How to apply for a Private Pilot Licence in Kenya

This is a guide on How to apply for a Private Pilot Licence in Kenya. The Private Pilot Certificate, internationally referred to as the Private Pilot License (PPL), allows students to obtain the foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training. As a Private Pilot, you can fly an airplane day and night (if one has a Night Rating) in visual flight conditions and carry passengers (friends, family, co-workers, etc.). You cannot fly for paid compensation or hire. The PPL is your foundation course on a pathway to a Commercial Pilot’s License.

Apply in Person

1. To obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), one has to complete and submit the prescribed Application for Issue or Renewal of a Private Pilot Licence – Form: O-PEL002 application form.
2. This form can be obtained by visiting the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Branch Offices or by downloading it from their KCAA Website.
3. After filling the application documents required to submit them to the KCAA office or you can forwarded them to the:-
   Director General,
   Kenya Civil Aviation Authority,
   P. O. Box 30163-00100,
   Nairobi, Kenya,
4. You are to submit the application documents with all the required documents. These documents include:-
   (i). Aeronautical Experience Form showing the breakdown of the required flight hours.
   (ii). Summary of flying experience form
   (iii). Application form for English Language Proficiency endorsement
   (iv). A valid Medical Certificate – Class 2
   (v). Four passport size photographs – full face (2cm by 2.5cm);
   (vi). A photo Identification Card or Passport or Birth certificate and a copy of the same
   (vii). Certified copies of the last 2 pages of the personal logbook.
5. You are also to proceed to pay the prescribed application fees and submit the payment receipt to together with the application documents.
   • An application fee of Kshs. 2,000 is charged for applicants below 40 years and Kshs. 1,000 for those above 40 years.
6. A processing time of 7 days is needed to complete the processing of the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), after which you will be contacted through a phone call to collect your new license at the KCAA offices.
7. You will be required to carry your identification documents when collecting your new license.

Requirements for Issue of a PPL

An applicant for a Private Pilot License, shall;

1. Be at least seventeen years of age for a license other than the operation of glider or balloon;
2. Be at least sixteen years of age for a license in a glider or balloon;
3. Be in possession of a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate.
4. Receive an endorsement for the knowledge test in the student pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who—
   1. Conducted the training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas, that apply to the aircraft category sought; and
   2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test;
5. Pass the required PPL knowledge test;
6. Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test. These required hours are well elaborated on the PPL application forms belowa. Form M-PEL002-1 for PPL (Aeroplanes)b. Form-M-PEL002-2 for PPL (Helicopters)c. Form-M-PEL002-3 for PPL (Balloons)
7. Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who—
   1. Conducted the training in the required areas of operation for the rating being sought; and
   2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test;
   This will prove that the student is ready for PPL Practical test or GFT ( General Flight Test)
8. Pass a practical test – PPL (GFT) done by an authorized examiner.
9. Pass the English Language Proficiency Exam with either of the following results;
10. Pass the English Language Proficiency Exam with either of the following results;
    1. Operational Level (Level 4); Valid for 3 years i.e. should be evaluated once every 3 years.
    2. Extended Level (Level 5); Valid for 6 years
    3. Expert Level (Level 6); Valid for Life

This is done in an exam.

Application Requirements

1. Fully completed forms as follows;PPL application Forms;
   1. a. Form M-PEL002-1 for PPL (Aeroplanes)b. Form-M-PEL002-2 for PPL (Helicopters)c. Form-M-PEL002-3 for PPL (Balloons)
   2. Summary of flying experience form
   3. Application form for English Language Proficiency endorsement
2. A valid Medical Certificate Class 2.
3. Submit four photographs – full face (2cm by 2.5cm);
4. Present a photo Identification Card or Passport, or Birth Certificate and a photocopy of the same.
5. Certified copies of the last 2 pages of the personal logbook. These pages show the latest flying experience certified by the pilot’s supervisor, who will certify the relevant logbook entries by endorsing his signature and license number.
6. Payment of the prescribed fees: Kshs. 2,000 for those below 40 years and Kshs. 1,000 for those above 40 years.

Renewal of a Private Pilot’s License

1. Fully completed forms as follows;PPL application Forms;
   1. a. Form M-PEL002-1 for PPL (Aeroplanes)b. Form-M-PEL002-2 for PPL (Helicopters)c. Form-M-PEL002-3 for PPL (Balloons)
   2. Summary of flying experience form which should indicate that the Pilot has the required 5 hours within the preceding 12 months.
2. A current Class 2 or Class 1 medical certificate;
3. A certified logbook or other flight record to substantiate the 5 PIC hours required for renewal of a PPL. The log book is to be certified by the instructor or the chief pilot, by endorsing his signature and license number, indicating what he is certifying.
4. Copies of the last 2 pages of the applicant’s log book.

Renewal of a Lapsed Private Pilot License

Where a license has not been renewed by the date of expiry, the validity of the license standards are lapsed.

To ensure the validity of the lapsed license; the license holder shall meet the requirements subject to the lapsed periods as follows:

1. If the PPL has been expired for a period of less than six months, and all renewal requirements were met prior to the date of expiry; there are no additional requirements;
2. More than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years;The applicant will;
   1. Pass a written examination in Air Law or Regulations;
   2. Pass a type rating practical check-out on an aircraft type endorsed or on the type rating sought; and (Form 64)
   3. Meet the normal renewal requirements as indicated above.
3. More than three (3) years but not more than 10 years;The applicant will;
   1. Undertake a refresher course in an ATO in preparation for the practical and knowledge tests which should include ten (10) hours as PIC.
   2. Pass a PPL practical test (GFT) on the class or aircraft type rating sought.
   3. Pass a PPL composite knowledge examination.
4. More than ten (10) years, an applicant shall meet all requirements for initial issue of a PPL.

Required Documents

1. Fully Completed PPL prescribed application forms as follows;
   (i). PPL Application Form Application for Issue or Renewal of a Private Pilot Licence – Form: O-PEL002;
   (ii). Aeronautical Experience Form showing the breakdown of the hours that an applicant should have.
   (iii). Summary of flying experience form
   (iv). Application form for English Language Proficiency endorsement
2. A valid Medical Certificate Class 2.
3. Submit four photographs – full face (2cm by 2.5cm);
4. Present a photo Identification Card or Passport, or Birth Certificate and a photocopy of the same.
5. Certified copies of the last 2 pages of the personal logbook. These pages show the latest flying experience certified by the pilot’s supervisor, who will certify the relevant logbook entries by endorsing his signature and license number.
6. Payment of the prescribed fees: Kshs. 2,000 for those below 40 years and Kshs. 1,000 for those above 40 years.
   

Office Locations & Contacts

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority – Head Office,
Aviation House, Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport, Nairobi
Tel: +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
P.O. Box 30163 -00100 Nairobi
Email: info@kcaa.or.ke
Website: KCAA Website

Other Regional Offices Contacts

Eligibility

1. Be at least seventeen years of age for a license other than the operation of glider or balloon;
2. Be at least sixteen years of age for a license in a glider or balloon;
3. Be in possession of a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate.
4. Receive an endorsement for the knowledge test in the student pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who—
   (i). Conducted the training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas, that apply to the aircraft category sought; and
   (ii). Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test;
5. Pass the required PPL knowledge test;
6. Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test. These required hours are well elaborated on the PPL aeronautical experience form (Form O-PEL002).
7. Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who—
   (i). Conducted the training in the required areas of operation for the rating being sought; and
   (ii). Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test;
   This will prove that the student is ready for PPL Practical test or GFT (General Flight Test)
8. Pass a practical test – PPL (GFT) done by an authorized examiner.
9. Pass the English Language Proficiency Exam with either of the following results;
   (i). Operational Level (Level 4); Valid for 3 years i.e. should be evaluated once every 3 years.
   (ii). Extended Level (Level 5); Valid for 6 years
   (ii). Expert Level (Level 6); Valid for Life
10. The pilot should have not less than 40 hours of flight time as pilot of aeroplanes, a total of 5 hours may have been completed in a synthetic flight trainer
    

Fees

• A fees of Kshs. 2,000 is charged for applicants below 40 years and Kshs. 1,000 for those above 40 years.
  

Validity

• A Private Pilot Licence with an aeroplane or rotorcraft (helicopter) category rating shall be valid—

1. (i). For a holder who is less than forty years of age, from the date the licence is issued or renewed by the Authority for a period of the remainder of the twenty four months validity of the holder’s Medical Certificate; or(ii). for a holder who is forty years of age or more, from the date the licence is issued or renewed by the authority for a period of the remainder of the twelve months validity of the holder’s Medical Certificate.

• A report of medical fitness for the Private Pilot Licence is valid for 24 months for pilots under 40 years and 12 months for pilots above 40 years.
  

Documents to Use

• Application for Issue or Renewal of a Private Pilot Licence – Form: O-PEL002

Processing Time

• The processing time is seven days.

Instructions

• The applicant should:-

1. Complete the PPL prescribed application form,
2. Complete the flying experience summary form,
3. Submit Class 2 Medical Certificate together with all the required documents to the KCAA offices.
4. Pay the applicable fees and submit the payment receipt.
5. Wait for the processing period to elapse then collect your PPL license.
   

Required Information

1. Full names
2. Postal and physical address
3. Date and place of birth
4. Nationality
5. Gender
6. Name of Aviation Training Organisation where you got instructed
7. Particulars of licences already held (Place and Date of Issue , Type of Licence, Number and Expiry Date )
8. Category, Class and/or Aircraft Type (if required) for which the Licence is required.
9. Instrument Rating held and state date of last test.
10. Total Instrument Flying Hours
11. Hours Flown (Totals to Date , Totals since renewal, Totals last 6 months)
12. Co-pilot details
13. Whether yet examined for and obtained a medical certificate in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations
14. Whether you are able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language in accordance with the English language proficiency requirements of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
15. Whether you have met all the requirements for the issuance of this licence
16. Declaration
17. Signature of Applicant
18. Date of Application

Need for the Document

• The Private Pilot Certificate, internationally referred to as the Private Pilot License (PPL), allows students to obtain the foundational knowledge and skills for all future aircraft pilot training.
• As a Private Pilot, you can fly an airplane day and night (if one has a Night Rating) in visual flight conditions and carry passengers (friends, family, co-workers, etc.).
• You cannot fly for paid compensation or hire.
• The PPL is your foundation course on a pathway to a Commercial Pilot’s License.
  

Information which might help

• Present a photo Identification Card or a Passport as a form of identification, details of which should be the same as the personal information provided on the prescribed application form; and if the applicant’s identity cannot be verified, the application will be rejected, and the applicant will have to return with the proper identification.
  

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• This license is one of the requirements needed when applying for a Commercial Pilot license.
  

External Links

• The Civil Aviation Act
• Personnel licensing
  

Others

• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) was established on 24th October 2002 by the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2002 with the primary functions towards;

1. Regulation and oversight of Aviation Safety & Security;
2. Economic regulation of Air Services and development of Civil Aviation;
3. Provision of Air Navigation Services, and Training of Aviation personnel KCAA;

as guided by the provisions of the convention on international civil aviation, related ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, 2013 and the civil aviation regulations.