KCAA puts chopper operators on notice as political campaigns intensify

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has warned helicopter owners and operators against non-compliance with safety regulations which could pose a threat to Kenyans as political campaigns intensify.

KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe on Tuesday expressed concerns over recent incidents at rallies which he described as hazardous, the latest being a man who was caught on video hanging onto skids of a helicopter during take-off.

“These unsafe operations have been undertaken against a backdrop of a KCAA facilitated sensitization of helicopter operators, which took place on 1 March 2022,” said Kibe.

He directed helicopter operators to ensure their aircrafts’ security on the ground beforehand and if possible, enlist the services of the police.

Kibe further reiterated that it is the operators’ responsibility to ensure that they adhere to the recommended landing and take-off guidelines.

“Liftoff and landing should be done at least 3km from activity venues and have at least a 30 metre radius free of any people,” he stated.

The Director-General added: “From today, KCAA is putting operators on notice. Violators risk enforcement action, which includes monetary penalties and or losing their licenses, approvals and authorisations under the Civil Aviation Act.”

Cases of recklessness involving helicopters have been witnessed recently. At the burial of former Mt. Elgon MP John Serut in March, two men hanged onto a helicopter that was taking off, forcing the pilot to lower the aircraft.

Early this month at the burial of businessman Jackson Kibor in Kabenes, Uasin Gishu County, the helicopter carrying ODM leader Raila Odinga was pelted with stones during take-off.

The aircraft then landed in an area close to the crowd, contrary to the KCAA directives.