THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE AND VEHICLE ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL AND AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

EEAQ 5239 : INDUSTRIAL BASED LEARNING III(ATTACHMENT) REPORT

KELVIN NYAMU NYONGESA

EMAQ/01511/2017

THE KENYA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY,

AVIATION HOUSE,

JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,

P.O. BOX 30163 -00100

NAIROBI, KENYA

AIRWORTHINESS DEPARTMENT.

ATTACHEMENT PERIOD: JULY 4TH, 2023 TO OCTOBER 3RD, 2023

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 DECLARATION

This project is my original work and has not been presented in any other organization.

Attaché:

1. KELVIN NYONGESA

----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------

SIGNATURE DATE

This project is submitted for examination with my approval as the Attaché Supervisor

2. Ms. LYDIA KATHAE

----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------

SIGNATURE DATE

This project is submitted for examination with my approval as Manager Airworthiness

3. Ms. MARY KETER.

----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------

SIGNATURE DATE

APPROVAL

I, Ms. Lydia Kathae, do verify that this report is submitted to the Airworthiness Department at
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, with my approval as the designated supervisor.

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DEDICATION

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty God for the strength and good health that
He gave me during my industrial attachment. Special dedication also to my great parents, for
their relentless support and compassion towards me during my attachment period.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to recognize the manager airworthiness, Ms. Mary Keter, in particular, for allowing
me to complete my attachment to the department. I wish to acknowledge the team with whom I
worked at the department, my supervisor Ms. Lydia Kathae, Mr. Muturi M. Lewa, Mrs. Lusweti
Joan and Mr. Gesure Alex. Their advice on the departmental and regulatory activities of the
KCAA on Civil Aviation in Kenya was extremely beneficial to my career development. Special
thanks are also extended to Mr. Justus Kurgat and Ms. Doris Kemuma for their support with the
day-to-day operations of the Airworthiness Department and the Aviation Safety and Security
Regulations Directorate as a whole. I'm also grateful to my fellow attaché and interns alongside
other inspectors for their assistance in completing the responsibilities assigned to us on schedule
and satisfactorily. I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Kenya Civil Aviation
Authority staff for their unwavering assistance during my attachment duration at the institution. I
also would like to recognize the Department of Airworthiness in particular for working so
closely with me.

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ABBREVIATIONS
K.C.A.A - Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
K.A.A - Kenya Airports Authority
J.K.I.A - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
E.A.S.A - East African School of Aviation
I.C.A.O - International Civil Aviation Organization
I.C.T - Information Communication Technology
ANS - Air Navigation Services
AIS - Aeronautical Information Service
ATM - Air Traffic Management
ATFM - Air Traffic Flow Management
SSID - Service Set Identifier
AAMLE - ANS Aerodrome Met Legislation and Enforcement
AVSEC - Aviation Security
A.M.Os - Approved Maintenance Organizations
AOC - Air Operators Certificate
AMEL - Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License
ATOs - Approved Training Organizations
FIR - Flight Information Region
IATA - International Air Transport Association
WAP - Wireless Access Point
WAN – Wilson Airport
DCA - Directorate of Civil Aviation
CAB - Civil Aviation Board

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0: INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................1
1.1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................1
1.2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION..............................................................................................1
1.3: VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE VALUES..............................2
1.3.1: VISION STATEMENT.............................................................................................................2
1.3.2: MISSION STATEMENT..........................................................................................................2
1.3.3: CORE VALUES........................................................................................................................2
1.3.4:........................................................................................................................................................2
1.4: DESCRIPTION OF THE DIRECTORATES..............................................................................6
1.4.1: DIRECTORATES OF AVIATION SAFETY SECURITY AND REGULATIONS (DASSR).6
1.4.2: DIRECTORATE OF AIR NAVIGATION SERVICES............................................................7
1.4.3: CORPORATE Directorate.........................................................................................................8
1.4.4: Directorate of East African School of Aviation.......................................................................10
2.0: OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................................................11
3.0: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK PERFORMED........................................................................11
3.1: Evaluation of the Technical Manuals..........................................................................................11
3.1.1: Maintenance Procedures Manual (MPM)...........................................................................11
3.1.2: Aircraft Maintenance Programme Manual (AMP)................................................................11
3.1.3: Maintenance Control Manual...............................................................................................12
3.2: Evaluation of Aircraft Files.........................................................................................................12
3.3: Assessment of Application for General Duty Exemption...............................................................13
3.4: Preparation of Radio-Forms...........................................................................................................13
3.5: Raising of Invoices........................................................................................................................14
3.6: Preparation of Duty Exemption Letters.....................................................................................14
3.7: Preparation of Licenses and Certificates....................................................................................15
3.8: Task Allocation and Task Closures.............................................................................................15
3.9: Aircraft Inspection.......................................................................................................................15
3.10: Customer Service........................................................................................................................15
4.0 CHALLENGES.................................................................................................................................16
5.0: KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED..............................................................................17
5.1: PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE.............................................................................................17
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 5.2: WORK SKILLS ACQUIRED.....................................................................................................17
6.0: RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................19
7.0 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................................20
8.0 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................21

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 ABSTRACT

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) was created on October 24, 2002, under the Civil
Aviation (Amendment) Act of 2002. The Agency Objective is to plan, develop, manage, regulate
and operate a safe, economically sustainable and efficient civil aviation system in Kenya, in
accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2013.

The KCAA was preceded by two Departments of the Ministry of Transport: The Civil Aviation
Board (CAB) and The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA). The KCAA operates under the
guidance of the provisions outlined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation, related
ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), the Kenya Civil Aviation Act of 2013,
and the civil aviation regulations.

During my three (3) months attachment at the organization, I carried out a set of tasks outlined
below:

 Evaluation of the Technical Manuals such as MPM, MCM, AMP, MTM, etc.
 Evaluation of Aircraft Files such as C of A Files, AMO Files etc.
 Aircraft Inspection.
 Evaluation of AMEL (AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS LICENCE)
 Preparation and Assessment of Duty Exemption applications.
 Preparation of Radio-Forms
 Raising of Invoices.
 Task Allocation and Task Closures.
 Customer Service

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1.0: INTRODUCTION
1.1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) was created on October 24, 2002, under the Civil
Aviation (Amendment) Act of 2002. The agency has been entrusted with several primary
responsibilities, including regulating and supervising aviation safety and security, overseeing the
economic regulation of air services and promoting the development of civil aviation, providing
air navigation services, and training aviation personnel. The KCAA operates under the guidance
of the provisions outlined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation, related ICAO
Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), the Kenya Civil Aviation Act of 2013, and the
civil aviation regulations.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulates and oversees civil aviation activities in
Kenya. Its mandate is to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient functioning of Kenya's aviation
industry, as well as to promote the industry's development and expansion.

In addition, the KCAA is in charge of implementing aviation regulations and standards,

administering air traffic control systems, supervising airport operations, conducting safety
inspections, licencing aviation employees, and promoting aviation education and training.

KCAA has adopted a number of efforts in recent years aimed at increasing the safety and
security of Kenya's aviation industry, including the adoption of new technologies and the
application of stronger regulatory standards. KCAA has also played a major part in promoting
regional and international aviation cooperation, working closely with other African countries and
international organisations in order to improve the industry's overall safety and efficiency.

1.2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is a state corporation in Kenya with a responsibility for
regulating the aviation industry and providing air navigation services. The Kenya Civil Aviation
Authority (KCAA) was created on October 24, 2002, under the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act
of 2002. It was created to take over the functions previously held by the then CAB and DCA.
Before, KCAA was a department under then ministry of transport.

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KCAA establishment was geared purposely to accomplishing the following primary functions.

 Regulation and oversight of aviation safety and security

 Economic regulation of air services and development of civil aviation
 Provision of air navigation services
 Training of aviation personnel

1.3: VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE VALUES

1.3.1: VISION STATEMENT
To be a superior, safe, secure and sustainable civil aviation system.

1.3.2: MISSION STATEMENT

To economically and efficiently plan, develop, manage and regulate a modern, safe and secure
civil aviation industry while delivering quality training and Air Navigation Services.

1.3.3: CORE VALUES.

To fulfill its mandate, pursue the Vision and accomplish its Mission, KCAA will be guided by its core
values of:

Value What it means to KCAA

Security and Safety We shall endeavor to maintain a safe and

secure civil aviation environment.

Excellence We shall strive to provide quality services

through innovation, continuous improvement,
promotion of creativity, and adaption to new
ways of doing things.

Integrity We shall demonstrate professionalism,

honesty and commitment to moral ethical
principles.

Team Work We shall promote cross functional working

relationships to promote accomplishment of
organizational objectives.

Customer Focus We undertake to embrace, meet, delight and

exceed our customers’ expectations.
1.3.4: ORGANISATION STRUCTURE.
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The Ministry of Roads and Transport appoints the board of directors, which oversees the
authority of the KCAA. The board consists of:

1. The Chairman
2. The Director General
3. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Security and National Administration.
4. Permanent Secretary to The National Treasurer
5. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
6. Chief Executive of the Kenya Tourism Board

The current members of the board (as of 6TH June, 2023) are:

1. The Chaiman:

Mr. Brown Ondego (MBS)

2. The Director General:

Mr. Emile Nguza Arao

3. Alternate Board Member for PS, Internal Security and National Administration:

Mr. Jacob Namulen Narengo (MBS)

4. Alternate Board Member for PS, National Treasury:

Mr. Samuel Macharia
5. Alternate Board Member for PS, Roads and Transport:

Mr. Nicholas Bodo

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 Board of Directors

Director General

Manager, Internal Manager,

Audit Procurement

Director, Aviation
Director, Air
Director, Safety And Corporate
Navigation Director, Easa
Corporate Services Security Secretary
Services
Regulations

Manager, Human Manager,

Manager, Flight Registrar, Manager, Legal
Capital And Engineering
Operations Academics Services
Admin Services

Manager Manager, Air Registrar, Finance

Manager, Finance
Airworthiness Traffic Services And Admin

Manager,
Manager, Manager
Aeronautical Chief, Business
Corporate Personnel
Information Development
Planning Licensing
Services

Manager, Manager Ans, Manager, Air

Corporate Aerodromes, Mel , Navigation
Communication L&e Services JKIA

Manager, Aviation ANS Planning

Manager, ICT
Security And Coordination

Manager, Air
Transport And Station Chiefs
Economic ANS Stations
Regulation

State Safety
Program
Coordination

National
Continuous
Monitoring
Coordination

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 AIRWORTHINESS STRUCTURE

Manager,
Airworthiness

Chief Inspector,
Airworthiness

Clerical Officers
Senior
Inspector,
Airworthiness

Inspectors

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1.4: DESCRIPTION OF THE DIRECTORATES
1.4.1: DIRECTORATES OF AVIATION SAFETY SECURITY AND REGULATIONS
(DASSR)
This Directorate ensures aviation safety, security oversight, and undertakes economic regulation
of the industry. This function is discharged through a number of departments outlined below:

1.4.1.1Personnel licensing
Its function among other functions is to issue Air Operator Certificate (AOC), aircraft operation
safety oversight, approval and monitoring of AOC holder training programs, station facility
inspections and evaluation/approval of flight training simulators

1.4.1.2: Aviation security

Responsible for Airport Aviation Security System Audits, Operator Aviation Security Program
approvals, Certificate of cargo handlers, Management of the Kenya National Civil Aviation
security program, and continuous monitoring and surveillance of operator’s security programs

1.4.1.3: Airworthiness
It is charged with ensuring that all aircrafts operating in Kenya airspace are airworthy.

It achieve its function by carrying out aircraft inspections, airworthiness of aircraft approvals,
licensing of AMOs and AMELS.

In addition, it is also responsible for continuous monitoring and surveillance of AMOs, AOCs,
ATOs, and AMEs

1.4.1.4: Aerodromes, ANS and Meteorology

The ANS/MET and Aerodromes department is responsible for safety oversight of Air Navigation
Services, Aerodrome and Meteorological Services provided for air navigation. The department
has two subdivisions; Aerodrome Inspectorate (Ground Operations) & ANS/Met Inspectorate:

Aerodrome Inspectorate (Ground Operations)

The Aerodrome Inspectorate provides safety oversight of the aerodrome facilities, ground aids,
electricity systems, installations including certification of the various categories of aerodromes,
and appropriate personnel as required by national regulations and international standards and
practices.

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ANS/Met Inspectorate

The role of this department is to provide safety oversight of air traffic services, search and rescue
services, communication/navigation and surveillance services, aeronautical information
services/instrument flight procedures, meteorological services provided for air navigation and
appropriate personnel as required for ensuring continued compliance with national regulations
and international standards and practices

1.4.1.5: Air transport

This department undertakes air services development and promotions, bilateral air services
relations and negotiations, Air Transport trends and development, Approval of flight schedules,
charter flights, air tariffs and carriage of ammunitions of war/dangerous goods.

1.4.1.6: Aviation Consumer Protection

The consumer protection section is responsible for assessing the needs and wants of aviation
services as well as consumer’s needs. It is also charged with the enforcement of consumer rights,
rules and regulations. The consumer protection section is responsible for the enforcement of all
aviation consumer rights, rules and regulations.

1.4.2: DIRECTORATE OF AIR NAVIGATION SERVICES

This directorate mandate is provision of air navigation services within the Kenyan airspace and
any other airspace delegated to Kenya by ICAO. KCAA through this directorate provides
services, infrastructure and systems to ensure a safe, orderly and smooth flow of aircrafts within
the Kenya airspace. This directorate is responsible for the operation and delivery of a range of air
navigation services outlined below;

1.4.2.1: Air Traffic Management Services

This department is responsible for the management and operation of Air Traffic services and
search and rescue within the Nairobi Flight Information Region which are branched as follows;

En-route control - These are offered at JKIA by area control centre for over flights, landings
and departing aircrafts. The services enable aircrafts to navigate through the airspace and are
backed by ground equipment situated all over the country.

Approach Control - These are offered in all airports manned by KCAA except Lokichogio and
Wajir.

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Aerodrome control - These are offered in all the eight major airports. These services allow
aircrafts to come and leave the aerodromes. These are backed by the ILS that enables aircrafts to
land and take off safely.

Air Traffic Flow Management - This service is tailored to ensure optimum flow of air traffic to
or through areas during times when demand exceeds, or is expected to exceed available capacity
of the Air Traffic Control System.

Search and Rescue - This involves the co-ordination and direction of search and rescue services
with all partner agencies for aircraft in distress

1.4.2.2: Aeronautical Information Services

This is meant to ensure timely flow of aeronautical information necessary for the safety,
regularity and efficiency of National/International Air Navigation. AIS collects, collates
assembles, edits, formats, originates, publishes and distributes Aeronautical Information/Data
necessary for safety, Regularity and Efficiency of Air Navigation concerning the entire Nairobi
Flight Information Region.

1.4.2.3: Engineering Services

Engineering service division ensures effective planning, implementation and maintenance of
facilities to achieve and sustain 98% equipment availability and 99% equipment serviceability
while assuring reliability as per ICAO requirements

1.4.3: CORPORATE Directorate

Below are the departments under the corporate directorate

1.4.3.1: Corporate secretary

This department handles all legal issues and board issues as well. The issues are in the form of
litigation and contracts

1.4.3.2: Corporate planning

It carries out all the economic planning within the authority and also acts as a liaison between the
authority, government and donors on planning and economic issues. Other functions carried out
by this authority are; coordination of strategic plan and monitoring its implementation,
formulates and monitors the performance contacting system with the Authority.

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1.4.3.3: Internal Audit and Review
It’s an independent review department that reports administratively to the director general and
functionality to the board committee.

Its establishment was to assist the board and management to achieve good corporate governance
within KCAA. It has two functions;

Assuring the management of KCAA that every department adheres to the policies and standards
set forth to meet the strategic plan of the entire organization. This is achieved through reviewing
the operations of each and every department and check if it complies with the policies and drafts
a report to the director general

It offers training, risk management and quality assurance. They ensure that the products from
KCAA meet the ISO specifications and regulations

1.4.3.4: ICT
This department is responsible for development of all communications and information
technology systems. The department also provides routine maintenance of the network
infrastructure. In addition, the department, develops, deploys and supports quality innovative
ICT solutions and services that meet the changing operations, research and management needs of
the authority

1.4.3.5: Human Resource

The functions of the department is as follows:

 Man-power requirements of the authority planning with the goal of recruiting and
retaining skilled and competent personnel.
 Developing and implementing recruitment and selection criteria
 Training and development of employees to enhance organizational performance and
support succession
 Provide support services for the authority i.e., transport, secretarial/clerical support
 Providing employees with a quality working environment through effective personnel
practices thus encouraging innovativeness and enhancing productivity
 Promoting a strong sense of organizational culture and identity

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1.4.3.6: Finance Division
It is responsible for financial policy and management including cash management, financial
accounting and system and budgetary control

1.4.3.7: Procurement Division

The division main responsibility is ensuring effective and uninterrupted flow of goods and
services. Operation-wise, the department purposes to cut down transactions, minimize paper
transactions and inventories

1.4.3.8: Corporate Communications

The function of this department is to disseminate information to its stakeholders and to the
general public. Its aim is to build and maintain positive relationship with KCAA’s publics. It
drives towards consistent, accurate and timely communications. KCAA also acknowledges the
need to respect the confidentiality of certain knowledge as stipulated in the constitution of
Kenya, The Government secret acts

1.4.4: Directorate of East African School of Aviation

EASA is one of the 16 ICAO recognized aviation training institutions in the world and has been
accredited by IATA since 2006. The school was established in 1954.

EASA offers the following training programme:

 Aeronautical Engineering and AMEL training

 Air Traffic Services
 Aeronautical Information Services’
 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Equipment Maintenance
 Aeronautical Communication Operations
 IATA courses
 Aviation Security
 Aviation Safety
 Aviation Management Programme
 Search and Rescue

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2.0: OBJECTIVES
 My objectives when I joined KCAA for the three months attachment were:
 To understand where in the Aviation Industry do I, as an Aeronautical Engineering
Student fit.
 What are the different Certifications and Licenses do Aircrafts Operators must have.
 The Requirements for AMEL

3.0: DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK PERFORMED

3.1: Evaluation of the Technical Manuals
The department of airworthiness in KCAA is responsible for evaluation of various types of
manuals and subsequently approving them as acceptable for use by the applicant. The guidance
information used in preparation of the various technical manuals is contained in the Advisory
Circulars (AC) which can be accessed through the KCAA website. The (AC) is used as guidance
information on preparing, and approval of various types of manuals in accordance with the Civil
Aviation Regulations. The main technical manuals which I was involved in evaluating during my
attachment period in KCAA are:

3.1.1: Maintenance Procedures Manual (MPM)

The MPM is a document that gives the outline of the administration and management structure,
organization capability, processes and general performance procedures and corporate
commitment to comply with the regulatory requirement on civil aircraft maintenance. It further
provides details on the maintenance organization responsibilities, regulatory processes, and ways
the organization put in place to meet the regulatory requirements. Among the things stipulated in
the MPM are: organization structure, quality system management, maintenance activity
coordination, duties, responsibilities, and qualification and training requirements of technical
personnel.

3.1.2: Aircraft Maintenance Programme Manual (AMP)

It is a document which gives a description of the scheduled tasks pertaining to maintenance and
also outlines the frequencies of completion and other related procedures. The need to have an
approved maintenance program is mandatory for all Kenya registered aircraft that plans to or are

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engaged in air transport. During the process of aircraft certification, it is a requirement that the
air operator presents to the authority a maintenance program with an applicability to the aircraft
operation in question for subsequent approval. The aircraft maintenance program manual should
be prepared based on aircraft maintenance program information provided by the state of design
of the aircraft. Where ETOPS operations is included, it is required of the operator to take into
account the special maintenance requirements that is brought forth by ETOPS. Maintenance
personnel involved should be familiar of the special nature of ETOPS and they should have the
necessary knowledge, skills and ability to materialize the requirements of the program.

3.1.3: Maintenance Control Manual

The MCM is an air operator’s manual to be used and to serve as guidance by maintenance and
operational personnel on maintenance issues. It states the organization management team and the
organization commitment to comply with the regulatory requirement and to maintain the
standards established during the approval certification process. It explains in detail the operator’s
maintenance responsibilities, functions and obligations. It further explains the regulatory
processes, methods, procedures and capabilities the operator employs to satisfy these regulatory
requirements. The MCM defines the operator’s aircraft maintenance structure, quality system
management, maintenance activity coordination, duties, responsibilities, qualification and
training requirements of technical personnel.

3.2: Evaluation of Aircraft Files.

A particular aircraft registered in Kenya has its pertinent documents like the certificate of
registration kept in a distinct file with the registration mark label on it. When an application is
made for the issue of: COA, Special Flight permit, Export Certificate of Airworthiness,
Restricted Certificate of Airworthiness, and reference is made to the particular aircraft files.

The aircraft files is evaluated in order to ascertain that documents inside the file are authentic and
meets the regulations specified by the Authority. While applying for the issue of COA for
instance, the prerequisites requirements are that the aircraft should be on the Kenyan Civil
Aviation Register according to regulation 6 of the Civil Aviation (Nationality and Registration
Marks) Regulations, 2018. The aircraft must be also of the type certificate acceptable to the
authority according to regulation 4 of the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2018.

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Usually, during the inspection of the aircraft by the personnel chosen by the authority, the
operator submits a couple of the aircraft documents which would be filed in the particular
aircraft file. These documents would then be examined and evaluated in anticipation for the issue
of COA. The documents submitted by the operator are as follows:

1. Copy of the Certificate of Registration

2. Copy of the previous COA or Export COA
3. AFM or POH
4. Aircraft Airworthiness Directives Status Report
5. A statement of Compliance and Service Bulletins
6. Aircraft previous 12 months maintenance review report
7. Lifed Components (Life Limited) status report
8. Current weight and balance schedule report
9. Copy of the last major scheduled maintenance CRS and Inspection
10. Copy of the current CRS if different from above

3.3: Assessment of Application for General Duty Exemption

Approved aircraft spare parts stockists are eligible to apply for recommendations from the
KCAA for the waiver of import duty on the aircraft spare parts under shipment to Kenya. Their
application has to be assessed for compliance with the standards set up by the KCAA. The
aircrafts spare parts stockist has to write a formal application letter and attach relevant technical
documents i.e. IPC indicating the kind of spare parts they are applying for exemption,
commercial invoice, airway bill and a proof of payment of KCAA regulatory fee. These
documents are assessed for compliance with KCAA standards and upon establishing
conformance, the Custom office is served with a letter by KCAA exempting the aircraft spare
parts stockist from import duty charges.

3.4: Preparation of Radio-Forms

According to provision of Section 36 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,
all radio communication equipment in Kenya must be owned and or operated under a license,
issued by Communication Authority of Kenya and which must be kept in force at all times by
regular payment of the prescribed license fee.

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During the inspection of the aircraft in anticipation for the issue of C of A, the inspector shall
also inspect the radio equipment installed in the aircraft a vis the Air Operator’s document
indicating the type and the number of radio equipment installed in the aircraft. If the inspector
establishes that the radio equipment installed in the aircraft is as per what is contained in the Air
Operator’s document, KCAA would prepare a radio report form to be forwarded to the
Communication Authority of Kenya for the issue of the radio station license to the Air Operator.

3.5: Raising of Invoices.

Airworthiness department raise invoices for clients who seeks the following services:

1. AMEL Exam Application

2. AMEL Exams Booking
3. Approval Of Technical Manuals
4. Application For Issue And Renewal Of COA
5. Application For Issue Of Special Flight Permit, Export COA, Restricted COA
6. AMEL License Issue And Renewal
7. AMO Certification
8. AMO Certificate Issue And Renewal
9. Aircraft Spare Parts Stockist Certification.

3.6: Preparation of Duty Exemption Letters

The assessment of application for general duty exemptions on aircraft spare parts would result in
preparation of a recommendation letter addressed to the Custom duty authority if the application
for exemption by the aircraft spare parts stockist meets the requirements set out by the authority.

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3.7: Preparation of Licenses and Certificates.
Upon evaluation of application for various licenses i.e. AMEL license and certificates i.e. COA,
Special Flight Permit, Restricted COA, Export COA, the license and certificates would be typed
on a KCAA template on a type writer if the application is found to comply with the KCAA
regulations.

3.8: Task Allocation and Task Closures.

Work is distributed among the inspectors in the Airworthiness department according to
specialization of each and every inspector. After the receipt of various tasks from the registry,
the received tasks are distributed to the inspectors. For monitoring and easy tracking of the tasks,
the tasks are entered into the Airworthiness task allocation database with entries of a particular
task, the name of the inspector and the unique identifiers of a specific task i.e., reference number.
Upon the completion of the task by the inspector, the task is signed off as completed in the task
allocation database.

3.9: Aircraft Inspection.

In the lead up to the issue of COA, Special Flight Permit, Restricted COA, inspection is carried
out on the aircraft in the place convenient to the inspector. The authority has an inspection
checklist on which compliance and non-compliance with the regulations by the Authority is
indicated.

3.10: Customer Service

Airworthiness department staff handles queries by the clients and offer guidance accordingly.
There is also receipt of client’s documents for processing i.e. for the raising of the invoices.

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4.0 CHALLENGES.
Although my attachment was full of valuable knowledge and experience, there were also
challenges that I also faced:

1. Delay of Airport Pass to us Attaché which limited our time for inspection at JKIA.
2. The student stipend amount is very low and make it worst it is reimbursed always a
month late. Not to sound ungrateful but hope it could be addressed for future Attachés.

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5.0: KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED
5.1: PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
During my time here I have made a lot of knowledge and experiences. The knowledge gained
include:

1. C of A File Arrangement.
2. Evaluation of AMEL Applications.
3. C of A Issue and Renewal.
4. Special Flight Permits.
5. Evaluation of Technical Manuals.
6. Inspections of Aircrafts for C of A Renewal.
7. Reception/Customer Service
8. Raising of Invoices for AMEL and Operators Manuals, C of A, Noise Certificates etc.

5.2: WORK SKILLS ACQUIRED

Punctuality

Due to the ever-busy state of airworthiness departments, some work could run till the next day
before completion. This meant early waking up to attend to the uncompleted tasks of the
previous day. This instilled a punctuality skill on me. It also enabled me to appreciate the need
for keeping time for this resulted in getting the work done.

Discipline

Discipline guarantees that employees behave appropriately at work and follow the organization’s
rules and regulations. Misbehaving at work degrades the overall office atmosphere, eventually
leading to low productivity. I recognized that there is a distinction between the office and home,
and you cannot behave the same way at work as I do at home. Discipline is essential in the
workplace because it guarantees that employees act properly and that the workplace maintain its
decorum.

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Respect

In Airworthiness department there are inspectors, assisting staff and fellow Attaché who work
here as well as the entire KCAA staff. To ensure smooth and efficient work is conducted we all
have to respect each other. Also, we have to respect customers who come for various services.

Multi-Tasking

Airworthiness department is an ever-busy department processing a large number of client’s

requests. This comes with the need to be able to handle different tasks simultaneously. While
attached at KCAA I learned to simultaneously carry out different tasks at the same time. This
could come in the form of assessment of application for general duty exemption on aircraft spare
parts while also almost at the same time needing to attend to clients.

Team Work

Everybody has his/her challenges. While working at the Airworthiness department with a team
of my fellow Attaché, I learned how to organize for a task to be completed. I also learn how to
cover in for my fellow Attaché when they felt overwhelmed with the tasks assigned to them.

Inter-personal Communication Skills.

Airworthiness department comprises a good number of staff; from the manager, inspectors, and
subordinate staffs. Working with them meant being able to master the art of communicating to
different kind of staff at different levels.

Communication Skills.

Attending to clients at the reception requires an ability to communicate clearly and in a

professional manner. While attending to clients of different professional orientations, I mastered
the ability to communicate to different clients in a clear and professional manner.

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6.0: RECOMMENDATIONS.
The KCAA especially the Airworthiness department is busy office. Along the way one can
notice one or two hiccups in the operations. Here are my recommendations on various problems I
experience during my attachment period:

1. In order to get deeper insight on the technicalities associated with aviation, increase the
Attaché participation in the following:
 Aircraft inspections
 evaluation of technical manuals
 Evaluation of C of A’s
 AMEL Evaluation
 AMO audits.
2. The Airport Passes should be processed at the beginning of attachment and availed to the
Attaché as soon as possible. This would allow the Attaché to participate in inspection at
various airports especially JKIA and Wilson Airport Airside.
3. The Filing System should be digitalized. This is to increase redundancy and reduce the
chance of information loss in case of an accident like a Fire Hazard. It will also reduce
the paper work and making the retrievals of files and tracking easier:
4. Increment of the Attaché Allowance Amount to enable the Attaché to seamlessly
commute and sort out their welfare requirements like Lunch as it is expensive here at
KCAA during their attachment period.

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7.0 CONCLUSIONS.
In my three (3) month industrial attachment with KCAA, I gained valuable insight into the Civil
Aviation in Kenya and in general. I learned about the regulations and standards that airline
operators must follow, as well as what professional individuals in the sector must do. I saw and
learned about the other side of aircraft engineering, such as documentation and regulations,
which was eye-opening. I learned about Air Operator's and AMOs, as well as the rules and
regulations they must follow. I learned about the various certificates they must have in order to
function. I also learned about AMEL and what it takes to hold an engineer's license. Finally, I
came to appreciate what the KCAA does for our nation's civil aviation and put Kenya on the map
with high standards of civil aviation. I also got to socially widen my network by making friends,
especially those working in the aviation industry. I hope I will share what little knowledge I have
learned about aviation.

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8.0 REFERENCES.
1. Maintenance Procedures Manual KCAA Advisory Circular KCAA CAA-AC-AWS005 May,
2018.

2. Aircraft Maintenance Programme KCAA Advisory Circular KCAA CAA-AC-AWS09CMay,

2018.

3. Maintenance Control Manual KCAA Advisory Circular CAA-AC- WS011C May, 2018.

4. Certificate of Airworthiness Issue KCAA Advisory Circular AWS002-E May, 2018.

5. Kenya Information and Communication Act 1998.

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