An Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) 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—
   1. Hold a valid and current Commercial Pilot License and an instrument Rating;
   2. 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
   3. Hold either a foreign Airline Transport Pilot License or a foreign Commercial Pilot License and an instrument rating issued by another Contracting State.
4. 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
5. Meet the applicable aeronautical experience requirements of this sub-part before applying for the practical test;
6. Pass the practical test on the applicable and required areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
7. Pass the required practical test for the specific aircraft type to be endorsed on the license.
8. Pass an Instrument Rating test
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 forms as follows;

   1. ATPL application Forms to be filled on the initial issue section;

      a. Form M-PEL004-1 for ATPL (Aeroplanes)

      b. Form-M-PEL004-2 for ATPL (Helicopters)

   2. Summary of flying experience form
   3. Application form for English Language Proficiency endorsement
   4. 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 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. 8,000)

Renewal of ATPL

Requirements for Renewal

1. Fully completed forms as follows;

   1. ATPL application Forms to be filled on the renewal section;

      a. Form M-PEL004-1 for ATPL (Aeroplanes)

      b. Form-M-PEL004-2 for ATPL (Helicopters)

   2. Summary of flying experience form
2. A valid Class I medical certificate;
3. A well completed summary of the flying experience form;
4. The required renewal hours i.e. 6 hours.
5. Present a certified logbook or other flight record to substantiate the required hours (Make copy of the relevant log book pages for the licensing file).
6. Payment of the prescribed fees of Kshs. 8,000 for those below 40 years and Kshs.4,000 for those above 40 years.

Renewal of a Lapsed Airline Transport 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. 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 ATPL practical test on the aircraft type rating sought;
   3. Pass a ATPL composite knowledge examination and
4. More than ten (10) years, an applicant shall meet all requirements for the initial issue of an ATPL.