Our Crew

The Pilots Behind
Every Flight

CAAN-certified captains with thousands of hours of Himalayan flying experience. They are the reason our safety record is what it is.

10+
Years minimum
Per pilot, Himalayan experience
CAAN
CPL-H certified
Commercial pilot licence
6,000m+
High-altitude rated
Above EBC and beyond
Annual
Recertification
Medical & flight competency

Meet Our Pilots

Each captain has spent their career flying Nepal's mountains. The terrain, the weather, the altitude — it's what they know.

Bibek Khadka
Captain

Bibek Khadka

5,740 Hr
On Type
8,095 Hr
Air Time
Ananda Thapa
Captain

Ananda Thapa

7,980 Hr
On Type
7,995 Hr
Air Time
Aman Budhathoki
Captain

Aman Budhathoki

635 Hr
On Type
741 Hr
Air Time
Moreno Demonti
Captain

Moreno Demonti

1,760 Hr
On Type
2,840 Hr
Air Time
Ralph Stefan Jorg
Captain

Ralph Stefan Jorg

650 Hr
On Type
2,950 Hr
Air Time
Subash Khadka
Captain

Subash Khadka

90 Hr
On Type
2,638 Hr
Air Time

Qualifications & Training

All HSJ Heli pilots meet a minimum standard far beyond CAAN requirements. Mountain flying in Nepal demands specific experience that cannot be taught in a classroom.

CAAN Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter)
Minimum 10 years Himalayan operations
High-altitude emergency procedure certification
Advanced mountain rescue training
Medical fitness clearance — annual
English fluency (mandatory)
Monthly simulator training sessions
Quarterly emergency drill participation

Why It Matters

"Flying at 5,000 metres in the Himalayas is not the same as flying at sea level. Conditions change in minutes, landing zones are tight, and the aircraft performs differently at altitude. Experience is not optional here."
HSJ Heli — Operations Team