Top 20 Aviation Schools in Kenya

When we were young, becoming a pilot was a dream for many. The fancy idea of flying an airplane around the world was partly to blame. Also, our parents and teachers played a part.

If you were lucky enough to harbor this dream until you completed high school or at least had the desire to work in an airport environment, there are a number of institutions available where you can take a course that gets you closer to your dream. 

Below is a list of the top aviation schools in Kenya that you should consider joining to kick-start your journey. 

1. Nairobi Aviation College

Nairobi Aviation College was established in 1999 to offer a wide range of programs in aviation-related fields such as piloting, air traffic control, cabin crew, and airport operations management. The college has state-of-the-art facilities, including modern simulators and aircraft for hands-on training. The experienced faculty members are passionate about aviation and are committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in the industry. Nairobi Aviation College also has a strong industry network, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and job placements. 

Courses offered include:

• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering 
• Diploma in Air Cargo
• Diploma of Airport Operations (Foundation)
• Certificate in Cargo Rating
• Certificate in Airport Operations
• Certificate in Airport Ramp Services
• Certificate in Aviation Security  
• Certificate in Air Cargo

Program structure: Classes commence from: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday

Fees: Available on inquiry 

Location: Bank House, 2nd and 3rd floors, Moi Avenue

Application: Visit the online application page to apply

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254 724 536048 or +254 725 436593
• Email: [email protected]

2. East African School of Aviation

The East African School of Aviation was established in 1954 and is an accredited institution offering various aviation, technical, and management programs. It’s one of the best-equipped civil aviation training centers in Africa and a designated center of excellence in the East African region. Its vision is to become the global aviation training center of choice. Its mission is to effectively offer quality training that meets the needs of the global aviation industry by optimally leveraging resources. 

Courses offered include: 

• Aeronautical Communications Operation
• Aeronautical Information Service
• Air Traffic Services
• Air Travel and Tourism 
• Aviation safety 
• Aviation Security (AVSEC)
• Bachelor of Business Management (Aviation Option)
• Curriculum Development Unit (CDU)
• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering: Avionics 
• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Airframe and Engines)
• Diploma in business management
• Diploma in Cargo Air Handling Services
• Diploma in Telecommunication Engineering
• Executive MBA Program (Aviation Option)

Program structure: Lessons begin from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday to Friday for full-time students 

Fees: The fees vary with courses; inquire with the institution.

Location: The main campus is at Wilson Airport. 

Application: Visit the EASA Application Page.

Contacts:

• Phone: +254716164229 or +254716164230
• Email:  [email protected]

3. Flight Training Center

Based in Nairobi, Kenya Flight Training Centre Ltd. (FTC) is a leading aviation training center with satellite bases on the Kenyan coast and Nyeri. FTC offers a wide range of aviation training programs, including PPL to CPL with multi-engine and instrument rating courses. Recently, the center has added helicopter training in the R44 to its list of offerings. FTC is proud to have highly qualified flight instructors who are passionate about flight training. It also facilitates the issue of student visas for foreign students and offers affordable housing to students.

Courses offered include:

•  Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MIR)
• Private Pilot License 
• Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI)

Program structure: The programs vary depending on the training center.   

Fees:  They vary with the courses and the centers.

Location: There are many centers, but the main office is located at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Application: Visit the FTC’s Facebook page for inquiries. 

Contacts: 

• Phone: 0786 670 800 or 0797 119 387
• Email: [email protected]

4. Kenya Aeronautical College

Kenya Aeronautical College is a premier aviation training institution that has maintained a tradition of excellence since its establishment in 2003. It offers students specialized training with access to aircraft operations and maintenance activities, so they could easily apply what they learned in class to real-world scenarios. The college is fully equipped with training equipment, including piston engines and flying aircraft, for full student demonstration. Kenya Aeronautical College has a strong reputation in Africa, with students from various countries coming to train at the institution. 

Courses offered include

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License (AMEL)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
• Certificate courses: Flight Planning Officers Course in Meteorology
• Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance
• Certificate in Aviation Law Fundamentals
• Certificate in Assisting Travelers with Special Needs
• Certificate in Flight Data Analysis
• Diploma courses: Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering: Airframes and Engines
• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering: Avionics
• Diploma in Cabin Crew
• Diploma in Piloting
• Diploma in Flight Operation and Dispatch
• Diploma in Air Cargo Management
• Diploma in International Tours and Travel
• Diploma in Airline Marketing
• Diploma in Airport Operations
• Diploma in Ground Operations Management
• Diploma in Air Transport Fundamentals and Economics
• Diploma in Airline Fares and Ticketing
• Diploma in Airline Customer Service
• Diploma in Airline Revenue Management

Program Structure: Learning includes full-time day learning, e-learning, 

Fees: Fees vary with the courses, whether professional, degree, or certificate. Inquire with the institution. 

Location: Wilson Airport, Karen-K.A.C. Building

Application: visit the KAC online application page. 

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254708 374 257
• Email: [email protected]

5. Kenya Airways Pride Centre

The Kenya Airways Pride Center, formally opened in July 2007, is Africa’s premier training facility for a career in hospitality in the aviation industry. The Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for “experiential” learning, offering a range of courses to prepare candidates for successful careers. The courses are open to everyone, including those already employed in the aviation and hospitality industries and secondary school and college graduates. The Center’s primary goal is to enhance sustainable development in Africa by offering high-quality training tailored to customers’ needs and conducted by well-selected and highly qualified trainers.

Courses offered include:

• Aviation Security
• Jeppesen’s Flight Dispatcher Course
• Cargo Courses
• Dangerous Goods Regulations
• Iata Regional Training Partner
• Fares and ticketing
• Flight operations training
• Ground Operations
• Ground Support Equipment Training
• Technical Training
• New Aviation

Program structure:  Pride Center has three intakes a year: February, June, and October. Lessons take a full day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fees: Inquire with the institution

Location:  Along Embakasi Road, Embakasi, Nairobi

Application: You can fill out the institute’s application form online.

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254 734 102 803 or +254 711 022 803

6. Kenya School of Flying 

Kenya School of Flying is a professional flight training school founded in 1992 to offer personalized aircraft training. Students have access to a simulator and aircraft for practical training. The school is one of the few accredited institutions in the continent that teaches spinning at PPL level and Morse code at CPL level, as the school believes that they are still relevant. It is also the only flying school that offers its graduates a Cessna Caravan rating and accommodation facilities in three locations for its national and international students. The school aims to impart professionalism and safety ethics to its students through its professional and experienced instructors.

Courses offered include

• License Without Type Rating (LWTR)  
• Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics (Motor Vehicle Mechanics)  
• PPL and CPL Ground School  

Program structure: Lessons commence at 8 a.m. and end at 5 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday, lessons end at noon. This course takes 8–12 months and a further 160 flying hours.

Fees: The fee structure depends on the type of course and its length.

Location: Wilson Airport, off Langata Road, Nairobi.

Application: Fill out and submit the online application form.

Contacts:

• Phone: +254 722 754 580 or +254 733 777 582
• Email: [email protected]

7. Standards Aviation 

Standards Aviation Flying School is a renowned aviation training institution based in Nairobi, Kenya. The school has a team of highly qualified and experienced instructors who use modern training equipment and facilities to ensure students receive quality training that meets international standards. Standards Aviation Flying School has partnerships with leading aviation companies and airlines, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements. The institution is committed to producing competent professionals in the aviation industry and has a reputation for producing some of the best pilots and aviation personnel in Kenya and beyond.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot (PPL) 
• Commercial Pilot (CPL) 
• Flight Instructor (CFI/FI) 
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR) 
• Multi-Engine (Class Rating) 
• Staff Examiner(s) 
• Ground School Classes

Program Structure: Lessons commence from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Fees: Inquire on the Institute’s Facebook page.

Location: Wilson, Nairobi

Application: Inquire on the Institute’s Facebook page.

Contacts: 

• Phone: 0706 091811
• Email: [email protected]

8. Ninety-Nines Flying School

The Ninety Nines Flying School is an aviation training organization located in Nairobi, Kenya, that provides private, commercial, and airline sector training services. Established in 1975, the school has a reputation for high-quality flight training and extensive experience training pilots from various cultural backgrounds. They offer courses such as Jeppesen Dispatcher Certification, Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport License, and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating. The school is open seven days a week, and their fleet includes a simulator and 11 engineers. The contact information for the school includes a phone number, email, and address at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Courses offered include

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MIR) 
• Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL)
• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI)

Program structure: Lessons run from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, and most pilots require 50–60 hours of flight time to complete training.

Fees: Fees vary per program; for details on fees and account numbers concerning Ninety-Nine Flying College, contact the admissions office.

Location: Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the Online Registration Page to apply.

Contacts:  

• Phone: +254 728 606479 
• Email: [email protected]

9. Aero Solutions Limited 

Aero Solutions is an aviation solution provider founded in 1999 that bridges the gap between European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards and local compliance levels. They offer various means of compliance as a reference guide for approved organizations in implementing and monitoring aviation safety rules. They partner with EASA Part-147 training organizations to offer their courses locally and provide advisory guidance to local aircraft maintenance organizations seeking EASA Part-145 approval status and renewal audits. Additionally, they offer continuing airworthiness organization (CAMO) advisory services in line with Part-M continuing airworthiness requirements. Aero Solutions’ mission is to uphold high safety standards and nurture the environment.

Courses offered include

• B1/B2 exam preparation class
• Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS)
• Fuel tank safety
• Human factors in aviation
• Type Courses

Program structure: It depends on the location of the institution and the course taken.

Fees: Consult with the institution

Location:  Precision Hangar, Wilson Airport

Application: Visit Aerosolutions’ Contact page to inquire with the administration. 

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254 733 710 270. 
• Email: [email protected]

10. Nairobi Flight Training

Nairobi Flight Training is a top-notch flight training facility that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has approved to offer a top-notch flight training program. NFT has a license from the Oxford Aviation Academy of the UK and an Approved Training Organization Certificate (ATO) from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to conduct its flight and ground school programs. The modular flight training program takes the students through PPL and CPL and equips them with either multi-engine or single-engine IR. Upon completion, the students log a total of 250 flight hours, proving they’re ready for the job market.

Courses offered include

• KCAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
• KCAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
• Single Engine Instrument Rating
• Radio License

Program structure: There are no online classes, and the total learning hours are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Fees: You can find out the fees by contacting their offices, and they vary depending on the course.

Location: Wilson Airport

Application: Contact their office to get guidance.

Contacts:

• Phone: 0729 607737
• Email [email protected]

11. Alpha Aviation Flying School 

Alpha Aviation is a professional aviation training institution based in Kenya that was established in 2006 to offer certified flight training courses to aspiring pilots and cabin crew. With years of experience in the flight training industry, Alpha Aviation is recognized as a top training provider in the region. The school offers a variety of courses, including Their qualified instructors, many with industry experience, help equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the aviation industry. Alpha Aviation’s location at Wilson Airport provides students with daily interaction with the flying environment, giving them a practical and immersive learning experience.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License (PPL), 
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Cabin Crew Training
• Mechanical Engineering
• Flight Operation Dispatch
• Multi-ir training
• Mechanical engineering
• Flight Instructor Training
• Cabin crew

Program structure: Lessons are divided into ground school and flying hours. The average length of the ground school is 14–16 weeks, two hours a night, and you can begin the ground school at any time, even if you are not currently taking lessons. The school is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Fees: Varies from course to course and the period the course will take.

Location: Wilson Business Park

Application: Visit the institution’s application page.

Contacts: 

• Phone: 0701030725 
• Email: [email protected].

12. Proactive Training Services

Established in 2013, Proactive Flight Training School is a certified Approved Training Organization by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, offering training for individuals aspiring to become private or commercial pilots. With a strong emphasis on safety, professionalism, and quality assurance, Proactive Flight Training School’s highly experienced instructors aim to train pilots to the highest professional standards. 

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License
• Commercial Pilot  
• Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
• License Conversions and Renewals

Program structure: inquire with the institution about the school program. The school is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Fees: Inquire with the institution

Location:  Lengai House (1st Floor) at Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the Institute’s application page. 

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254 772 292016
• Email: [email protected]

13. Skymax Flying School

Skymax Aviation Flying School is a leading aviation institution based at Wilson Airport. In 2011, it received approval from the Aviation Training Organization under the KCAA and registered formally. The institution was established to provide professional flight training services. The school is unique in that it trains pilots and aeronautical engineering students under the same roof, with both institutions housed in the same building and sharing the same facilities and trainers. Skymax Aviation Flying School prides itself on its core values, including commitment to integrity, employee empowerment, teamwork, innovativeness, customer focus, and quality.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Flight Operations Officer 
• Commercial Pilot License

Program structure: Contact the institution for further information on the program, depending on the course. The school runs from Monday to Saturday.

Fees: Inquire with the institution

Location: Wilson Airport 

Application: Fill out the online application form.

Contacts: 

• Phone:+256 785868273
• Email [email protected]

14. Aerosafe Africa Consultants

Aerosafe Africa Consultants is a Kenyan-based aviation safety consultancy and an approved   training institution that offers top-notch training facilities operated by a team of aviation professionals. Its staff has decades of practical experience in scheduled airline, general aviation, aircraft maintenance, and relief operations in Africa. Aerosafe also provides customized and flexible e-learning programs for their learners and clients. As an ATO, they are registered with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and are dedicated to providing the highest standards of service to their clients on a “one-time basis” or as an ongoing program tailored to their needs.

Courses offered include

• Flight Operations Officer
• Crew Resource Management
• Dangerous goods
• Aviation security
• Quality management system
• Safety Management Systems
• Human Factors in Management
• Leadership and management training
• Emergency response training

Program structure: The school runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only on weekdays. For more information on their schedule, contact the institution.

Fees: Inquire with the institution

Location: Wilson Airport

Application: Visit Aerosafe’s contact page to apply.

Contacts:   

• Phone: 0705 152401
• Email: [email protected]

15. Westrift Aviation Limited

West Rift Aviation is a leading flight school in Kenya, offering premium and affordable courses with a modern fleet of aircraft and highly professional instructors. Established in 2013, West Rift Aviation is an approved training organization that provides a wide range of aviation courses to new and existing flight crew. Their mission is to provide high-quality aviation training in an environment that nurtures intellectual and social growth, allowing future aviators to achieve their highest levels of success. Contact West Rift Aviation to learn more about their courses and training programs.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License
• Commercial Pilot License
• Airline Transport Pilot License
• Flight Instructor Rating Multi-engine Instrument Rating
• Flight Dispatch License
• Conversion and Renewal Courses

Program structure:  West Rift Aviation Limited runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. The schedule varies with the course. Inquire with the institution to get their schedule.

Fees: The average training cost total for PPL is Ksh 690,300.

Location: Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the Westrift contact page to apply.

Contacts:   

• Phone: +254 704 265037
• Email: [email protected]

16. Pegasus Flyers (EA) Limited

Pegasus Flyers is one of the oldest flying schools in Kenya, established in 1927 by keen flying instructors with the objective of providing flying instruction and facilities for members of the club and to further general aviation in Kenya. The school is well-known for offering flight training of the highest caliber by instructors who are passionate about flying and highly qualified. With excellent weather and a vast choice of places to visit, Kenya is an ideal location to learn to fly, and Pegasus Flyers offers personalized attention to aspiring pilots who share the same love for flying.

Courses offered include

• PPL (Private Pilot License)
• PPC (Private Pilot Certificate)

Program structure: The school runs from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sunday to Sunday. Consult the school for further information on their schedule.

Fees: Consult with the institution

Location: Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the Pegasus contact page to inquire.

Contacts: 

• Phone: 0786635580 or +254 20 6001467 or +254 20 6001468  
• Email [email protected].

17. Think Aviation Training

Think Aviation School is a world-class aviation training institution established in 2010 in Nairobi. As an approved training organization (ATO No. 22) by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Think Aviation School has been providing first-class training to a growing list of renowned clients for over 10 years. In-house trainers who are committed to helping students achieve their aviation career goals facilitate their courses. The school offers a range of courses such as Aviation Security, Crew Resource Management, and Flight Operations Officer Initial, all held at their location in the DLCO Hanger at Wilson Airport. They also provide corporate training packages and e-brochures for interested individuals.

Courses offered include

• Human Factors in Maintenance (HFM)
• Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR)
• Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Flight Operation Officer (FOO)
• Safety Management System (SMS)
• Aviation Security Awareness (ASA)
• Core Instructional Techniques (CIT)

Program structure: The school is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and runs on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees: Contact the institution for more information.

Location: DLCO Hanger, Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the registration page to create an account and select courses. 

Contacts:  

• Phone: +254 733 48 3483 or +2547 11 48 3483
• Email. [email protected]

18. FliteStar Academy

FliteStar Academy is a nationally accredited and recognized flight academy located at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. The academy offers KCAA-approved courses for international and Kenyan students planning careers as professional airline pilots and flight dispatchers. The academy has a dedicated team of highly qualified instructors with loads of flight experience who provide the best available training in the region. FliteStar Academy possesses a fleet of modern aircraft that are well serviced and in top shape, allowing students to be trained and gain experience in the best environment. The institution offers certifications with the help of a list of approved aviation medical examiners made available at the school.

Courses offered include

• PPL (Private Pilot License)
• CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
• Multi-Engine Training
• Flight Operations and Dispatch

Program structure: This school runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Classes run at different times. Inquire about the schedule from the institution.

Fees: Fees range from USD 1,530 to USD 37,500.

Location: Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya

Application: Visit the institute’s application page.

Contacts:   

• Phone: +254 735 708997
• Email [email protected]

19. Mt. Kenya Flight School

Mt. Kenya Flight School is an aviation institution founded in 1992 to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the aviation industry. With a mission to create and sustain an academic institution that nurtures individual aviation careers, the school offers flight instruction, aircraft rental, and aviation consulting services. Its vision is to provide clear educational pathways to aviation careers for men and women in the Kenyan and Sub-Saharan African aviation industries. With its qualified instructors, decongested airspace, and compliance with international standards, Mt. Kenya Flight School provides students with the highest quality of flight training.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License (PPL)​
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Foreign license to local license conversion
• Ground school for PPL, CPL, and conversion
• Night Rating
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Multi-engine rating (ME)

Program structure: Most courses have a duration of 12–18 months and 200 minimum flying hours.

Fees: Get a quote from the institute.

Location: Nanyuki Office, Opposite Nanyuki Airstrip, Nanyuki-Nyeri Highway

Application: Inquire from the administration using the contacts below.

Contacts:  

• Phone: +254 758813228 or +254 722595899
• Email: [email protected]

20. Capital Connect Aviation

Capital Connect Aviation is a flight training organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2014, it was founded with the mission of providing affordable and flexible flight training programs that are of high quality and safe. The company is an authorized training organization that adheres to the regulations set by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Their team of multi-rated instructors has extensive flying experience both in Kenya and across the continent. With a focus on safety, professionalism, and integrity, Capital Connect Aviation ensures that their cadets receive the best training possible to achieve their aviation goals.

Courses offered include

• Private Pilot License
• Commercial Pilot License
• Flight Dispatch
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Cabin Crew

Program structure: For full-time students, regular classes will commence from 0900 to 1600 (with breaks) five days a week, while for part-time students, various packages are offered for them to choose from. Inquire with the institution for more information.

Fees: Consult with the institution

Location: Located at Wilson Airport

Application: Visit the institute’s application page and register.

Contacts: 

• Phone: +254 777363662 
• Emai: [email protected]

Conclusion 

Kenya is home to some of the best flying schools in Africa. These institutions offer quality training, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced instructors to prepare students for successful careers in the aviation industry. 

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for aviation, the top aviation schools in Kenya are shaping the future of the industry. 

If you’re interested in becoming a pilot or working in the aviation industry, you can start your journey with any of the institutions mentioned above.