Pilot training cost to reduce with new plane, Moi University VC says

 

A Cessna aircraft used by Skylink Flights for training of students. Moi University launched its Aerospace Science and Operations degree program in 2008. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• According to the Vice Chancellor Richard Mibey, students will pay Sh1.5 million as tuition fees.
• This fee, he said, is Sh14.5 million cheaper than what other private institutions in Africa and abroad charge. 
• Kenya Pipeline Corporations (KPC) donated a Cessna 303 commercial plane to the university.

By SAMMY KOECH

The cost of training pilots is expected to drop after Moi University acquired its fourth fixed wing plane.

According to the Vice Chancellor Richard Mibey, students will pay Sh1.5 million as tuition fees.

This fee, he said, is Sh14.5 million cheaper than what other private institutions in Africa and abroad charge. 

“The university is currently undertaking capacity building in the school of aerospace sciences that is geared at making the course more cost effective as compared to private institutions across sub Saharan region,” said Prof Mibey.

RECEIVED PLANES

Kenya Pipeline Corporations (KPC) donated a Cessna 303 commercial plane to the university.

Prof Mibey noted that with the discovery of oil and other minerals in Turkana, the plane can be used during excursion and exploration visits.

Other planes at the university include a Cessna 152 with a single engine mostly used for stage 1 of aviation training, Cessna 182 and a Padinavia aircraft used by students who intend to earn a commercial pilot certificate.

Prof Mibey further revealed that the university received three planes in 2008 through collaboration of Universities from the United States worth more than Sh200 million that helped in establishing the school.

FEW UNIVERSITIES OFFER COURSE

“Initially it was a great challenge establishing the school due to the huge costs that accompanies it. However, our collaboration with other friendly institutions abroad has played a key role in the success of the faculty,” he added.

The first batch of 60 students who have successfully undergone the course at the university are expected to graduate later this year, he said.

The university is one of the few public universities in Africa offering Bachelor of Science course in aerospace engineering. 

Ms Miren Haria, a Russian pilot who trains students at the university, said graduates also have a chance to visit airplane manufacturers such as Boeing duringr industrial attachment.