How to Become a Pilot in Cameroon [2023-2024]

 How to Become a Pilot in Cameroon 

How to become a Pilot in Cameroon. You read that correctly. I am sure some individuals are like this is much of a dream for anyone aspiring to become a pilot, especially in Cameroon which does not have flight schools to train pilots.

Well, let no one be your dream killer, as you can still become a pilot in Cameroon. The question is how? Let us for instance say you wish to obtain a college degree program accompanied by flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs.

How to Become a Pilot in Cameroon

The reason you should consider aviation-related college programs is that these programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. In the end, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases.

Bear in mind that aviation schools in Cameroon work in partnership with foreign schools where students can fly abroad to complete their training.  As a piece of advice is good to research more about your school to know the estimated budget before applying.

Before diving into the requirements you need to become a pilot, let us know who a pilot is, its functions, the various types of pilot licenses, and the various career options.

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Who is a Pilot?

A pilot also known as an airman, flyer, captain, and aviator refers to a person who is trained to fly an aircraft or an individual in any aviation company, be it commercial, private, or military trained, qualified to operate an aircraft to transport either people, goods, military personnel, or Cargo.

Do you wish to become a private, commercial,  or airline transport pilot? Whatever you choose, there are some basic key things you need to make your research before embarking on this journey.

Before setting up a business, for example, one needs to come up with a strategic business plan likewise pursuing a career in the aviation field.

1. The first step is to do research on the available flight training options in Cameroon. You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the country and which among those is the most suitable for you.

When it comes to knowing which program is suitable for you, is this where you need to have a goal. Which kind of pilot do you want to become? Do you wish to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?

You will need to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).  If you wish to work for an airline. Are you a patriotic citizen who wishes to serve your country?

If yes, you can join the Military Air force.  Bear in mind that joining the military air force means the Government will sponsor your flight training but you will have to stay with the military for about 12 years after completion before you can apply to commercial airlines.

2. The second step is to research the available schools for training. I have written an article on this already best aviation schools in Cameroon.

3. The next step is to have a clue of how much you are to budget to become a pilot. Many would bear me witness that it is not a day job to become a pilot, as it requires a huge amount of money to undergo training.

Nonetheless, the flight training cost depends on the country you do your training, the flight school you pick, and several other factors. As earlier mentioned, there is no flight training school in the country but you can do it abroad depending on which school abroad your school partnerships with.

Note that if you take flight training abroad, you will have to convert your license to the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA).

Functions of a Pilot

• They are responsible for transporting people either for business or for vacation purposes.
• They also transport members of the military to combat zones
• They transport private goods, commercial products, or other types of Cargo to appointed destinations.
• Performing pre and post-flight inspections of fuel, equipment, and navigational systems.
• Operating the aircraft safely and maintaining a good degree of professionalism at all times.
• They are in charge of monitoring weather conditions and communicating with air traffic control during flights.
• Liaising with co-pilots and flight crew throughout the flight.
• Updating and reassuring passengers and crew during emergencies.
• Determining the safest routes and analyzing flight plans before takeoff.
• Getting enough rest between flights.
• Anticipating issues and maintaining professionalism during emergencies.
• Keeping up to date with aircraft advancements and equipment.       

How to become a Pilot in Cameroon (Requirements)

1. What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Cameroon?

You must be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Cameroon.

2. What do I need to start pilot training in Cameroon?

To commence your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. How can I get it? Do not worry about this question, as the flight school you would enroll in, will be in a better position to help you.

3. What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Cameroon?

Potential students must at least be a holder of an Ordinary level Certificate with a minimum of 5 points including subjects like Mathematics, English, Physics, Geography, and any other science subjects.

4. What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Cameroon?

Bear in mind that the English language is used internationally when it comes to aviation. So, a bit of advice, have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license

5. What is the maximum age for airline pilots in Cameroon?

The retirement age for airline pilots is 67 years old.

6. Strong communication skills and ability to function under pressure.

7. Excellent leadership skills, situational awareness, and professionalism.

Note: To work for any airline company in Cameroon, you must acquire a commercial pilot certificate.

 The different types of pilot licenses and how to get them

Generally, there are five (5) different pilot training stages students are required to complete based on what their goals are. That is, they do wish to obtain a private pilot license to offer private services, a commercial pilot license, etc.

The process of getting these pilot licenses may vary depending on where you are planning to do your pilot training and the route that you will choose (Modular Pilot Training or Integrated Pilot Training)

Modular training is intended to take you from having no experience (ab initio) to being a pilot in a step-by-step process while integrated Pilot Training is a continuous program that takes you from zero experience (ab initio) to being a commercial pilot in the shortest possible time.

1. Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.

At this level, you will need to attend ground school first where you will learn how planes fly, how engines of the planes work, how to fly as a pilot, rules, and regulations to comply with, and lessons about the weather, among others.

After that, you must pass your exams, get your medical done, and then obtain your Student Pilot License (SPL). In most cases, the flight school will process this for you.

As a limitation, students who obtain this license neither fly solo nor with any passengers aside from an instructor. 

2. Private Pilot License (PPL)

The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, with passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation.

You will obtain this after doing your ground school and flight training, passing your written exams, and flight/skills tests, and meeting the required flight hour experience.

This license is perfect if you want to fly as a hobby or as a leisure activity. A private Pilot License requires 40 Hours

3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To start earning from flying, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license. This license allows you to become a paid professional pilot.

Both Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating are add-ons to your pilot license. Commercial Pilot Certificate requires the student to acquire at least 250 Hours

4. Instrument Rating (IR)

Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example low or zero visibility) using just the instruments.

Flight schools offer Instrument Ratings along with their commercial pilot training. However, it can as well be obtained separately.

5. Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine Ratings along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training.

 However, this can also be obtained separately.

6. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

ATPL is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as a pilot in command on scheduled air carriers. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate has to obtain 1,500 Hours.

Possible career options

• Below is a list of options for what you can potentially do with a pilot license.
• Airline pilot for large airlines or smaller regional ones
• Corporate or business aviation pilot
• Cargo pilot
• Charter / Air taxi pilot
• Flight Instructor
• Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
• Agricultural pilot and many more options
• Careers are also available in the military, where pilots transport military personnel, soldiers, equipment, or goods for the government. Military pilots fly jets, bombers, and helicopters in combat, rescue, or reconnaissance missions.

Some military officers are employed as test pilots, evaluating new and experimental aircraft prototypes.In the private sector, pilots typically fly smaller planes like jets or light aircraft. 

They are employed by businesspersons or celebrities and provide on-demand service for their client's travel needs. A private pilot may work as an independent contractor and offer service for hire to many customers, or be employed solely by a corporation or wealthy individual.

Thanks for your time and hope this write-up helps solve some of the worries you had. Feel free to drop a comment if you have other questions.

Suggested: 3 Top Aviation Schools in Cameroon