Capt. Rameshwar Thapa is Chairman of Simrik Air Pvt. Ltd. and a well-known Helicopter Pilot with over 10,000 plus hrs. logged to his entire flying career of more than 20 years in various helicopter types. He is also the first MI-17 commander for Commercial Flight and the first Instructor Pilot for the MI-17 in Nepal. He is the Pilot in command in BELL 407GXP and has flying experiences in AS 350B3e (H125) and BK-117.

Capt. Thapa is an innovative personality who is an expert in pioneering projects and works wholeheartedly for the development of Nepalese tourism industry through helicopter operation; simultaneously emphasizing in raising safety standards in an air operation.

He is currently President of Airlines Operator's Association of Nepal (AOAN) and also the President of Helicopter Society of Nepal formed under his leadership in order to address a serious issue of improving safety and quality of overall helicopter operations.

Besides Simrik Air, he is also the Executive Chairman and Principal Owner of Annapurna Media Network (Annapurna Post, Radio Annapurna and AP1 TV).

Professional Experience

  • Pilot (Airlines Transport Pilot License, Helicopter License. No. 015(H)
  • Commercial Pilot License from USSR
  • Airport transport Pilot License from the USA
  • Instructor Pilot License from the USA

Pilot in command in aircraft types

  • BELL 407GXP
  • Line Pilot – AS-350B3 and BK-117B2
  • Instructor Pilot – MI-17 Helicopter
  • Nepal’s first MI-17 commander for Commercial Flight, Civil Aviation
  • CESSNA-152 (174), BELL 47, MI-2, MI-8 P, MI-8 T, MI-17-IV (MTV/AMT), AS-350B3, BK-117B2

Awards:

"Daivik Prakop Padak" Awarded in 2001 twice by the Government of Nepal for active participation in releasing lake water from Tsho-Rolpa at 15,000 ft. that threatened riverside settlement in lower altitudes and involvement in life-saving helicopter rescue operations during natural disasters as well as Helicopter rescue during Avalanche in GOKYO near the Everest Base Camp based on the evaluation by professional international expedition guides, trekkers and Nepali trekkers.

  • "Nepal Police Award" Awarded in 2002 by the Prime Minister for contribution in peacebuilding in the nation for risky involvement in Rescue and Relief in challenging and turbulent time in Nepal.
  • "Rastra Seva Padak" Awarded in 2002 by the Prime Minister for the Defense Ministry of the Government of Nepal.
  • "Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Fourth)" Decorated with the honour in 2003 by former Monarch and Head of State for the Government of Nepal for services provided to Government of Nepal since 7 years for the peacekeeping mission
  • "Best Pilot of the Year" Awarded in 2003 by Face-to-Face program of Nepal Journalism Society.
  • "National Personality Award" Awarded in 2003 by the Chairman of the Public Affairs Commission for National Development and Honor Center of Nepal
  • "Men of the Year" Awarded in 2004 by American Biographical Institute, Inc. (ABI) for individual accomplishment and contribution to the society.
  • " Prakhayat Trishaktipatta (Fourth) – Decorated with the honour in 2005 by Former Monarch and Head of State for the Government of Nepal for services provided to Government of Nepal for 9 years for the peacekeeping mission
  • "Bravery Award" Awarded in 2010 by the Prime Minister for Nepal Police, Home Ministry, and The Government of Nepal for services provided to Government of Nepal for 14 years of the peacekeeping mission in the nation.
  • "Public Service Award (Fourth)" Awarded in 2011 by The President for the Government of Nepal for services provided to Government of Nepal & Nepalese people for 15 years in social welfare and peacekeeping mission.
  • Bravery Award – 2013 Awarded by the Chairman of Interim Election Council (Head of the Government) from Nepal Armed Police Force for rescue services and service to the government of Nepal