A commercial pilot licence Uganda (CPL) is issued by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to qualified individuals who wish to fly aircraft for hire or compensation. This licence allows pilots to operate commercially within Uganda and internationally under the regulations of the Civil Aviation (Personnel Licensing) Regulations, 2014.
Applicants must complete and submit Application Form O-PEL003, which can be obtained from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority offices or downloaded from the UCAA website. After completing the form, it should be submitted together with the required documents either in person or by mail to:
The Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, P.O. Box 5536, Kampala, Uganda.
All applications must include the following documents:
- Completed aeronautical experience form showing flight hour breakdown
- Summary of flying experience form
- Application for English Language Proficiency endorsement
- Application for Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s Licence
- A valid Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Four recent passport-size photographs (2cm × 2.5cm)
- Valid photo ID or passport (with photocopy)
- Certified copies of the last two pages of the personal pilot logbook, endorsed by a licensed supervisor
Applicants must also pay the prescribed application fees and attach the payment receipt to their submission.
Once submitted, the UCAA reviews and verifies all documentation. The processing time is approximately 14 working days, after which the applicant is notified via phone to collect the licence from the UCAA offices. When collecting the CPL, applicants must present valid identification.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to attach:
- Completed CPL application form
- Aeronautical experience and flying summary forms
- English proficiency and flight radio licence forms
- Valid Class 1 medical certificate
- Passport photos and photo ID
- Certified logbook pages showing recent flying experience
- Proof of payment of the prescribed fees
Eligibility
To qualify for a commercial pilot licence Uganda, the applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or an equivalent military/foreign licence
- Hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Have at least 200 hours of flight time, or 150 hours if completed under an approved integrated course
- Pass all theoretical knowledge tests including aviation law, meteorology, navigation, and flight planning
- Complete the required ground and flight training under a certified Approved Training Organisation (ATO)
- Pass the English Language Proficiency Test with at least Level 4
- Pass the practical (flight) test conducted by a UCAA-authorized examiner
Fees
The application fee for a commercial pilot licence is UGX 60,000.
Additional charges for CPL conversion or testing may apply:
- Aviation law, flight rules & procedures: UGX 40,000
- Flight planning: UGX 21,000
- Meteorology: UGX 21,000
- Navigation general: UGX 21,000
- Radio aids: UGX 21,000
- Flying test (with assistant): UGX 40,000
- Flying instructor rating/renewal (if applicable): UGX 40,000
Validity
A commercial pilot licence remains valid based on the applicant’s age and medical certification:
- Under 40 years: Valid for the remainder of the 12-month period of the medical certificate.
- 40 years or older: Valid for the remainder of the 6-month period of the medical certificate.
Medical fitness reports are valid for 12 months (under 40) and 6 months (above 40).
Processing Time
The entire process takes approximately 14 days, depending on document verification and test completion.
Office Location and Contact
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA)
Head Office: Entebbe International Airport
Airport Road, Entebbe
P.O. Box 5536, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 (312) 352-000
Fax: +256 (41) 4320964
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.caa.go.ug
Instructions
Applicants should:
- Complete Form O-PEL003 and the required supporting forms.
- Attach a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate and proof of payment.
- Submit the application at the UCAA offices in Entebbe.
- Wait for the processing period to elapse.
- Collect the CPL licence in person upon notification.
Required Information
Applicants must include personal and aviation details such as:
- Full name, gender, and nationality
- Date and place of birth
- Address and contact information
- Name of the Aviation Training Organisation (ATO)
- Licence types already held and expiry dates
- Total flying hours (to date, last renewal, last 6 months)
- Instrument ratings and hours flown
- Co-pilot experience
- English language proficiency details
- Declaration and signature of the applicant
Purpose of the Licence
The commercial pilot licence Uganda allows trained pilots to fly aircraft professionally for hire or reward. It marks a major step in a pilot’s career, transitioning from private flying to commercial aviation. The licence demonstrates advanced flying competence, aeronautical knowledge, and adherence to international aviation safety standards.
Holding a CPL opens opportunities for employment in charter services, airlines, cargo operations, and other aviation sectors in Uganda and beyond.
