RPL Training · Kenya

Become a certified drone pilot

Kenya's Remote Pilot Licence pathway, delivered hands-on in real Kenyan airspace - from first hover to instructor rating.

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How we train

Tailored training for real operations

We don't just prepare you to pass an exam - we prepare you to fly commercial missions. Theory, simulator time, and supervised flights on the same class of aircraft used in live operations.

[ THEORY ]

Ground school

Air law, meteorology, aerodynamics, airspace, and safety management - taught by instructors who fly commercial missions every week.

[ SIM ]

Simulator training

Build stick skills and emergency-procedure reflexes on simulators before your first real flight - at zero risk to aircraft or airspace.

[ FLIGHT ]

Hands-on flying

Supervised flight training in real Kenyan airspace, on enterprise-class multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft - not toy drones.

[ CAREER ]

Mission-ready graduates

Our graduates leave with logbook hours, operational exposure, and a licence recognised by Kenya's aviation authority.

Training pathways

Three ratings. One progressive pathway.

Start with multi-rotor, add fixed-wing capability, then qualify to train the next generation of pilots.

Course 01

Multirotor RPL

Comprehensive training for commercial multirotor operations, meeting all KCAA requirements - from first principles to your skills test.

  • Theory & examination (~1.5 weeks): air law, human factors, navigation & flight planning, meteorology, principles of multirotor flight, UAS technical & general, radio telephony
  • Practical training (~1 week): minimum 5 hours instructor-guided flight, unlimited simulator hours
  • Skills test: oral and flight assessment with a KCAA-approved Designated Flight Examiner
3–4 WEEKS · RPL-MR LICENCE · VALID 2 YEARS · ISSUED BY KCAA
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Most requested
Course 02

Fixed-Wing RPL

Specialised certification for fixed-wing aircraft - the platform class behind long-range mapping, corridor survey, and endurance missions.

  • Fixed-wing principles of flight and performance
  • Launch and recovery operations
  • Advanced control systems & autonomous mission planning
  • Skills test with a KCAA-approved examiner
RPL-FW RATING · ISSUED BY KCAA
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Course 03

Instructor Rating

Qualify to train and assess other pilots. For experienced RPL holders ready to lead training programmes and build Kenya's pilot pipeline.

  • Instructional technique & lesson design
  • Student assessment and standards
  • Safety oversight & regulatory duties
  • Supervised instructional practice
FOR EXPERIENCED RPL HOLDERS
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Student pilot flying under the supervision of a drone instructor
Who trains you

Instructors who fly real missions

Your instructors aren't career classroom teachers - they're VersaDrones operational pilots who fly solar surveys, infrastructure inspections, and research missions across East Africa. What you learn is what works in the field.

  • Active commercial pilots on enterprise aircraft
  • Experience across six African countries' airspace
  • Training delivered
  • Small cohorts for real one-on-one flight time
Pilots conducting pre-flight checks at a Kenyan field site
Where it leads

A licence that opens doors

Kenya's drone economy is growing across energy, agriculture, conservation, survey, and logistics. An RPL is the entry requirement for all of it - and VersaDrones graduates train inside a working commercial operation, not an isolated school.

  • Commercial operations: survey, inspection, mapping
  • Energy & infrastructure monitoring roles
  • Conservation and research flying
  • Pathway to instructing and operations management
The pathway

From enquiry to licensed pilot

Apply

Submit your enquiry and reserve a seat in the next cohort.

Theory & exams

~1.5 weeks of ground school across seven subjects, ending in KCAA theory exams.

Simulator

Unlimited simulator hours to build stick skills and emergency reflexes.

Practical flying

Minimum 5 hours of instructor-guided flight until you're test-ready.

Skills test & licence

Oral and flight test with a KCAA Designated Flight Examiner. Pass, and your RPL is issued - valid for two years.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any flying experience before enrolling?
No. The programme takes you from zero experience to licensed pilot. Prior experience helps, but our curriculum is paced so complete beginners reach assessment standard.
What are the entry requirements?
You must be at least 18 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold a valid Class 1, 2, or 3 Medical Certificate issued under the Civil Aviation (Personnel Licensing) Regulations. We'll guide you through the medical process when you apply.
How long does the training take?
The Multirotor RPL takes 3–4 weeks: roughly 1.5 weeks of theory and examinations, a week of practical flying (minimum 5 hours of flight time, with unlimited simulator hours), then your skills test with a KCAA-approved Designated Flight Examiner. Fixed-wing and instructor ratings follow as further modules.
Is the licence recognised by Kenya's aviation authority?
Yes - the Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) is issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) after you pass your theory exams and skills test, and is valid for two years. VersaDrones operates as a KCAA-approved ROC holder.
Can organisations train multiple staff?
Yes. We run cohort-based training and regularly train pilots for institutions and companies. Group enquiries welcome - we can structure a dedicated cohort for your team.
What happens after I graduate?
You leave with a licence, logbook hours, and exposure to a working commercial operation. Graduates go into survey, inspection, conservation, and research flying - and strong performers stay on our radar for VersaDrones mission crewing.

Start your pilot pathway

Seats are cohort-limited. Enquire now and we'll send the next intake dates and full programme details.

Enquire about training

Talk to VersaDrones

The fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp: we respond within 48 hours.

Chat on WhatsApp

Or send an official inquiry to info@versadrones.net