How To Become A Pilot In Uganda

Who is A Pilot?

An aircraft pilot or aviator is a person who controls the flight of an aircraft by operating its directional flight controls. Some other aircrew members, such as navigators or flight engineers, are also considered aviators, because they are involved in operating the aircraft’s navigation and engine systems.

How To Become A Pilot In Uganda

  1. Do research on the available flight training options in Uganda.
  2. Look up the Basic Requirements.
  3. Decide on which training stages you will have to undergo.
  4. Choose a flight school.
  5. Consider your Career Options.

How Much Is A Pilot Course In Uganda?

The cost of flight training varies widely, but you should be able to get a private pilot license for around UGX 36228320.00, depending on the location, type of airplane used, type of flight school, instructor experience, and the pace at which you are able to learn.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become A Pilot In Uganda?

To get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in Uganda, you will need an average of 1 to 2 years (in some extreme cases 3 years). Whereas you will need around only 3 to 6 months to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL).

How Much Do Pilots Get Paid In Uganda?

A Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals typically earns between USh508,672 and USh1,046,326 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between USh702,702 and USh1,602,374 per month for a working week of 48 hours.

Which Subjects Are Required For Pilot In Uganda?

Minimum Requirements for Pilots: A Level: 2 principle passes. Physics, Mathematics and Geography are advantageous.

How Many Pilots Are In Uganda?

The future was bleak for both the consequently unemployed and the potential aviators who were looking at the national airline as their end game. Fast forward 2021 and the outlook is completely different. The new Uganda airlines currently employs 50 pilots with about 42 being Ugandan.

What Are The Subjects Needed To Become A Pilot In Uganda?

The Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) requires Radio licence exams and seven exams comprising of: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; General Navigation; Aircraft General; Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics); Human Performance and Limitations; Air Law; and to complete, a practical flight test.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Pilot In Uganda?

Ideally, becoming a pilot should only take 3 to 4 years, the time it takes to get your Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. Getting an education is also good for a consistency of training, so it’s preferred to wait to start your journey until you are in a certified school, like LETU.

How Many Exams Does A Pilot Have In Uganda?

There are three main Aviation Exams in India namely Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Entrance Test, Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Exam (AME CET).

Look Up The Basic Requirements To Become A Pilot In Uganda

  • What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Uganda?
    • You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Uganda. 
  • What do I need to start pilot training in Uganda? 
    • In order to start your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. The best way to do this is to speak with the flight school you would like to enroll in and they will help arrange it for you.
  • What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Uganda?
    • Potential students must be at least a high school (Class 12) graduate.
  • What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Uganda?
    • Since the language of aviation internationally is English, it is recommended to have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license. If you are looking to improve your English, you can send us a message and we will give you tips on what courses to take.
  • What is the maximum age for airline pilots in Uganda? 
    • The retirement age for airline pilots is 65 years old.

Decide On Which Training Stages You Will Have To Undergo To Become A Pilot In Uganda

In general, there are five (5) different pilot training stages in which students need to complete depending on what their goal is. The stages of pilot training are as follows:

  • Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.

  • Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation.

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To start earning from flying, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license. This license allows you to become a paid professional pilot. 

Both Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating are add-ons to your pilot license.

  • Instrument Rating (IR)

Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example low or zero visibility) using just the instruments. Flight schools offer Instrument Rating along with their commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.

  • Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine Rating along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.

  •   Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

ATPL is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as pilot in command on scheduled air carriers.

Do Research On The Available Flight Training Options In Uganda

You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the country and which among those is the most suitable for you. This is where you should take into account what your aviation goal is. Do you want to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)? Are you seeking to work for an airline? If yes, then an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is for you. Do you aim to attain a college degree at the same time too? Or do you see yourself joining the military, particularly the Air Force? 

Did we lose you? Don’t panic! If you’re not familiar with the terms or can’t choose which license is right for you, you can send in your questions and our team will be happy to help you out.

Here are your options on Becoming a Pilot in Uganda

  • Flight School

There are  six (6) flight schools in Uganda that offer different pilot training programs that you can choose from. It is important that you create a list of your preferred flight school/s so you can compare which is fitting for you. Each school has its own procedures, enrollment requirements, and depending on which pilot training courses you decide to take, the tuition fee also varies. 

  • Aviation-related college degree program

However, if you’re interested in obtaining a college degree accompanied with flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs. These programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. With this kind of program, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases. This will give you the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

  • Airline cadet pilot program

Meanwhile, if your greatest childhood dream is to become an airline pilot, you should consider airline cadet pilot programs. Airlines often sponsor these programs and students are guaranteed employment upon course completion. In this pilot program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). You can reach out to us to get an insight on the options currently available.

  • Join the military

Finally, if you’re interested in serving your country, you can join the Uganda People’s Defence Force. The Government will sponsor your flight training but you will have to stay with the military for around 12 years after completion before you can apply to commercial airlines.