Private Pilot License and Commercial Pilot Licence Requirements

Even after completing college in Kenya, you are required to obtain a licence for private or commercial pilot. Below are requirements for the licences:

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 aeronautical experience form (Form O-PEL002).
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)

1. Pass a practical test – PPL (GFT) done by an authorized examiner.
2. Pass the English Language Proficiency Exam with either of the following results;
3. 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 PPL prescribed application forms as follows;
   1. PPL Application Form (O-PEL002);
   2. Aeronautical Experience Form showing the breakdown of the hours that an applicant should have.
   3. Summary of flying experience form
   4. 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. A completed the prescribed – renewal application form (Form O-PEL002);
2. A current Class 2 or Class 1 medical certificate;
3. A completed the prescribed summary of the flying experience form which should indicate that the Pilot has the required 5 hours within the preceding 12 months.
4. 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.
5. 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. 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.
2. More than three (3) years but not more than 10 years;

The applicant will;

1. 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.
2. More than ten (10) years, an applicant shall meet all requirements for initial issue of a PPL.

Commercial Pilot License

Commercial pilots train as private pilots, which allows them to learn the basics of flying before progressing into more complicated planes and situations. Having a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A) allows flying for a compensation or a hire, so it is the choice, if you wish to pursue flying as a career.

Requirements for Issue of a CPL

An applicant for a Commercial Pilot License shall;

1. Be at least eighteen years of age;
2. Be in possession of a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
3. Hold a Kenyan Private Pilot License or meet the requirements for application for military licenses; or conversion of foreign licenses and
4. Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who: –
   1. Conducted the required ground training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas, that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
   2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
5. Pass the required knowledge test on the following aeronautical knowledge areas;
6. Meet the required aeronautical experience of the applicable provisions that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test. These required flight hours are well stipulated on the aeronautical experience form
7. Receive the required training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
   1. Conducted the training on the areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
   2. Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
8. Pass the required practical test (GFT) on the areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; M
9. Pass the English Language Proficiency exam and attain either of
   1. Operational Level (Level 4); Valid for 3 years
   2. Extended Level (Level 5); Valid for 6 years
   3. Expert Level (Level 6); Valid for Life

Application Requirements

The applicant should have the following;

1. Fully Completed PPL prescribed application forms as follows;
   1. Application Form for Issue, re-issue and renewal of CPL (Form O-PEL003);
   2. Aeronautical Experience Form showing the breakdown of the hours that an applicant should have.
   3. Summary of flying experience form
   4. Application form for English Language Proficiency endorsement
   5. Application form for Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License
2. A valid Medical Certificate – Class 1
3. Four passport size photographs – full face (2cm by 2.5cm);
4. A photo Identification Card or Passport, or Birth Certificate and a copy 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. 4500)

Requirements for Renewal of CPL

1. Complete the prescribed renewal application form;
2. Provide a valid Class 1 medical certificate;
3. Complete the prescribed summary of the flying experience form;
4. Logged the required 6 hours for renewal which should have been flown within the last 6 months.
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.

Renewal of a Lapsed Commercial Pilot License

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

To renew a lapsed Commercial Pilot’s license; the license holder shall meet the requirements subject to the lapsed periods as follows:

1. 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:
   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
   3. Meet the renewal requirements
3. More than three (3) years but not more than 10 years:
   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 CPL practical test (GFT) on the aircraft type rating being sought;
   3. Pass a CPL composite knowledge examination;
   4. Meet the renewal requirements;
4. More than ten (10) years, an applicant shall meet all requirements for the of initial issue of a CPL.