From training to takeoff: What it really takes to become an aviation pilot

Are you looking into becoming an aviation pilot and have no idea where to start? Read more for information on pilot training, pilot training institutions and how you can get started.

Compilation and editing by Bett Joshua, a licensed pilot. This serves as guidance only. I hope this will be resourceful and helpful to an aspiring pilot.

DISCLAIMER!

In aviation, publications are amended from time to time by each country's regulating Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The information on this site may differ slightly to those given by your relevant CAA.

To become a fully-fledged pilot, you will need the following certifications and licences. Click on the links for details on each item:

1. Aviation medical certificate

2. Ground school

3. Flight Radio Telephony Operator's license

4. Student Pilot License (SPL)

5. Private Pilot License (PPL)

6. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

7. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

8. Ratings and endorsements

2. GROUND SCHOOL

An aspiring pilot must acquire theoretical knowledge from an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), commonly known as flying school. The ATOs prepare student pilots to pass the flying practical test/ check ride and also takes them through a learning schedule that preps them for written examinations which are mostly computer based and situated at the CAA.

The subjects of study include:

1. Air Law

2. Meteorology

3. Human performance and limitations

4. Navigation General & Radio Aids

5. Navigation Plotting

6. Principles of Flight

7. Operational Procedures

8. Flight Performance, Planning, Mass and Balance

9. Aircraft Technical & General ( Including Instruments, Electrics, Power plant)

10. Radio Telephony Procedures

11. English Proficiency

3. FLIGHT RADIO TELEPHONY OPERATOR’S LICENCE

The Flight Radio Telephony Operator's License (FRTOL) authorizes you to operate an Aircraft Radio Station in a registered aircraft. The license is held in conjunction with another Flight Crew license. A holder of a valid FRTOL shall have the privilege to use the radio telephone on board an aircraft.

To obtain a FRTOL, one has to sit and pass written examination and a practical oral examination before being an eligible applicant.

Validity

This license is valid for two (2) years from the date of application.

A holder of a flight radio telephony operator license may apply for a renewal of the license if the holder has exercised the privileges of the license in the six months preceding the date of application.

4. STUDENT PILOT LICENCE (SPL)

This licence, together with a valid FRTOL, enables you to conduct training flights with a Flight Instructor until he/she is satisfied to release you on your first solo flight.

It is majorly used for training purposes by trainee pilots and also by other pilots renewing their licenses in case their other licenses e.g. PPL, CPL or ATPL have expired.

Qualification criteria for application of an SPL

A Student Pilot License applicant shall;

• Be at least (sixteen) years of age (depending on Country)

• Able to demonstrate the ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language;

• Be in possession of a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate.

5. PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

The PPL permits the student pilot to obtain primary aviation skills and general knowledge in his future career. Privileges of a Private Pilot are however limited; with a Night Rating endorsed on your license, you can do day and night operations in visual flight conditions (or VFR) and carry non-paying passengers such as friends and family. You cannot fly for remuneration or hire. The PPL is your foundation course on a pathway to obtaining a Commercial Pilot License.

Qualification criteria for application of an PPL

An applicant for a Private Pilot License depending on country of training, 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—

• Conducted the training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas, that apply to the aircraft category sought; and

• 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.

7. Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who—

• Conducted the training in the required areas of operation for the rating being sought; and

• Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test;

This will prove that the student is ready for PPL Practical test or General Flight Test (GFT)

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;

• Operational Level (Level 4); Valid for 3 years i.e. should be evaluated once every 3 years.

• Extended Level (Level 5); Valid for 6 years

• Expert Level (Level 6); Valid for Life

This is done in an exam.

6. COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE (CPL)

The CPL ground school, being more complex and wider, should be built on a solid PPL ground school foundation. Passing written exams and practical exams are a prerequisite of obtaining a CPL.

At least 200 hours of flight time must be logged in a Pilots Personal Logbook and all training exercises done before attempting a CPL general flight test.

A CPL holder is privileged to fly for a compensation or hire. A career pilot will advance to this level and beyond or otherwise remain a PPL holder and operate private flights.

7. AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT LICENSE (ATPL)

An Airline Transport Pilot License is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate. Those certified as airline transport pilots (unconditional) are authorized to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers' aircraft. Pilots must hold an ATPL before they can be pilot in command on an aircraft with 9 or more passenger seats.

Requirements for issue of an ATPL

An applicant for an Airline Transport Pilot License shall:

1. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

2. Have a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate issued under KCARs.

3. Meet at least one of the following requirements:

a. Hold a valid and current Commercial Pilot License and an instrument Rating;

b. Meet the experience requirements for Conversion of the Kenyan

Military Pilots’ License to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License, and an Instrument Rating if the person is a rated military pilot or former rated military pilot; or

1. Hold either a foreign Airline Transport Pilot License or a foreign Commercial Pilot License and an instrument rating issued by another Contracting State.

2. Pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas done during their Flight Instruction that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

3. Meet the applicable aeronautical experience requirements of this sub-part before applying for the practical test;

4. Pass the practical test on the applicable and required areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

5. Pass the required practical test for the specific aircraft type to be endorsed on the license.

6. Pass an Instrument Rating test

7. Pass the English Language Proficiency exam and attain either of

8. Operational Level (Level 4); Valid for 3 years

9. Extended Level (Level 5); Valid for 6 years

10. Expert Level (Level 6); Valid for Life

8. RATINGS AND ENDORSEMENTS

The following are ratings that can be issued and endorsed on the main licenses:

1. Aircraft Category Ratings

2. Aircraft Class Ratings

3. Aircraft Type Ratings

4. Flight Instructor Ratings

5. Ground Instructor Ratings

6. Instrument Ratings

7. Night Ratings (for PPL holders only)