KCAA IR Theory case studies
KCAA IR Theory · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The KCAA Instrument Rating (IR) Theory Examination is the knowledge test that a pilot in Kenya must pass before progressing toward an instrument rating, allowing flight under instrument flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions. It is aimed at holders of a Commercial Pilot License or Air Transport Pilot Licence, and at pilots converting or validating foreign licences, who need IFR privileges recognised under Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations 2026. The KCAA IR Theory case studies are 5 cases and about 3,450 words.
1Turkana charter: dispatch pressure, destination alternate and fuel
A single-pilot Cessna 208B Caravan is chartered from Nairobi Wilson (elevation 5,532 ft) to an unlit airstrip in Turkana (elevation 1,700 ft) with three passengers. ETD is 16:20 EAT; ETA is 18:40 and sunset at the destination is 18:47.
710 words, about 4 min2Static source blockage in the climb: three instruments that disagree
A twin turboprop is climbing in IMC on an IFR clearance from FL120 to FL200. It has been in cloud for 12 minutes at -12°C with airframe anti-ice on.
709 words, about 4 min3Headwind, higher burn and the alternate that may no longer be needed
An ATR 72-500 is planned from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (elevation 5,330 ft) to Mombasa Moi International (elevation 200 ft), with Malindi as destination alternate. The plan shows taxi 100 kg; trip 1,100 kg for 55 minutes; contingency 5% of trip; alternate 25 minutes; final reserve 30 minutes at holding flow.
639 words, about 3 min4Evening arrival at Kisumu: reading TEMPO, PROB and the alternate's TAF
At 1630Z you are planning a night IFR flight from Nairobi to Kisumu (elevation 3,780 ft), ETA 1930Z, with Eldoret as destination alternate. The forecasts are: TAF HKKI 131100Z 1312/1412 11008KT 9999 SCT025 BECMG 1318/1320 16012KT 8000 -SHRA BKN018 TEMPO 1319/1323 32015G30KT 3000 TSRA FEW015CB BKN018 PROB30 1321/1323 1200 +TSRA TAF HKEL 131100Z 1312/1412 12006KT 9999 SCT020 BECMG 1319/1321 4000 BR BKN005 TEMPO 1320/1324 2000 -RA BKN004 Kisumu has only VOR and NDB approaches, with MDA 4,400 ft and visibility 2,400 m.
681 words, about 3 min5ILS with the glide path unserviceable and a tailwind on the runway
A Category C jet (Vref 135 kt) is arriving at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta. NOTAM: ILS runway 06 glide path unserviceable until further notice.
711 words, about 4 min