Change History (v104)

(16 FEB 2026)p.1

This document contains a complete listing of all current and past published versions of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Regulations (GACAR). The specific changes for each version are shown in the parts as per the presentation of changes protocols prescribed in GACAR §1.23.

The most recent changes in this log of versions are highlighted below. GACAR Foreword President. for minimum sector altitude. Light-sport Aircraft regulatory environment, Refer to docket number GR18-006 Dated 6/5/2019.

Annexes’ definitions, Refer to docket number GR20-007 Dated 22/04/2021. 1- Annex-6 Part-I : State Letter- AN 11/1.3.34-22/15- Dated- 30 March 2022. 2- Annex-6 Part-II : State Letter- AN 11/6.3.33-22/16- Dated- 31 march 2022.

3- Annex-6 Part-III State Letter- AN 11/32.3.16-22/13- Dated 31 March 2022. 4- Annex-8 State letter- AN 3/5.14-22/23 Dated 8 April 2022. 5- Annex-10 -Volume-IV- State Letter- AN 7/66. Docket No.(GR-22-003- Dated May 16th, 2022).

- include new definitions introduced as a result of revisions to ICAO Annexes 3, 4 ,6, 8, 10, 11, 15, & 16; - ensure ongoing alignment with FAA definitions; - delete Section §1.23 Presentation of Changes.

Docket Number [GR25-009] Dated 24/09/2025. Docket Number [GR21-008] Dated 13/06/2022. GACAR §5.27. Added new section to Appendix A and C. Docket number 18-016. 20/10/2020. 14/04/2021. 19. The amendment is reflected in the following:

1- Applicability of GACAR 5 on GACAR part 21. 2- Safety policy requirement about the management commitment towards positive safety culture. 3- Safety objective requirement to reflect the certificate holder's commitment to continuously monitoring SMS and safety performance.

4- Documenting and communicating safety accountabilities and responsibilities of the certificate holder across the organization. 5- Inclusion of safety objectives, SMS requirements, accountability, responsibility, and authorities for SMS processes and procedures.

6- Reactive and proactive methods of hazard identification. 7- Introduction to Management of Change Process. Docket [GR23-007] Dated 03/03/2023. International Civil Aviation, relating to the transfer of responsibilities between the State of Registry and the State of the Operator when aircraft are leased. Docket Number [GR24-029] Dated 14/10/2025.

[GR21-001] Dated 11/01/2021. the regulations. 21.107 and 21.139. certificates. Authority (NAA) and Allow the registration of aircraft that are type certificated by any GACA Recognized NAA, refer to Docket number 18-012.

Docket Number [GR20-010] Dated 29/11/2020. GACAR Part 37 - Reserved introduced concept of “GACA Recognized National Aviation Authorities” in part-21. refer to Docket number 18-012. - Airworthiness Directives issued by the President must be transmitted to the appropriate State of Design or State of Design of Modification;

- Security sensitive aviation information must be securely transmitted to the appropriate authority in the State of Design or State of Design of Modification Docket Number [GR25-001] Dated 24/06/2025. and 43.15.

Docket number 18-012. Docket number 18-004. regarding the form of display of the registration mark. Docket Number [GR24-037] Dated 26/06/2025. Docket number 18-004. refer to Docket number 18-014. with the KSA Royal Decree (No. M/106 Dated 10/9/1440 Hijra) to enable the holders of KSA Premium Residency to register his own aircraft in the Saudi aircraft registry (HZ). Docket Number [GR24-016] Dated 16/04/2024.

1- Aligns §47.2 with ICAO Annex 7, Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks, Chapter 2, by adding provisions for the classification of aircraft; 2- Aligns §47.17 with ICAO Annex 7, Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks, Section 3.6 to prohibit the issuance of registration marks consisting of urgency signals;

3- Updates §47.19 with respect to the name of the GACA Sector and office address (new location). 4- Removes several provisions that refer to Part 49 (third party physical possession of the aircraft, partial ownership, transfer of title, etc) as these provisions do not exist in KSA.

Docket Number [GR24-038] Dated 26/10/2025. model aircraft equipped with security interrogating sensors. Docket Number [GR23-021] Dated 26/02/20. 1) no differentiation between Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Model Aircraft; and 2) no differentiation between recreational and commercial operations with Unmanned Aircraft.

Docket Number [GR24-031] Dated 12/03/2025. GACAR Part 49 - Reserved This part was removed until a complete and comprehensive legal evaluation by the appropriate GACA legal authority is performed, removed on 15/08/2016.

PIC aircraft type rating. Practical tests now required in all cases. seeking a sport pilot certificate, sport pilots and flight instructors with sport pilot rating to Class 3 or above (from Class 2 or above). Revised GACAR §§61.53 and 61.109 regarding English language proficiency requirements for student pilots.

GACAR § 61.93.p.8

1- Issuance ATP Licenses and mandates of the ATP Certification Training Program

(ATP-CTP).p.8

2- Establishing the rules for Foreign ATP license conversion. 3- Conversion of Foreign pilot licenses. 4- English Language Proficiency. 5- Requirements imposed on GACA certificated Flight/Ground Instructors.

6- Licensing of applicants with KSA Armed Forces experience & qualifications. Refer to Docket number GR19-002 Dated [7/4/2019]. and §61.193 (d)(3). Docket Number [GR20-012] Dated 06/01/2021. issued to a Saudi pilot. Docket Number [GR23-025] Dated 31/10/2023.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Docket Number [GR24-010] Dated 22/08/2024. amendment related to Air Traffic Controllers and resolve the regulatory gaps related to the licensing of ATS Personnel considering ICAO PANS Training (Doc9868) and recognized best practices. Additionally, new licenses and endorsements are introduced in this amendment. Docket Number [GR23-026] Dated 07/01/2024.

65.43. requirements of Medical Certificates for Cabin Crew Members and Flight Dispatchers. Docket Number [GR24-003] Dated 28/01/2024. powerplant rating. LSA repairman now includes two ratings - maintenance and inspection.

issued to a Saudi Mechanic. Docket Number [GR23-025] Dated 31/10/2023. certificates. Affected paragraphs : §67.7. Docket Number [GR21-002] Dated 15/02/2021. 1- The applicability of Part 68. 2- This amendment aims to introduce a significant amendment to GACAR Part-68.

3- This amendment includes the stipulation of the training requirements to obtain any GACA Ground Service Permit as stipulated in GACAR Part-68. 4- Harmonization with other rules and regulations. Docket [GR23-009] Dated 31/07/2023.

1. Title change from “Ground Services Personnel Work Permit” to “ Certificated Aerodromes Ground Services Personnel.” 2. The removal of all Work Permit requirements. 3. The responsibility of certificated aerodromes is to ensure that no person may perform any ground service function unless that person complies with Part 68. Docket [GR24-017] Dated 30/10/2024.

notice in GACAR §77.15. Use of designated obstacle assessors now permitted. 91.267 concerning in-flight fuel management. Appendix B, Section I revised to note that ammonia inhalants are optional items for all first aid kits.

result of rulemaking amendment 91-1. number 18-004. 1- §91.239. 2-§91.303 (f). 3-§91.477 (b). 4- Appendix C to GACAR Part-91. Docket Number [GR19-007] Dated 18/12/2019. Communication and Surveillance (PBCS). Docket Number [GR20-005] Dated 02/02/2020.

Number [GR20-009] Dated 20/10/2020. certain required equipment (ELT). Docket Number [GR21-010] Dated 23/05/2021. [GR21-011] Dated 24/05/2021. capacity. Docket Number [GR21-005] Dated 20/12/2021. aligned with the ICAO Annex-2 Standards stipulated in (3.9,4.1,4.2 and table 3.1), Docket Number [GR22-006] Dated 23/06/2022.

Information Region (FIR). Docket Number [GR23-004] Dated 05/04/2023. [GR23-003] Dated 06/04/2023. OPERATIONS AUTHORIZATIONS -VI. REMS Operations (d) REMS operating minimums. The amendment to item (d) REMS operating minimums where the rule was revised with a new table and additional paragraphs to enable Safe REMS operation. Docket [GR23-001] Dated 16/08/2023.

Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) operation. Docket Number [GR24-004] Dated 23/06/2024. FL250 to FL410. Consequently, if a flight crew member leaves their control position above FL 410, the remaining crew member must wear an oxygen mask. Docket [GR24-039] Dated 22/05/2025.

(OSTT) Flight Information Region (FIR) from the list provided in Appendix-A, Section-II of GACAR Part-91. Docket [GR25-004] Dated 12/06/2025. take-off mass in excess of 5 700 kg, engaged in commercial air transport operations for which an individual certificate of airworthiness is first issued on or after 1 January 2026, to be equipped with a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). Docket Number [GR25-015] Dated 28/12/2025.

requirements for steep approach operations. Docket Number [GR25-012] Dated 06/10/2025. Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Docket Number [GR24-010] Dated 22/08/2024. related to unmanned aircraft systems, Refer to Docket number 18-004.

related to unmanned aircraft systems. Refer to Docket number 18-003. 48 titled “Registration and marking requirements for model aircraft and small unmanned Aircraft”. Docket [GR23-022] Dated 26/02/2024.

model aircraft equipped with security interrogating sensors. Docket Number [GR23-021] Dated 26/02/20. 1) cancellation of Part 101 Subpart E, as model aircraft are now fully addressed under Part 107; and 2) no differentiation between recreational and commercial operations with Unmanned Aircraft.

Docket [GR24-034] Dated 11/05/2025. Refer to Docket number 18-003. operator training providers. Docket Number [GR22-012] Dated 21/11/2022. include rules governing the operation of UA Systems (UAS), including model aircraft, in the Open and Specific Categories of operation, as well as for remote pilots and organizations involved in those operations. Docket Number [GR24-010] Dated 22/08/2024.

- introduce Standard Scenarios for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the Specific Category (Subpart J); - remove the remote pilot certification requirement to conduct a practical training course for operations in the Open Category;

- remove the possibility for individuals/persons to apply for approval of operations in the Specific Category. Docket Number [GR25-008] Dated 26/06/2025. Dated 28/03/2021. number 18-001. concerning mandatory reporting in Appendix G, Section I.

that management personnel in GACAR §121.45 must be acceptable to the President. amendment 121-1. Corrected formatting error in GACAR §121.919(d) and revised equipment requirements for commuter category airplanes in GACAR §121.513(m). Revised GACAR §121.781 concerning flight engineers. Corrected errors in GACAR §§121.1353 and 121.1357.

1- Amending flight crew safety belts and shoulder harnesses rules §121.1141. 2- Establishing a new date for Extended Envelope Training §121.889. 3- Establishing a new date for the installation of aircraft underwater location device

§121.513.p.15

4- Amending aircraft maintenance training program §121.695. Docket Number [GR19-004] Dated 17/11/2019. under 121.789 IOE Operating Experience, Operating Cycles, and Consolidation of Knowledge and Skills [GR22-005] Dated 18/06/2022.

[GR23-002] Dated 05/04/2023. takeoff mass limitation from the definition of the GACAR Part-121 “Special Unscheduled Operations”. Docket [GR23-010] Dated 10/08/2023. made to delete the requiremenairplanes with more than 200 passenger capacity. Docket [GR23-020] Dated 24/08/2023.

operating under PC2WE. Docket [GR24-002] Dated 25/04/2024. requirements based on aircraft weight and passenger capacity. Docket [GR24-012] Dated 24/07/2024. conditions and thereby align with EASA and FAA provisions. Docket [GR25-003] Dated 30/07/2025.

fatigue management in GACAR §125.425. acceptable to the President. in GACAR §§125.503, 125.509 and a new 125.510. Revised GACAR §125.337 concerning flight engineers. GACAR Part-21. Docket Number [GR20-011] Dated 26/11/2020.

non-commercial operators in KSA while in compliance with Annex 6 part 2 standards. The following are summaries of the revised aspects: 1- Aircraft Management for GA Operators. 2- Accountable Executive/Post Holders Nomination.

3- Qualification for Post Holders. 4- Qualification for PIC/SIC. 5- Filling the gap between ICAO SARPs and current Part 125. 6- Streamlining of Operational and Airworthiness Requirements. Docket Number [GR24-011] Dated 04/08/2024.

This part has been removed due to contradiction with GACAR Part 125 and ICAO Annex 6 Part 2 SARP, [Docket number 0010-2017/1439] removed on 14/12/2017. new section GACAR §129.15. Minor changes in GACAR §129.11.

stipulate the rules for aircraft wet-lease-in by foreign operators, Docket Number [GR22-008] Dated 12/09/2022. operator certificated or authorized by a contracting state to the Convention on International Civil Aviation to engage in aerial work operations in KSA without being certificated under GACAR Part-133, Docket Number [GR21-01] Dated 22/01/2022.

Docket Number [GR22-007] Dated 10/08/2022. the certification and authorization of heliports and helipads in KSA, Refer to Docket number [GR21-013] Dated 22/08/2021. Docket Number [GR22-007] Dated 10/08/2022.

personnel requirements. ICAO Recommended Practices deviated from or not implemented in GACAR §139.51. Docket number 18-008. the certification and authorization of aerodromes in KSA, Refer to Docket number [GR21-013] Dated 22/08/2021.

Docket Number [GR22-007] Dated 10/08/2022. includes the alignment with Annex 14 Ninth Edition, July 2022. Docket Number [GR24-021] Dated 02/04/2024. 1- Amending the contents of Appendix-D (ATP Course).

2- Addition of ATP-CTP course to Appendix-J. Refer to Docket number GR19-002 [Dated 7/4/2019] instrument rating course, Docket Number [GR22-009] Dated 08/12/2022. Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Docket Number [GR24-010] Dated 22/08/2024.

142.59, §142.61, §142.62, and §142.93 . Docket Number [GR20-013] Dated 06/01/2021. numbers in Appendix C, Section III. training courses (GACAR §143.35) and added student to instructor ratio may not exceed 25:1 unless authorized (GACAR §143.39).

station certificate within KSA, affected paragraph 145.15. Docket [GR24-017 (Duplicate Number)] Dated 23/07/2024. certificate, provided that other GACA requirements have been satisfied. Docket Number [GR24-043] Dated 19/02/2025.

GACAR § 147.63.p.19

Docket number 18-003. refer to Docket number 18-003. now required. Instructor and supervisory personnel experience requirements increased. Record retention periods increased. 1- The applicability of Part-151.

2- The differences between certificated Ground Services providers and Self-Handlers. 3- Harmonization with other rules and regulations. Docket [GR23-008] Dated 31/07/2023. the validity of a Part 151 Certificate which changes from two years to five years. Docket [GR24-023] Dated 02/01/2025.

"Environmental Sustainability Regulations." These regulations comply with the Royal Order No. 13662 dated 30-3-1438 Hijra and reference the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 729 dated 16-11-1441 Hijra. The purpose of these regulations is to enforce the necessary measures related to environmental protection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Docket Number [GR23-024] Dated 09/02/2024.

changes. approvals. under GACAR Part-172 and Flight Inspection Service Providers under GACAR Part-173 from certain requirements. Docket Number [GR22-004] Dated 29/05/2022. changes. contingency procedures and GACAR §171.596 related to incident reports.

with the last amendments to ICAO Annexes 2, 11, and Doc-4444 and to introduce new requirements on remote aerodrome ATS considering the global and regional best practices. Docket number [GR23-013], Dated 19/06/2023.

GACAR §172.45. Added GACAR §172.47 related to terrain data and GACAR §17.48 related to visibility minima. 1) establish a dedicated subpart for Flight Validation Service Providers to streamline the certification process and the acceptance of Flight Validation Operations Manuals;

2) introduce the IFP Sponsor role, including its responsibilities and its coordination requirements with the IFP Custodian; 3) revise all sections to ensure full alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

Docket Number [GR25-013] Dated 01/12/2025. requirement for Category II far field monitor. ICAO Annex 10. Additionally, new technical requirements have been introduced to support the Provision of remote aerodrome ATS and local digital aerodrome Air Traffic Services, Introduction of data-link applications such as CPDLC and Delivery clearances (DCL), and Implementation of surveillance systems for managing aerodrome surface movements. Docket Number [GR23-027] Dated 07/01/2024.

changes. edition), and the ICAO PANS-AIM (Doc-10066). Docket Number [GR20-001] Dated 08/01/2020. Annex 4, and ICAO PANS-AIM Doc 10066. Docket Number [GR24-018] Dated 16/09/2020.

Section 12, on Search and Rescue. It aligns with ICAO Annex 12, ensuring compliance andp.22

establishing a regulatory framework for the KSA Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centre (MCC) and the KSA Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) point of contact. Docket Number [GR24-026] Dated 03/09/2024.

any MET service provider, fixed duplicate GACAR §179.21 and corrected minor format error in

GACAR § 179.151p.23

Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation and introduces new or modified requirements for: space weather advisory information services; improvement in the provision of SIGMET information by meteorological watch offices (MWOs); information on the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere; SIGMET and AIRMET information; modifications of IWXXM representations of information; special air-reports on turbulence; dissemination of AIRMET and GAMET; the inclusion of heavy dust storms (HVY DS) in special air-reports;

digital format for volcanic ash and tropical cyclone advisories and AIRMET information; the provision of METAR/SPECI, TAF and SIGMET information in digital format; the use of the Global Reporting Format for assessing and reporting runway surface conditions; GAMET forecasts; RVR assessments; and quality management systems; system-wide information management (SWIM);

information security; aeronautical meteorological personnel qualification and competency, education and training. Docket Number [GR24-019] Dated 19/04/2025. Edition, effective 27 November 2025) and ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Meteorology (PANS-MET, Doc 10157). Key areas of enhancement include: Digital transformation through IWXXM implementation and SWIM integration; Improvement of requirements related to space weather services and centers; Enhancement of quality management systems aligned with ISO standards; Quantitative volcanic ash concentration information requirements; Updated definitions distinguishing meteorological authority from service provider; Modernized communication and data exchange protocols; Strengthened personnel qualification and training requirements. Docket Number [GR25-014] Dated 10/12/2025.

designated aviation club representatives. Refer to Docket number 18-003. aviation safety related function on behalf of the president. Refer to Docket number GR-003 Dated 28/07/2019. certificate issued by GACA in accordance with GACAR Part 61 Subpart D.

2-This rulemaking docket deletes the designated AME privileges to issue a student pilot certificate (.GACAR §183.29 (d). Docket Number [GR20-006] Dated 16/06/2020.

§183.45 Designated Ground Services Inspection Representatives. A new SUBPART E –p.24

Designated English Language Proficiency Testing center (ELPTC) addition. SUBPART F had been added titled – Designated Ground Services Inspection Organization and its associated subparagraphs. Docket Number [GR22-014] Dated 13/02/2023.

1- Updates existing terminology related to ATCO Examiners to align with new terms (ATC and FIS assessors) used in GACAR Part-64 and Part-171; 2- Deletes provision §183.41 Designated Obstacle Assessors as the function will be performed solely by GACA;

3- Updates the title of Assistant President of the Aviation Standards to Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability; 4- Updates other minor text and gender references.

Docket Number [GR24-041] Dated 22/01/2025. designation of Designated Remote Pilot Examiners (DRPEs) for practical skills tests in the UAS Specific Category. Docket Number [GR24-010] Dated 22/08/2024. March 1, 2016. Revises transitional provisions for GACAR Part 5, 45, 47, 61, 64, 65, 66, 139, and 170. Transition provisions added for ultralight vehicles (GACAR Part 103) and aviation clubs (GACAR Part 149). Several minor editorial corrections.

procedures. Grace period allowed under GACAR Part 97 increased to 24 months. New transition provisions added for GACAR Parts 101, 109 and 151. for GACAR Part 151. Refer to Docket number 18-003. 2018 for full compliance with the New GACARs, Repeal of GACAR Part 127, Coming into force of GACARs Part 48 and Part 107 and Repeal the Regulatory Interim Policy, Memo Number 2/4825 dated 12/6/1439 (Extension of the new GACARs Implementation date), Refer to Docket number 18-009.

comprehensive revisions. The purpose of this rulemaking docket is to propose the coming into force dates for the amended GACARs Parts-151 and 68. The proposed coming into force dates were determined as a result of continuous consultation with the affected regulated entities. Docket Number [GR23-023] Dated 13/12/2023.

GACAR Part 138 and GACAR Part 125 in terms of coming into force and transitional provisions. Docket Number [GR24-025] Dated 04/09/2024.