An Aircraft Radio Licence authorises the radio communication equipment installed aboard an aircraft to transmit and receive within the aeronautical mobile service. In Kenya, this is licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) via Form CA-F-FSM-11, distinct from pilot personnel licensing, which falls under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
CA Fee Schedule for Aircraft Radio Licences
| Charge | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Frequency Application Fee | 1,000 (one-time, per application) |
| Annual Aircraft Station Licence Fee (MF/HF) | 4,800 |
| Annual Aircraft Station Licence Fee (VHF/UHF) | 4,800 |
A related licence, the Aeronautical Station Licence — covering ground-based radio stations communicating with aircraft (e.g. at airports or air traffic control facilities) — carries an identical annual fee of KES 4,800.
Why This Licence Is Separate from KCAA Licensing
While the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) licenses pilots, aircraft, and aviation personnel (including the Flight Radio Telephony Operator's Licence for the person operating the radio), the Communications Authority of Kenya separately licenses the radio spectrum use of the actual onboard equipment. An aircraft owner/operator generally needs both: KCAA approvals for airworthiness/personnel, and a CA Aircraft Radio Licence for the transmitting equipment itself.
Requirements
- Technical specifications of the installed aircraft radio equipment
- Proof of aircraft registration
- Compliance with ICAO and CA frequency coordination requirements for aeronautical bands
Application Process
- Submit the Application for an Aircraft Radio Licence (Form CA-F-FSM-11) to CA
- Pay the KES 1,000 frequency application fee
- CA reviews technical compliance and frequency coordination
- Pay the KES 4,800 annual aircraft station licence fee, renewable yearly
At KES 1,000 to apply and KES 4,800 a year to maintain, the Aircraft Radio Licence fee itself is modest — but aircraft owners should budget for it as a recurring cost alongside KCAA's separate aviation personnel and airworthiness fees, since both regulators are involved in getting an aircraft legally on the air and in the sky.