Before a plane is cleared to take off, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) conducts mandatory inspections to determine airworthiness.
The checks are critical in protecting both travellers and crew members.
Airworthiness certificates fluctuate worldwide, but in Kenya, even individuals who own private aircraft are expected to be certified by KCAA before flying.
During the process, KCAA demands the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, approved maintenance organisation, special flight permit and noise certificate.
Certificate of registration
First Schedule to the Civil Aviation stipulates that a person cannot operate a plane before receiving a nod from KCAA.
Planes taking off must have obtained relevant certification from the operator or its owner.
Just like driving licenses issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), pilots are expected to carry the issued registration certificate anywhere they fly.
An exception is when the government enters a deal with another state where a plane is allowed to fly in Kenya's airspace but after certification from its owner.
"A contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; or some other State in relation to which there is in force an agreement between the Government of Kenya and the Government of that State which makes provisions for the flight over Kenya of aircraft registered in that State," KCAA states.
Approved Maintenance Organization
Before a plane can fly in Kenyan airspace, it must provide details about a certified organisation tasked with routine maintenance.
A maintenance report gives a full plane analysis and reveals any faults that may risk travellers' lives.
Noise Certificate
Noise pollution is a key factor considered before a plane is allowed to take off. Planes which fail to meet this requirement are grounded and even prohibited from operating in Kenyan airspace.
KCAA depends on the manufacturer’s noise certification to allow a plane to take off.
Certificate of Airworthiness
A Certificate of Airworthiness is required to ascertain that an aircraft has been maintained in accordance with an approved aircraft maintenance program and complies with applicable airworthiness and safety requirements as stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Special Flight Permit
Special flight permit is only issued temporarily. It is issued to a plane flying to a base where weighing, painting, repairs, modifications, maintenance or inspections are to be performed.
It is also issued to test a plane's engine and other equipment.
"Flying for the purpose of qualifying for the issue, renewal or validation of certificate of airworthiness or restricted certificate of airworthiness and the approval of a modification of the aircraft or delivering planes for export or import," KCAA indicates.
Under this category, the government properly inspects before allowing a plane to take off.
