Kenyan CAA issues second ROC
It seems like Kenyan aviation authorities are catching up fast when it comes to opening up opportunities for the drone industry.
It might have taken them years to finally accede to a drone section on their aviation laws (which they finally did last year), but the authorities are eager to make up for lost time – this after the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) awarded the second ever Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operator’s Certificate (ROC) yesterday.
The invaluable certificate was awarded to Drone Space, Kenya’s drone pilot training organisation, which has been in operation since 2018. The company has provided Kenya and East Africa with pilot drone training using a simple yet comprehensive model for enterprise clients, government agencies, public safety departments, and individuals.
“Our comprehensive training programs are customisable and feature in-person hands-on training on flight training, instruction on attaining a commercial remote pilot license and mission specific advanced training on search and rescue, thermal imaging, aerial mapping, inspections, aerial videography, and more,” Drone space says. “We help organisations safely and effectively implement a drone program through customised pilot training, standard operating procedures development, pilot assessments, program management software, consulting, and new drone pilot support.”
Drone Space’s ROC follows hot on the heels of delivery drone services provider Astral Aerial Solutions, a subsidiary of Astral Aviation, announcing that they had received their own ROC last month. The certification paves way for these companies to fully unlock their potential in providing drone technology applications to clients in Kenya and the east African region.
“This landmark certification is a critical step in the use of drones to provide solutions to everyday challenges,” said Drone Space Chief Executive Officer Tony Mwangi. “Over the last five years, there has been significant demand for potential drone pilots and legal operations.”
According to the KCAA drone regulations, the ROC basically authorises an operator to carry out drone operations specified in their application. Additionally, operators are required to meet other requirements, such as a valid Remote Pilot License.
“I wanted it to be professional where people actually fly safely,” Mwangi told Reuters last month. “When you’re a professional pilot it will be easy to get a job.”
1 Comment
Millicent Voss
6 June 2021 at 11:48Hello Tony,
I would like to learn how to fly drones in a few days, is it possible book at your institute?
How long does the shorter course take, and the cost of the training?
I’m looking forward to join in mid July 2021 if possible.