Wings Over Uganda: Fulfilling Your Dream of Flight at Kajjansi Flying School
While in Kampala, Uganda, you can turn this dream into reality at the Kajjansi Flying School, just a few kilometres outside the city.
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Dreams Take Flight Above Kampala's Skies
The dream of soaring through the clouds, escaping the confines of traffic jams, and embracing the vast openness of the sky is a universal desire. While in Kampala, Uganda, you can turn this dream into reality at the Kajjansi Flying School, just a few kilometres outside the city. Here, at the Kajjansi Airstrip, the Kampala Aeroclub offers a gateway to the skies, welcoming aspiring pilots with the promise of learning to fly over the city, national parks, and the breathtaking Lake Victoria.
Kajjansi Flying School: Where Dreams Meet Reality
Beyond the Ordinary Experience
The Kajjansi Flying School, an integral part of the Kampala Aeroclub, stands as a testament to the pursuit of extraordinary experiences in the skies. With a fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft, ideal for student pilots, the school provides a unique opportunity to obtain a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) in the heart of Uganda. The dream of flying over national parks, cities, and lakes can now be fulfilled with training tailored to individual progress.
Guillermo Garcia Junco: The Man Behind the Skies
We had the privilege of speaking with Guillermo Garcia Junco, one of the main flight instructors at Kajjansi Flying School. His calm demeanour and passion for aviation shone through as he guided us through the airstrip, offering insights into the school's operations and safety measures. Guillermo emphasised the thorough aviation security clearance process for obtaining a Student Pilot Licence (SPL), a prerequisite for taking to the skies.
Learning to Fly: From SPL to PPL
The SPL Journey
Obtaining a student pilot licence in Uganda typically takes around 8 weeks, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of aviation security. Once granted, students can step into the cockpit on their very first lesson. Flight instructors at Kajjansi Flying School blend theory with practical instruction, tailoring the learning experience to individual progress. The school's approach assumes zero prior knowledge, allowing students to advance at their own pace.
Safety at the Core
Kajjansi Flying School boasts an impressive safety record, attributing its success to in-house mechanics and well-trained staff. With 16 years of operation in Kampala, the Aeroclub has maintained an impeccable safety record, instilling confidence in aspiring pilots. Guillermo reassures that even in the rare event of an engine failure, the aircraft transitions into a glider, making flying with the school safer than driving, particularly in East Africa.
PPL Achievement: Uganda's ICAO Recognition
International Wings
For those aspiring to obtain their Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Uganda's recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is a significant advantage. A PPL from Uganda holds validity in any ICAO country, including Europe, the US, and several African nations. The journey to a PPL requires a minimum of 40 hours of flying time, culminating in a test administered by an approved pilot examiner, readily available at the Aeroclub.
Embracing Flight: The Cost and Location
Membership and hourly rates
To embark on this journey, an annual club membership at the Kampala Aeroclub costs $250, reducing the overall expense of flight lessons. For those seeking a PPL, this membership is a worthy investment. However, for enthusiasts looking to experience the joy of flight a few times, the cost is approximately $250 per hour, inclusive of navigation and airport fees and instructor compensation.
Getting There
Situated approximately 15 kilometres outside Kampala, finding the Aeroclub is an adventure in itself. A small sign for the airstrip appears on the left, past Lubowa. Take the subsequent left and follow the dirt road, guided by signs for the Aeroclub at Gate 1.
Your skyward adventure awaits.
As you succumb to that innate dream of sitting in the cockpit, controlling the aircraft, remember that it all begins with applying for your student pilot licence. The journey may start with a desire to escape traffic, but it unfolds into an exploration of the skies above Uganda. The Kajjansi Flying School, with its seasoned instructors, safety measures, and recognition by ICAO, invites you to embrace the skies and turn your dream of flight into an exhilarating reality. The cockpit, the instructor, the aircraft, and the boundless sky await you.
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