The Alpha Schools aviation programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Learning thattakes off.
Alpha Schools proudly stand as the pioneer institutions in Tanzania to introduce aviation and flying as part of our extracurricular activities.
Our aim is to expose students to various fields of interest, foster growth in aviation technology, enhance self-confidence, and improve career skills.
We prioritise providing a high-quality academic experience that transforms students into valuable resources for our community and the world.
Aviation Technology at Alpha Schools
Our secondary school students are provided with a foundational understanding of aeronautics, covering essential topics such as regulations, safety, meteorology, and flight operations. Through our innovative aviation programme, students learn how weather and various factors influence flying and flight operations. The curriculum guides students in understanding aircraft engines, electrical systems, and structural components.
Modules and lessons in ground school
Students will primarily focus on the following areas of specialisation in ground school:
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight
Where ground school is taught: [To be confirmed]
Hands-on in the hangar.
Students gain practical experience through hands-on activities in hangars, where they learn to operate aircraft under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Aircraft engineering
In addition, students studying Aircraft Engineering will cover the fundamentals of aviation technology, focusing on:
- Technical Drawing
- Engineering Mathematics
- Principles of Aerodynamics
- Airframe Design
- Aircraft Interiors, Equipment, and Furnishings
- Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
- Landing Gear Systems
- Air Conditioning and Pressurisation
- Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Pneumatic Systems and Maintenance
Solo flights and a pilot licence.
As students progress, they ultimately achieve solo flights and can acquire Private Pilot Licence (PPL) certifications.
- Training partner
- Kenya School of Flying (KSOF), Nairobi, runs the pilot courses.
- Qualification
- A Private Pilot Licence, offered to Form Four and Form Six leavers who complete the programme.
- Flying hours
- A minimum of 40, built up through holiday flying at KSOF.
- Simulator
- Full-flight training on the CAE 7000XR Series Level D.
- Two ways in
- O-Level students start at Form One. A-Level students joining at Form Five follow an accelerated programme with more flying and ground school.
Students’ passion to fly.
Speaking to members of the Alpha Aviation Club, students express how fulfilling it is to pursue their dreams through flying. They find joy and fulfilment in taking flight, all while advancing their careers from an early age.
The aviation programme at Alpha nurtures students’ aspirations, allowing them to reach their dreams of defying gravity. We offer opportunities for students who are passionate about aviation technology and aspire to fly.
“For most people, the sky is the limit. For those who love aviation, the sky is home.”
Photo gallery
Alpha aviation students on the airfield, in the cockpit and at the Kenya School of Flying.
Alpha Girls aviation students beside a Cessna on the apron 
Learning the instrument panel 
On the apron in aviation uniform 
Alpha aviation students with a training aircraft 
Headsets on in the cockpit 
A walk-round of a Cessna on the airfield 
Students at an aviation talk at school 
Pre-flight briefing on the flightline, KSOF Nairobi 
Control-surface inspection at KSOF
[Programme videos — to be provided by school]
Joining the aviation programme.
Enrol at Alpha High or Alpha Girls
Aviation is open to secondary students at both campuses. Complete the standard Alpha admission first.
Register interest in the aviation programme
Tell admissions you'd like to join. They'll add your child to the aviation roster and the KSOF intake list.
Ground school and simulator hours during term
Ground school is taught alongside the NECTA curriculum, with simulator practice scheduled into the academic week.
Holiday flying at KSOF, Nairobi
Students travel to the Kenya School of Flying during school holidays to build their 40+ flying hours.
PPL on completion
After Form Four, or Form Six for A-Level joiners, and the required hours, students sit the PPL.
We look forward to helping shape the future of aviation through our dedicated programmes at Alpha Schools.