Aviation Licenses (KCAA) Requirements in Kenya, Licensing Body

Summary of Requirements and Contacts

Main Licensing Body: Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) - Personnel Licensing Department

Key Requirements:

Valid medical certificate from KCAA designated medical examiner
Passed knowledge tests in relevant aeronautical areas
Completed approved training from licensed Aviation Training Organization (ATO)
Demonstrated required flight experience hours (varies by license type)
English Language Proficiency test (minimum Level 4)
Age requirements: minimum 18 years for CPL, 21 years for ATPL
Kenyan registration for conversion of foreign licenses

KCAA Head Office Contact Information:

Location: Aviation House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 30163-00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254 020 827470-75
Mobile: +254 728 606 570, +254 709 725000, +254 728 606 586, +254 734 000 491, +254 734 000492
Fax: +254 020 822300
Email: info@kcaa.or.ke
Website: www.kcaa.or.ke

License Processing Fees:

Student Pilot License: Varies
Private Pilot License: Kshs. 4,500
Commercial Pilot License: Kshs. 4,500
Airline Transport Pilot License: Kshs. 8,000
Flight Engineer License: Kshs. 8,000
License renewal (under 40 years): Kshs. 8,000
License renewal (over 40 years): Kshs. 4,000

Types of Aviation Licenses Issued by KCAA

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority issues various license types including Student Pilot's License, Private Pilot's License, Commercial Pilot's License, Airline Transport Pilot's License, Flight Instructors' License, Ground Instructors' License, Flight Engineer's License, Flight Operations Officer's License, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's License, Flight Radio Telephony Operator's License, Cabin Crew Member Certificate, and Air Traffic Controllers' License.

Student Pilot License

The Student Pilot License represents the entry point into aviation careers. Applicants must meet minimum age requirements and obtain a Class 2 medical certificate. This license permits training flights under the supervision of certified flight instructors. Students must demonstrate basic aeronautical knowledge and complete prescribed ground school training before progressing to solo flights.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

A Private Pilot License requires holders to maintain a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate. Candidates must complete approved flight training covering various aeronautical knowledge areas including aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, and air regulations. The PPL enables individuals to fly aircraft for personal purposes but not for commercial operations.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Applicants for a Commercial Pilot License must hold a Kenyan Private Pilot License or meet requirements for military license application or conversion of foreign licenses, pass knowledge tests on aeronautical areas, and receive logbook endorsement from authorized instructors. The CPL requires significantly more flight hours than the PPL and includes instrument rating requirements. License renewal requires six hours of logged flight time within the last six months, with certified logbook pages showing experience endorsed by the pilot's supervisor.

For lapsed Commercial Pilot Licenses, renewal requirements vary based on the lapsed period: under six months requires no additional requirements if renewal conditions were met before expiry; between six months and three years requires passing Air Law examination and type rating practical checkout; over ten years requires meeting all initial CPL issuance requirements.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

The Airline Transport Pilot License requires holders to possess a valid Commercial Pilot License with an instrument rating, pass knowledge tests on applicable aeronautical areas, meet aeronautical experience requirements, and pass practical tests for specific aircraft types. This represents the highest level of pilot certification and is mandatory for captains operating commercial airlines. The ATPL demands extensive flight experience and advanced knowledge across all aviation disciplines.

Air Traffic Controller License

Air traffic controller license applicants must hold a current Class 3 Medical Certificate, complete approved training with at least three months of supervised air traffic control service, and pass English Language Proficiency examinations. Controllers must obtain specific ratings based on their operational area, including Aerodrome Control Rating, Approach Control Procedural Rating, Approach Radar Control Rating, Area Control Procedural Rating, or Area Radar Control Rating.

Flight Engineer License

Flight engineer license applicants must pass knowledge tests with results valid for eighteen months, and obtain required flight time through either three years of aircraft maintenance experience plus five hours of flight engineer training, or completion of approved flight engineer courses. Flight engineers play crucial roles in operating complex aircraft systems and must maintain currency through regular flight hours.

Foreign License Conversion

Converting foreign flight crew licenses requires holding a valid medical certificate from a Kenyan designated medical examiner with current ratings, passing composite conversion examinations, demonstrating required flying experience through logbooks, and obtaining verification letters from the original licensing authority. The Authority evaluates each application individually, ensuring foreign-licensed pilots meet Kenyan standards before operating in Kenyan airspace.

Medical Certificate Requirements

All aviation licenses require valid medical certificates appropriate to the license category. Private Pilot Licenses require Class 2 Medical Certificates, while Commercial Pilot Licenses require higher medical certification standards. Medical examinations must be conducted by KCAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiners and renewed at intervals specified by regulations.

License Validity and Renewal

The Authority issues licenses with specific expiry dates, and authorizations remain valid for terms determined by KCAA but not exceeding twelve months. Renewal typically requires logging six flight hours within the preceding six months and paying prescribed fees of Kshs. 8,000 for those under 40 years and Kshs. 4,000 for those over 40 years.

Application Process and Documentation

The Personnel Licensing Department handles all license applications, examinations, and administrative functions, reporting to the Director of Aviation Safety, Security and Regulations. Applications require completion of prescribed forms, submission of certified logbook copies, passport photographs, medical certificates, and payment of applicable fees. Air service license applications require minimum 120 days processing time, with KCAA initiating evaluation only upon receipt of complete submissions with prescribed fees.

Examinations

KCAA's Personnel Licensing department conducts written examinations for pilots, flight dispatchers, and engineers according to annual examination schedules, with all examinations booked at the KCAA Personnel Licensing office. Knowledge tests cover comprehensive aeronautical subjects relevant to each license category. Candidates must achieve minimum passing grades before proceeding to practical tests.

English Language Proficiency

Licensed personnel demonstrating proficiency below Expert Level must undergo formal evaluation at specified intervals, with those achieving Operational Level evaluated once every six years. English language proficiency ensures effective communication in international aviation operations, a critical safety requirement in modern aviation.