How to become a pilot in Saudi Arabia
Becoming a pilot in the Kingdom follows a clear path set out in the GACA Civil Aviation Regulations (GACAR). This guide maps the journey end to end, from your first medical to a commercial licence, and links each step to the rule that governs it. It is an educational overview, not a substitute for the regulation: always confirm the current requirements with GACA or an approved training organisation.
1. Meet the basics
Decide why you want to fly, for pleasure (a Private Pilot Licence) or for a career (a Commercial, then Airline Transport, licence). You must be old enough for the licence you want, hold a valid aviation medical, and meet the ICAO English language standard. These eligibility rules live in GACAR Part 61.
2. Get an aviation medical
Hold a medical certificate from a GACA-approved aviation medical examiner, Class 2 is the minimum for a PPL, Class 1 for commercial flying. The medical standards sit in GACAR Part 67, and the certificate has a validity period you must keep current.
3. Train with an approved organisation
Fly with an authorised instructor or Approved Training Organisation (ATO). You build dual and solo hours, including cross-country and night where required, toward the experience the licence demands.
4. Pass the exams
Complete the theoretical-knowledge exams for your licence and pass a practical skill test with an authorised examiner. Ratings such as instrument or night flying are added the same way: training, then a test.
5. Build toward a career
From a PPL you can add an instrument rating, then a Commercial Pilot Licence (with a Class 1 medical and more experience), and ultimately an Airline Transport Pilot Licence for airline command. Each rung raises the hour and standard requirements in Part 61.
Regulations cited
Fly GACA is an independent educational platform. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) or the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The official and authoritative source for all civil aviation regulations, publications, and aeronautical information is always GACA. Always verify against the latest official GACA publication at gaca.gov.sa.