FAQs
An applicant for an Air Traffic Controller Licence should have demonstrated a level of knowledge in the following areas:
- Principles of flight: principles of operation and functioning of aircraft, powerplants and systems; aircraft performance relevant to the air traffic control operations;
- Human performance and limitations relevant to air traffic control;
- Aeronautical meteorology; use and appreciation of meteorological documentation and information; origin and characteristics of weather phenomena affecting flight operations and safety; altimetry;
- Principles of air navigation, limitation and accuracy of navigation systems and visual aids; and
- Air traffic control, communication, radiotelephony and phraseology procedure (routine, non-routine and emergency); use of the relevant aeronautical documentation; and safety practices associated with flight.
An applicant for an Air Traffic Controller Licence shall have demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Authority, a level of knowledge in the following areas appropriate to the rating that will be endorsed-
- Airspace structure;
- Applicable rules, procedures and information sources;
- Jamaica Civil Aviation Regulations and the Manual of Operations;
- Air Navigation facilities;
- Air traffic control equipment and its use;
- Terrain and prominent landmark;
- Characteristics of air traffic and traffic flow;
- Meteorology and weather phenomena;
- Emergency and search and rescue plan;
- Principles, use and limitations of radar and other surveillance systems and associated equipment and
- Procedures for the provision of approach or area radar control services, as appropriate, including procedures to ensure appropriate terrain clearance.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Type Rating
- An applicant for a Type Rating endorsement on an AME Licence will be required to demonstrate to the Authority that he/she has obtained sufficient training and experience to allow the applicant to make a determination that the aircraft meets the specifications of its type certificate and that it is serviceable and fit for flight.
- The Authority shall, once the training and experience requirements are met, convene a panel of not less than two persons to conduct an oral examination of the applicant. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate familiarity with the aircraft, its systems, and its power plant(s), commensurate with the ATA 104 Level III training standards.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence
An applicant for an AME Licence shall –
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Provide proof of citizenship;
- Be able to speak, read, understand and write the English language;
- Have completed a course of study, approved by the Authority;
- Have accumulated not less than four (4) years of aircraft maintenance experience;
- Pass the required multi-choice knowledge tests, obtaining not less than 80%; and
- Pass the required practical and/or oral tests, obtaining not less than 80%
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Knowledge Requirements
- An applicant for an AME Licence shall demonstrate a level of knowledge satisfactory to the Authority, in the areas in which the privileges of the licence will be exercised.
- The Authority will accept evidence of satisfactory completion of a knowledge test for 24 months after the applicant has been approved to take the test.
The applicant shall have demonstrated a level of knowledge relevant to the privileges to be granted and appropriate to the responsibilities of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence holder, in at least the following subjects –
(1) rules and regulations relevant to an aircraft maintenance licence holder including applicable airworthiness requirements governing certification and continuing airworthiness of aircraft and approved aircraft maintenance organizations and procedures;
(2) basic mathematics; units of measurement; fundamental principles and theory of physics and chemistry applicable to aircraft maintenance;
(3) characteristics and applications of the materials of aircraft construction including principles of construction and functioning of aircraft structures, fastening techniques; power plants and their associated systems; mechanical, fluid, electrical and electronic power sources; aircraft instrument and display systems; aircraft control systems; and airborne navigation and communication systems;
(4) tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft including methods and procedures for the overhaul, repair, inspection, replacement, modification or defect rectification of aircraft structures, components and systems in accordance with the methods prescribed in the relevant Maintenance Manuals and the applicable Standards of airworthiness; and
(5) human performance and limitations relevant to the duties of an aircraft maintenance licence holder.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Experience & Training Requirements
(a) An applicant for an AME Licence shall present satisfactory documentary evidence to the Authority that the applicant has completed an approved course of study, including both theoretical and practical components, under the supervision of a Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME), a licensed AME, or a qualified instructor, who has been approved by the Authority to carry out the function.
(b) Where an applicant has completed an approved course at a Maintenance Training Organization, the applicant shall present his certificate or diploma to the Authority for verification.
(c) An applicant for an AME Licence shall present satisfactory documentary proof that he has obtained at least four years of experience in the field of aircraft maintenance, covering a sufficiently wide range of tasks that will enable a level of competency suitable to the privileges of the licence being granted.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Skill Requirements
(a) An applicant for an AME Licence shall be required to demonstrate the skill requirements prescribed by the Authority, in the manner prescribed.
(b) A demonstration of skill, appropriate to the privileges to be granted to the licence holder, may be made in an oral examination, a practical examination or a combination of both, as specified by the Authority.
Schedule of Exams
All written examinations are conducted every 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Out of schedule sittings may be accommodated but must be requested in writing by the candidate or ATO and approval given. All applicable fees are required to be paid at least 2 days prior to the sitting of the exam.
Process for Administering a Knowledge Test
The first step is for the applicant to contact the JCAA PEL Office. PEL Office staff must provide applicants with information relating to knowledge test prerequisites, required authorisations and endorsements, where applicants write their knowledge tests and the appropriate fees that are involved.
The second step is for the applicant to receive an endorsement from an authorised instructor or Aviation Training Organisation that the applicant has completed the required training and is ready to take the knowledge test.
The third step is for the applicant to receive confirmation from the PEL Office to take the knowledge test.
To be eligible for Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating an applicant shall-
- Hold a Class 2 Flight Instructor Rating in the aircraft category sought.
- Pass with a minimum of 80% on the knowledge test.
- Have conducted a minimum of 400 hours of dual flight instruction towards the granting of a private pilot licence in the appropriate aircraft category.
- Have recommended a minimum of 10 students for the private pilot licence flight test and have had a minimum of 8 students successfully pass the flight test on their first attempt.
- Pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the Flight Instructor rating sought in an aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the aircraft rating sought and is certified and capable of performing all of the required manoeuvres as set out in the appropriate flight test guide.
Active or retired Jamaica Defence Force personnel who have qualified to pilot wings standards shall be deemed to have met the ground school instruction requirements, the written examination requirement, the skill requirement, and the requirement to hold a Private Pilot Licence, provided that the applicant-
a) meet the experience requirements of which a minimum of 10 hours flight time was acquired in the category of aircraft for which the licence is sought in the 12 months preceding the date of application, and
b) obtains a minimum of 70% in the written Air Law examination.
Airman Knowledge Test Reports for all categories of licence are valid for 24 calendar months. The applicant should plan to complete the skill test during the 24-calendar month validity period. If the Airman Test Report expires before completion of the skill test, the applicant must retake the knowledge test.
If you are an Air Operator engaged in commercial air services, or transporting passengers or goods for reward, you must obtain a licence or permit from the JCAA’s Economic Regulation Department.
Licences are required for scheduled operations.
Permits are required for non-scheduled flights. See below.
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed form (link) and shall be accompanied by the relevant application fee, as shown in Table 9 of the Twenty-Second Schedule of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Regulations. All applications must be forwarded to The Director, Economic Regulation at erlicensing@jcaa.gov.jm.
Apply for an Air Services Licence, Permit or Clearance here.
Air Transport Application Service Processing Times
Ad hoc 1-day Operations –
Weekdays processing time – 3 hours
Where applications are received between 8:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Next day by 11:30 am if application is received after 2:00 p.m.
Weekend & Public Holidays processing time – 6 hours
Where the application is received between 8:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Next day by 11:30 a.m. if the application is received after 2:00 p.m.
Applications to operate air transport services for under 30 days – Processing time 7 days
Applications to operate air transport services for over 30 days – 8 Weeks
Applications for / Notification of changes, involving the provision of services on new routes for operations in excess of thirty (30) days, the Authority should be advised at least eight (8) weeks in advance of the series of flights.
Applications for / Notifications re the operation of extra section flights (link explanation , i.e., An additional flight added to a scheduled destination in order to accommodate additional passengers, the Authority should be advised at least seven (7) days in advance of the flight or series of flights.
The Authority shall be advised at least three (3) days in advance of changes to the schedule relating to
day(s) of operation and/or
arrival and departure time.
The Authority should be immediately advised regarding temporary or permanent discontinuation of services on any route.
Notification of Operational Changes
Plan Ahead for Operational Changes
New Route Operations (Exceeding 30 Days):
Timing is Key: Advise the Authority at least eight (8) weeks in advance of initiating operations on new routes exceeding thirty (30) days.
Extra Section Flights (Ad Hoc Operations): (insert link with explanation - (An additional flight added to a scheduled destination in order to accommodate additional passengers,)
Need Extra Capacity?: Inform the Authority at least seven (7) days prior to the planned flight or series of flights for additional passenger accommodations.
Notification of Schedule Changes
Keep Everyone Informed
Notify the Authority at least three (3) days in advance of any adjustments to the schedule. This includes:
changes in operation days and/or
arrival and departure times.
Important Note: Immediate notification is required for temporary or permanent discontinuation of services on any route.
- Processing time guaranteed after the submission of all requisite information.
A Permit or Licence will not be granted unless all balances, that are due for payment and are aged (dated) beyond the credit period indicated on the published invoice(s), are settled.
You may contact our Finance Department’s Accounts Receivables (AR) Unit, by sending an email to collectionsofficer@jcaa.gov.jm.
Obtain a Licence to Operate Scheduled Air Service here.
Submit application to:
Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority
4 Winchester Road Kingston 10.
Obtain a Permit to Operate Non-Scheduled Air Service here.
Submit application to:
Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority
4 Winchester Road Kingston 10.
See documents required for ALL applicants below:
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Registration
- Air Operator’s Certificate
- Aircraft and Route Authorization Sections of the Operators Specifications
- Overview of the proposed operations.
- Air Operator Security Programme, in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulation, 2012 Twentieth Schedule, Sections 20.016 – 20.018.
- The relevant sections regarding the content of Air Operator Security Programme may be found in section 20.017.
This document should be submitted by email to falavsec@jcaa.gov.jm.
In addition to the above, first-time applicants must submit the following documents:
- Proof of Designation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Ownership Structure of Organisation
- Business Plan
Applications for operations exceeding 30 days are published in a Daily Newspaper, allowing interested parties to lodge objections or representations. Hearings are arranged, if objections are deemed valid.
Express your views with Representations or Objections here.
Stay informed through Monthly Returns.
Fees are calculated based on the maximum total weight of the aircraft. Refer to Table 9 of The Civil Aviation Regulation, 2004 for detailed information.
Certain flights are exempt from Licences and Permits. The following category of flights are exempt from Licences and Permits:
- Civil Aircraft registered in a state (other than Jamaica) which is party to the Air Transit Agreement and which flies across or lands in Jamaica in accordance with the provision of that agreement in order to facilitate a fuel stop or emergency landing.
- Flights for the purpose of training or testing of persons
- Flights providing ambulance or rescue facilities
- Flights for the purpose of testing of demonstrating an aircraft
- Positioning flights
Refer to our regulations for a comprehensive list.
Air Operators should refer to Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation (Air Transport Licensing) Regulation, 1966 for precise details of the procedures governing the approval, supervision and revocation of licences and permits.
An official Licence/Permit document is issued under the signature of the Director General and the Board Secretary, following the approval of the JCAA’s Board of Directors for operations over 30 days, and the Director General for operations under 30 days. Under the signature of an authorized officer, permission may be granted for the operation of services, pending the production of the official licence/permit document. In all instances, this will be provided via an email attachment.
For the latest revisions of The Civil Aviation Act and associated regulations, please visit the Jamaica Parliament website at www.japarliament.gov.jm and the Ministry of Justice website: www.moj.gov.jm.
There is no age limit for pilots flying privately, but for commercial purpose the age limit is 65 years. Refer to:
14th Schedule, subsection 14.020 entitled ‘Age 60 Restriction’,
8th B Schedule, subsection 8.716 re Medical Requirements and
10th Schedule, subsection 10.070 re Medical Certificate required
The pilot has to perform 3 take-offs and landings within ninety (90) days preceding the intended flight (refer to the 10th Schedule, subsection 10.105)
A pilot may be granted a certificate, provided that he/she can pass a special test conducted by the Authority. (Refer to the 8th B Schedule, subsection 8.836)
Click here to learn how to become an Air Traffic Controller
You may apply to the Director of Economic Regulation at der@www.jcaa.gov.jm.