FULL LIST: Top 6 Aviation Schools In Africa

Africa is home to several aviation training institutions that prepare students for careers in different sectors of the aviation industry. From pilot training and aircraft maintenance to air traffic control and aviation management, these schools offer specialised programmes to develop aviation professionals.

Here are six notable aviation schools across the continent.

1. Ethiopian Aviation University – Ethiopia

Established in 1956 as Ethiopian Aviation Academy, Ethiopian Aviation University is based in Addis Ababa and is part of Ethiopian Airlines Group. It was upgraded to university status in 2022.

The institution offers training in pilot operations, aircraft maintenance, cabin crew services, aviation management and aeronautical engineering.

Its pilot training school offers Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training, Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings, and Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programmes. It is also an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence.

2. 43 Air School – South Africa

Located in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, 43 Air School specialises in training aspiring commercial and general aviation pilots.

Its courses include Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), instrument ratings and flight instructor training.

The school operates more than 50 fixed-wing training aircraft and has flight simulators and dedicated flying training facilities.

3. Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) – Nigeria

Established in 1964, NCAT is a Federal Government-owned aviation training institution located in Zaria, Kaduna State.

It offers training in pilot operations, aircraft maintenance, air traffic services, aeronautical telecommunications and aviation management.

The institution operates specialised schools, including its Flying School and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School. It is an Approved Training Organisation by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and an ICAO Regional Training Centre of Excellence.

4. Egyptian Aviation Academy – Egypt

Located in 6th of October City, Giza, the Egyptian Aviation Academy offers training in pilot operations, air traffic control and other aviation-related disciplines.

It operates specialised colleges, including the Misr Flying College, which provides pilot training, and the Air Traffic Control College.

5. East African School of Aviation (EASA) – Kenya

Established in 1954, the East African School of Aviation is based in Nairobi and serves as the training directorate of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

It offers professional training in air traffic control, aeronautical engineering, aviation safety, aviation security and airport operations.

The institution is recognised as an ICAO Regional Training Centre of Excellence and an IATA Authorised Training Centre.

6. Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy (GATA) – Ghana

Established in 2008 by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, GATA is located at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

The academy trains aviation professionals in air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, flight dispatch, aviation safety and security. It also provides specialised training under the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS programme.

What Prospective Aviation Students Should Know

Not all aviation schools offer pilot training. While Ethiopian Aviation University, 43 Air School, NCAT and the Egyptian Aviation Academy have dedicated pilot training programmes, others focus mainly on technical, operational and regulatory aviation training.