth and capacity. Having said that, the only answer for all this was the hard work and dedication, following which I got many opportunities to work with many senior maintenance engineers in all available fixed wing and rotorcrafts.
- Was Rotary-wing aircrafts or helicopters always your first choice over Fixed-wing aircrafts or airplanes?
A: Actually not. Initially, I worked in both aero plane and Helicopter. That is why I got my Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License from CAA UK in both the fields. While working back then, I had this opportunity to work as a Flight Engineer in Puma Helicopter and as per the requirement I needed to occasionally carry out pre and post inspection along with maintenance in the time bound manner. I think this was the turning point; it shifted my focus more to helicopters than aero planes.
- With such a long career serving for Nepal Army, what was that one memorable work experience you always remember during your tenure?
A: In my career of 27 long years in Army aviation as Flight Engineer, I have many unforgettable moments. Out of which the one that stands out, would be an incident of B.S. 2052, Shrawan the 29th. The then Prime Minister Late Shri Manmohan Adhikari along with other VIP’s was returning from Nepalgunj after the visit to the flood areas affected.
Due course, the tail rotor of Nepal army’s Puma helicopter failed and emergency landing was called. I, (Lt. Col. Bishnu Basnyat ) was flying as F light Engineer in the helicopter. When I first heard the sound and felt the aerial movement of the helicopter, I immediately called my pilot that the tail rotor had failed and we need to take this helicopter on auto rotation with both engine shut down.
The captain agreed. I turned off both the engines and we landed safely on the ground. This is one of the moments out of many that I always remember. This is more special as it saved our Prime Minister; other respected VIPs and gave us a new life as well. I received Trishakti Patta (Decoration), honor for bravery from Late His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Certificate of Appreciation from then new Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deua.
(Readers please note: Tri Shakti Patta, is provided as the notable contributions towards the cause of the nation. It was founded by King Tribhuvan on 27th November 1937. The order consists of the Sovereign (Parama-Jyotirmaya-Tri- Shakti-Patta), Grand Master (Ati-Jyotir maya-Tri-Shakti- Patta), and ordinar y members in five classes (1. Jyotirmaya- Subikhyat-Tri-Shakti-Patta, 2. Subikhyat-Tri-Shakti-Patta, 3. Bikhyat-Tri-Shakti-Patta, 4. Prakhyat-Tri-Shakti-Patta, and 5. Tri-Shakti-Patta)
- With your wealth of experience in this field especially coming from the Army background, tell us about the essential factors to run an Aircraft company?
A: To run an aircraft company, I think following points shall be taken into account:
- Team work, coordination, transparency y, professionalism, unity, manpower development training, complete aviation law and safety consideration and maintaining hazard report.
- Choosing the right aircraft with the sound understanding of country’s geography, companies mission and business objective, manpower availability and machineries.
- To maintain the equipment and accessories installed in the aircraft and the ascertainment of the manpower development cost and time.
- Ignoring safety just to gain business objective should be refrained at all cost.
- Simrik Air currently possesses two Airbus AS 350 B3e helicopters; tell us about the extent of services it can provide for its customers?
A: The airbus AS 350 B3e has been providing the following services:
- VIP flight
- Passenger services
- Sightseeing and Mountain flight
- Photography, special and sophisticated camera shooting and filming.
- Rescue flight, Long-line rescue (use of Special Long line Kit in rescuing people with the use of 40-50 m rope at high altitude Himalayan areas, where landing is not possible and to take them back safely to landing zone or nearest medical service provider)
- External cargo sling-lifting heavy constructional objects in the r emote and mountainous areas.
- Heli-Ski flight-a new service in Nepal as it is an attraction to the Ski-lovers all over the world who have sighted Nepal as one of the prime destinations.
- Simrik Air has a reputation of being one of the most reliable organizations ever in Nepal aviation, what is the secret behind it?
A: I would say its team work, trust, professionalism, activeness and the right training. The right combination of trained technical manpower and helicopter’s has always been the key strength for us. Meanwhile, our clients trust has also kept us different and ahead from other players.
- As we all know the Nepalese aviation market is fiercely competitive, tell us about the edge Simrik Air has over others?
A: True, that there is fierce competition in the Nepali sky but Simrik Air has that upper edge as we have the skill and expertise of market adaptability. The helicopter and the manpower that we have compliments each other because of which, each and every time we are able to deliver consistent and the highest quality of services and flight safety. We believe this is why we are tremendously loved and respected in the market and this unmatched tradition of Simrik tradition would be followed for years to come.
- What do you think about the present Nepalese aviation sector? What is your thought on the path in which we are currently moving?
A: I believe, the current aviation sector of our country is not that stable. Rather than improving the market, people are more interested in operatorship. The practice of price dictatorship is found largely; instead they (companies) must focus on quality and flight safety.
For instance, there were many commercial financial institutes that came into existence claiming good balance sheet, but the truth was otherwise. You can see that now, Mergers & Acquisition is on the cards of most of the players. Same situation might hit our aviation too. The government and the aviation player s should focus on improving this situation, the sooner the better.
- The impact of revamped NCAR Part 145 and NCAR Part M or in other words the separation of a single organization into Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) and Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO), over the working norms Nepalese Air Operators, what is your thought on it?
A: It seems, that to run big airlines in developed nation and to manage and control the entire organization within themselves along with the supervision of the concerned authority, the system of NCAR Part 145 and NCAR part M has been introduced. In context of Nepal, if there were big airline companies this system might have been fruitful but in reality, we are a small country and the airlines here operate on smaller scale. So to apply, exactly the same copy past foreign model of NCAR part 145 and NCAR part M to our local operator may not be that easy and in fact is not practical too. Considering the country and the operator’s scale of operation, if the same model could be modified as per the local context, it will then really add so much value to our aviation industry.
But if it’s tried to be done other way round, without even considering our local condition, it might backfire. We have been following our old system of flight safety and operation and suddenly coming to new one, will take time. But I still believe that the systems we have been following for decades are almost alike to the newer system. The transition should be made as smoother as possible so that it can be digested well by the local operators.
- Your say on the new NCAR Part 66 that has changed the local licensing pattern for the upcoming Aircraft Maintenance Engineers since 2012?
A: Starting NCAR Part 145 and Part M and then applying NCAR Part 66 and based on it the issuance of maintenance license is a good approach. But looking on the other side of the coin, we still do not have the required facilities, sources, system and the examination materials. Without the availability of these basic requirements, the Part 66 would add up extra financials over the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). Because of this, the interested AME’s would be and already are in trouble which consequently will affect and in fact detrimental to the Nepalese Aviation overall.
Moreover, if this trend is not monitored and improved, we might have to outsource our AME’s, as we have done 40 years back. Currently, Civil Aviation Authority has been auditing the air operators as per the NCAR part 145. Some of the audit related to safety has been taken care under old NCAR which is not mentioned in new part 145. Under this case the audit has been continued as per old system with no objection. If this practice can be also be sustained for a time being to complete the transition, on the local counter side of Part 66, it would be really helpful.
- People especially young upcoming generation in Nepal are still reluctant to join any aviation related course stating the fact of less opportunity in our country. What is your take on it?
A: I think it is more because of the local market scenario. Students go abroad to study Aeronautical Engineering/ Aerospace Engineering/Aircraft Maintenance Engineering without even understanding their importance and significance in local context.
And once they come back, they are disheartened. This is one of the prime reasons, students not that actively taking aviation as career- the market dynamics and the course understanding. Nepal has yet no industry that focuses on design and production of air plane, this is why there is no demand for Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineers but still student study those subjects.
Our sky does have airlines, aircraft operator and the market is growing where Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are required more. May be we might have production or research facility in Nepal in the years to come, where Aeronautical (Space) Engineers would be required. Aeronautical Engineers need to get Aircraft Maintenance License, need to get more training which would take time.
Obviously this would make them feel like starting all over and depressed. I do believe, if careful study can be carried out as what kind of manpower is required for Nepali aviation, people will definitely find more jobs in Aviation.
- There is hype around that the addition of Simrik Air’s third helicopter to its fleet will expand its marketing plan very strongly. Enlighten us about it?
A: Yes. Currently, Simrik has B3e helicopters which have outstanding maintenance record and flight safety. Considering the market and clients requirement, we would be adding one more rotorcraft under our fleet in near future. We firmly believe, this would add another feather in Simrik market expansion and would fulfil all our clients’ requirement.
- What are the future plans of Simrik Air as the country’s aviation will grow as soon as the construction of another tentative Airport that is in the pipeline?
A: Increase in airport definitely means more footfalls and more tourists. Analyzing the market requirement and dynamics, Simrik will surely then take further steps.
- Where do you see Simrik Air after you retire?
A: I am very sure that after my retirement, Simrik will be progressively moving forward in much better way than now. We have all systems intact that can run Simrik smoothly for years and years to come. We have all the trained manpower and required manuals which will keep Simrik flying even higher; in the sky, in the market.
- Do you think that there are certain government policies that are not helping the aviation players, rather hindering the growth?
A: I think, just like every coin has two sides, everything has good and bad sides. If those are implemented with a positive and fruitful approach, the negatives would also give positive result. However, even everything being positive, if deployed with negative approach would yield to negative results. Therefore, I support the fact that it is the people with the right attitude and approach make lot of difference.
- What would be the policies that you would like to suggest to the concerned authority?
A: Our authority had implemented NCAR part 66 for new licensing pattern which is highly appreciable but because the old pattern has been closed and the new pattern has not brought up any new manpower, it has resulted shortage in licensed manpower. So it would be really appreciable, if the old system could be allowed for the time being, until the new system and pattern takes its full shape.
- To us one of the important factors in the path to become a perfect Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is commitment. With your experience what is your advice on it?
A: To become a skilled and trained Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, I think the following should be always taken into consideration:
- Should have studied from the approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Institute
- Be prepared in selecting the right organization to work for and the category interested in
- Sound in theoretical knowledge and practical work. Unless you are in confident in your field, keep studying and preparing. Make sure you never miss the chance to ask your senior and learn from them. Always ask your supervisor to check your work and guide you if mistaken This is how the new genome of maintenance engineer should learn and build their career
- Work with your own hand, never back out. Even if you are done, help your other team member
- No one is perfect, so even if the mistakes are made, be brave enough to admit and swear not to repeat it again
- Safety should be the first priority. Always work on group, with right attitude and right manner. Take decision wisely with all training you have.
- Make sure you always check your reference manual (document) before starting the work and after completion to recheck
- What is the most memorable moment in your career as an engineer?
A: It was the first time, the helicopter that I have certified after acquiring my Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License, got airborne, completed its job and came back to base, landed safely. It is the most memorable moment that every licensed engineer dreams of; since that is the first time s/he has actually taken up the myriad responsibilities as the guardian of that machine.
- Do you think a company’s vision and mission should be clear among all the employees or else it will create brand confusion among staffs? Are you facing such kind of situation?
A: I do believe that the company’s mission and vision should be very clear to the entire staff. Each and every department’s staff may or may not understand in the same manner. In this case, the Head of the department should play a crucial role in making their team understand. Even though the company is small, it should work as a team.
- Can social media help local air operators, in terms of marketing?
A: Social media can play an important role in air operator market. The type of news coming out of the media, do and is affecting the market.
- Among the awards and achievements that you have so gracefully acknowledged, what gives you the innermost satisfaction among them?
A: Working for Army Aviation as Maintenance and flight Engineer for 27 years, I have received 2 decorations and 9 medals. It’s always a delightful moment. I remember, an Australian citizen was confirmed to be identified staying in the cave of Bhote Odaar. He had lost his route while returning back from Langatang Trekking zone.
He stayed in the cave for 41 days surviving on 2-4 chocolates. The place was inaccessible and unsafe to land the helicopter as it was filled with snow and tall trees. We used a kit for the first time, called Long line Kit. It was made by me for the Army Aviation. The kit was installed on Alouette III helicopter and the Australian was successfully airlifted. Also, in the year B.S. 2045, there was an earthquake in the east Nepal. Army was called for the rescue. We worked day and night for 41 days. Our country men needed our help. It was another moment that I always remember, as we saved many lives. I was praised by Late HM King Birendra Bir Bikaram Shah Dev and received “Prabal Gorkha Dakchin Bahu” (Decoration) in B.S. 2045. It was a very happy moment as the hard work was appreciated and above all we successfully saved many lives.
(Note to the reader: The Most Puissant Order of the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu (Order of the Gurkha Right Arm or Hand) is an order of knighthood of the Nepal, was founded by King Prithvi in 1896 and revived and reformed by King Tribhuvan on 7th September 1932. The order consists of the Sovereign (Parama-Suprasidha- Prabala-Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu), Grand Master (Ati-Suprasidha- Prabala-Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu), and ordinary members in five classes (1. Suprasidha-Prabala- Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu, 2. Prasidha-Prabala-Gorkha- Dakshina-Bahu, 3. Suprabala- Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu, 4. Prabala-Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu and 5. Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu). Attached to the order is a medal (Gorkha-Dakshina-Bahu-Padak) instituted by King Tribhuvan in 1936.)
- Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
A: I worked in many projects in my career of 27 years in the Army Aviation. While I joined, Simrik Air there were talks going on to buy a new helicopter, I had proposed AS350 B3e. We had lot of other options but my project got approval considering variety of factors. And we purchased AS 350B3e, we were the first buyer of this helicopter in entire Asia. It was a big success for us and the country too. After which other operators too followed the same route of buying the same helicopter. It makes me happy to see that the proposal paid of f to this extent as AS350B3e has wonderfully adapted to Nepali sky’s architecture.
- Can you describe Simrik Air in one word or one sentence?
A: Safest, Fastest and Finest way to fly. “Whenever, W here ever”
- With the expectation of feedback, be it positive or critical, some words on the attempt of our magazine?
A: The message that this magazine is pursuing to provide is really commendable. I would like to wish team Udaan, to put up the right information to the mass. Good luck.
- In the end, with our sincere thanks for your precious time, what would you like to say to readers?
A: Let Aviation go in a healthy competition. Quality & Safety should always be the first priority and hazard/ occurrence reporting should be unbiased no matter what. Let us give the message that air transportation is the safest route of transportation
