1. What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a License?

    The following are general requirements:

• Demonstrate at least 70% satisfactory level for each knowledge test.
• Demonstration of Skill (practical) test
• Demonstration Language proficiency for licence holders as required in RCAR Part 7
• Hold appropriate valid medical certificate as required in RCAR Part 8

2. Are all License holders required to meet language proficiency requirements?

• No. Only Pilots, air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers shall need to meet the language proficiency requirements as prescribed in RCAR Part 7.

3. Is it acceptable to use my foreign License on Rwanda-registered aircraft?

• Any person who wishes to fly or use foreign license on Rwanda registered aircraft needs to obtain an Authorization through a validation or a conversion of the foreign Licence process and procedures.
• In general, the validation process is used for short-term Authorization while the Conversion process is used for longer-term Authorization as prescribed in personnel licensing Regulations of RCAR Part 7.

4. What are the requirements to obtain a Validation or Conversion of License?

• Please refer to RCAR Part 7 Subpart C: Validation and Conversion of Foreign Licences & Ratings.

5. What is required to renew my License?

• To renew your license is done every 24 months, except student and validation which only have 12 months validity period. You will be required to provide the skills test, last 3 pages of your logbook, valid License and medical certificate (if applicable).
• For Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, a 12 month's logbook summary immediately preeceding date of application and proof of payment is required.

6. Can I send my application with courier services?

• No, Your fully compliant application must be forwarded electronically to applications.licensing@caa.gov.rw 

7. How do I request a license verification letter and is there any fees involved?

• You must send an email or written letter to info@caa.gov.rw  with proof of payment as per AIP if the verification letter is for yourself. 
• If the verification letter is requesting from a foreign Authority, there is no payment involved.  If you need to be copied in on the email forwarded to the foreign Authority, you will be required to forward proof of payment applied to verification letter.

8. Where do I find the appropriated fee to be paid for my license issuance or renewal?

• The fees are available under the RCAA Charges section on the RCAA website.

9. Where do I find the banking details for the RCAA?

• Click here to find RCAA Bank account details.

10. How long will it take for a license to be processed once the application is forwarded?

• The turnaround time for licenses to be issued is 7 to 10 working days provided ALL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET. 
• If there are outstanding requirements the whole process will start again.

Note:

1. For all requests regarding Initial, Renewal or Reissuance of Certificate, License, Rating, and Authorization or Approvals are to be made THIRTY (30) CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION.
2. Requests greater than Thirty (30) calendar days are to be submitted on company letter head with dates and signed by the organizations Directorship or by a person designated by the Directorship giving reasons why there is a need for the request

11. Which exams do I have to write to renew my expired License?

• You will be required to have received refresher training acceptable to the Authority and passed the skill test for the License sought.

1. Is it mandatory to register an aircraft operating in Rwanda with RCAA?

It is not mandatory for aircraft to be operated in Rwandan airspace to be registered in Rwanda. However, the aircraft must be registered with one of Contracting State to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and have a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.

2. Who is eligible to register an aircraft in Rwanda?

An aircraft is eligible for registration if it is in compliance with RCAR Part 2.020;

• Owned by an individual who is at least 16 years of age or by a corporate entity and,

• Not registered under the laws of any foreign country.

3. What do I need to apply for maintenance organization approval from RCAA in order to maintain Rwandan registered aircraft?

An applicant, who intends to apply for Maintenance Organization Approval from RCAA, needs to show cause to RCAA by producing satisfactory grounds for application of such approval by submitting the following;

• An application in a form and manner prescribed by the Authority;

• Its maintenance procedures manual in duplicate;

• A list of the maintenance functions to be performed for it, under contract, by another AMO;

• A list of all AMO certificates and ratings pertinent to those certificates issued by any contracting State other than Rwanda; and

• Any additional information the Authority requires the applicant to submit.

Note: For Foreign AMOs, an applicant, who intends to apply for Maintenance Organization Approval from RCAA, needs to show cause to RCAA by producing satisfactory grounds for application of such approval by Satisfactory grounds include a Letter of Intent from a Rwandan Air Operator. Then the AMO goes through the five phases of certification to determine applicant’s eligibility for approval.

4. Are contracted maintenance organizations approved by other CAA need to be certified/validated/accepted by RCAA?

Maintenance Organization with approval from other ICAO Contracting States, maybe accepted by RCAA if it demonstrates conformance to the requirements of RCAR Part 05.

1. What items can be hand carried on board an aircraft

         Examples of common items that can be hand carried in board an aircraft are:

• Portable medical and electronic devices such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
• Spare lithium batteries (including power banks) for electronic devices. Passengers are not allowed to carry more than two and they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
• Toiletries and cosmetics such as hair sprays, perfumes and medicines containing aerosols, alcohol or liquids, provided that each container does not exceed 100ml and the total quantity in all the containers does not exceed 1 litre. All the containers should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag which must be completely sealed.
• Alcoholic beverages in retail packaging and which do not exceed 70% alcohol by volume.

      2. What is the correct bracing position for an emergency ?

• The right bracing position is dependent on the seat location. 
• It is  important for passengers to pay attention to the safety instructions given by cabin crew, and practise the brace method as directed. 
• Ask for guidance or refer to the airline’s safety information card.
• Always review the bracing methods before each take-off and landing

     3. What are the Safety Regulations in place for toddlers onboard ?

       For the safety of toddlers, during taxi, take off and landing as well as and turbulent weather:

• Toddlers below the age of two are to be held by an adult who is occupying a seat and who has the child securely restrained with a child restraint device; and
• Toddlers aged two years and above are to be properly secured in their seats by the seat belt provided for the seat or is occupying a seat equipped with an approved child restraint system.
• Travellers are advised to check with their airline if they require information on the types of appropriate child restraint systems approved to be used on board for toddlers of both age groups.

     4. What are self-help exits and who can be allocated these seats ?

•  Some aircraft are equipped with emergency exits located near the wings of the aircraft, also known as over-wing emergency exits or self-help exits. In line with international best practice, these exits are not required to be manned by crew. However, these exits may be operated by passengers seated adjacent to these exits.
• Only passengers who are capable of operating and willing to assist with operating the exit in the event of an emergency can be allocated the seats at these exits.
• Such passengers will receive a safety briefing before take-off on the emergency procedures to operate the exits.

    5. Am I allowed to place luggage exceeding 10 kg in overhead compartment ?

• The total weight of the cabin luggage within each overhead compartment must not exceed the weight limit of the compartment. RCAA   requires airlines to ensure that loading instructions and training be provided to its staff to ensure that the weight limitations of the overhead compartments are adhered to.
•  Airlines have the discretion to set the weight limit of hand luggage that can be carried into the cabin by each passenger as long as they meet RCAA’s safety requirements.
• Passengers should check with their airlines on the weight limit of their hand luggage.

    6.  What steps must be followed when an AOC expires?        

•  Each applicant shall make the application for a renewal of an AOC at least 30 days prior to the date of expiration of their AOC.
•  An operator applying to the Authority for renewal of an AOC shall submit an application In a form and manner prescribed by the Authority and Containing any information the Authority requires the applicant to submit.
•  Prior to renewal, the Authority shall conduct a risk assessment of the AOC holder’s continued compliance with the certification standards for an AOC applicable to the type and complexity of the operations and ensure that there are no outstanding safety concerns at the time of renewal
• Refer to RCAR Part 12 Air Operator Certification Administration for more info

     7. How do I apply for a Foreign Operator Permit ?

        An application for Operations Specifications, shall include and/or be accompanied by

•  Details of the air operator company information;
• Contact information for the operations director, maintenance director and Rwanda-based operator representative;
• Listing of types of generic operating approvals requested;
•  Listing of Rwanda aerodromes operations approvals requested;
• State of the Operator contact information;
• Listing of aircraft to be operated by make/model/series; registration and serial numbers and State of Registry;

• State of Registry contact information;

• Listing of the supporting documents that are provided with the application;

• The applicant certification of the correctness of the application.

       Refer to RCAR Part 20 Foreign Operators for more info on Foreign Operators.

1. Are liquids, aerosols and gels allowed in hand-carry luggage ?

• There are restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage based on recommendations issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in hand-carry baggage, provided that each container does not exceed 100ml and the total quantity in all the containers does not exceed 1 litre. All the containers should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag which must be completely sealed.

2.  What items are permitted for carriage on board an aircraft?

• Portable medical and electronic devices such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
• Spare lithium batteries (including power banks) for electronic devices.
• Passengers are not allowed to carry more than two lithium batteries and they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
• Toiletries and cosmetics such as hair sprays, perfumes and medicines containing aerosols, alcohol or liquids, provided that each container does not exceed 100ml and the total quantity in all the containers does not exceed 1 litre. All the containers should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag which must be completely sealed.
• Alcoholic beverages, provided they are in retail packaging and do not exceed 70% alcohol by volume

 3.  Can spare lithium batteries and power banks be carried in check-in baggage?

• Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, containing lithium batteries are not permitted to be carried in check-in baggage.
• They must be carried in hand-carry baggage into the cabin.
• Passengers are not allowed to carry more than two batteries, and they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits e.g., by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch.

 4.  Where Can I obtain more information about the carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air ?

• Passengers, travel agents, shippers and cargo agents may also approach airlines for more information on the carriage of Dangerous Goods by air or send their enquiries to info@caa.gov.rw
• For more info refer to RCAR Part 18 Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Air

1. What are the requirements for aircraft warning lights on tall structures?

 All tall structure in the vicinity of the airport shall comply with RCAA Regulations.
Click here  to find more information on tall structures around the Airports.

2. What are the requirements for building near the Airport?

All constructions in the vicinity of the airport shall be authorized by RCAA and comply with the Regulations.
Click here  to find more information on building around the Airports.

3. What are the requirements for constructing an Airport?

All constructions of airports shall be authorized by RCAA and comply with RCAA Regulations.
Click here  to find information construction of the Airports.

4. What are the requirements for operating an Airport?

Operating of airports requires an aerodrome certificate issued by RCAA in compliance with RCAA Regulations.
Click here  to find information certification of aerodromes on our website.

1. How can I obtain regulations related to ANS?

• The Regulations are available here 

       2.  Who is responsible for making regulations, procedures and issuing directions covering the Air Navigation Services in Rwanda?

• The RCAA is the designated agency of Government of Rwanda under the Ministry of infrastructure (MININFRA) for making Regulations, procedures and issuing directions covering Air Navigation Services. Their instructions are to be complied by the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSPs).

       3. Who is responsible for providing Air Navigation Services in Rwanda?

•  Rwanda Airports Company Ltd (RAC) is responsible for providing Air Navigation Services in Rwanda

       4. What are various sections in ANS Inspectorate in RCAA?

         The ANS inspectorate comprises seven sections:

• Air Traffic Services (ATS)
• Communication Navigation  and Surveillance (CNS)
• Aeronautical Information Services (AIS)
• Aeronautical Meteorological Services (MET)
• Procedure for Air Navigation Services (PANS-OPS)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Aeronautical Charts

      5. How do I apply for ANSP Certification?

• To obtain an ANSP certificate, please refer to the Certification of ANSP .

      6. How long is ANSP certificate valid for?

• The ANSP certificate is valid for 2 years.

      7. When do I apply for a renewal of an ANSP certificate?

• The application for the renewal shall be made not less than 90 days before the expiry date specified on the certificate.

      8. How can I access to Aeronautical information Products (Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), including Amendments and             Supplements; Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC); Aeronautical charts; NOTAMs; and Digital data sets.)?

• To access Aeronautical Information Products you can contact:

                   Rwanda Airports Company Ltd

                   Aeronautical Information Services

                    Kigali International Airport

                     P.O. Box 1171, Kigali — Rwanda

                     Email: ais@rac.co.rw

                     Tel: 00250 – 72412 3022

                      00250 – 72412 3076

                      AFS: HRYRYNYX

      9. How do you access weather information for aviation safety?

• Aviation weather information can be accessed through Rwanda airport Company, Air Navigation services, MET department (https://rac.co.rw/air-navigation-services/aeronautical-meteorology-department/)

      10. Do you think it is important for the pilot to fly with the awareness of weather information? Yes or No

• Yes. The pilot should have weather information before flying because the statistics have shown the weather is one of the key factors affecting aircraft accidents and incidents.

       11. What type of weather information is the most useful for aviation safety?

• MET/SPECIAL reports,
• Terminal Aerodrome Forecast,
• Aerodrome warnings,
• Windshear warnings
• SIGMET Information.

1. How to declare a UA upon Arrival?

• The owner of the UAS will declare his UAS to Rwanda National Police at the point of entry in the country.
• After the declaration of the drone, the Rwanda National police will retain the UAS and provide a seizure form to the owner.
• The owner will then start the registration process for the UAS through the drone portal

      2. Where do you find Rwanda UAS (Drone) Regulations?

• Click here to find UAS Regulations Part 27

     3. Where do you find guidance on UAS Regulations?

• Click here to find RCAA-AC-UAS-21-001 Unmanned Aircraft System Advisory Circular

     4. What do you need to know before you fly?

• Be familiar with UAS Regulations Part 27
• A registered UAS /Drone
• A UAS remote pilot license/ certificate
• An Activity Permit/ Authorization
• Present your activity permit to local police and local authorities before flight.

    5. How do I register my UAS/ Drone in Rwanda?

• Click here and follow the procedures under UAS registration

    6. How do I apply for UAS remote pilot license/ certificate in Rwanda?

• Click here to follow the procedures how to apply for UAS Pilot certificate

   7.  How do I apply an UAS Activity Permit in Rwanda?

• Click here to follow the procedures on how to acquire UAS activity permit

  8. Who is allowed to register a UAS in Rwanda?

• A Rwanda citizen of 18 years and above
• A foreigner who is legally residing in Rwanda. 
• A company in Rwanda
• A Rwandan government institution

 9. Where do you report if a drone is flown in violation of public safety, security or privacy?

• Report directly to the local authorities and local police
• Inform RCAA via uas.ssp@caa.gov 

10. Where do you report a drone accident or incident in which a person is harmed or property damaged?

      If a person is harmed

• Follow the normal medical emergency procedure in case of an accident
• Inform the Local Authority and Local Police
• Inform RCAA via uas.ssp@caa.gov.rw

      If a property is damaged

• Inform the local authority and local police
• Inform RCAA via uas.ssp@caa.gov.rw

1. What should I do if not satisfied with the services received from an airline or airport operator?

Persons not satisfied with the services provided by an airline or airport operator are encouraged to follow guidelines provided in Complaints  Handling Procedure Manual and also submitting their complaints to Rwanda CAA through electronic complaint form 

2.  Who is allowed to propose amendments to Rwanda Civil Aviation Regulations?

   Any person wishing to propose a new rule or amend the existing rules may do so by submitting a duly completed rulemaking form via email                carc@caa.gov.rw to the Civil Aviation Rulemaking Comittee (CARC).