Get Your Saudi Arabia Pilot License
Complete GACA guide for Private Pilot Licence — SARC Part 61: cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| Private Pilot Licence — SARC Part 61 cost | SAR 60,000 – SAR 110,000 (USD $16,000 – $29,000) |
| Minimum flight hours | 45 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 80 h |
| Medical class | Class 2 Medical (GACA Aviation Medical Examiner) |
| Knowledge test | GACA PPL Theory Exam |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; SEP class rating renewed every 24 months |
| Working language(s) | Arabic, English |
| Drone authorisation | GACA UAS Operator Licence (Open / Specific / Certified) (GACA UAS Regulations (Part-UAS Saudi)) |
| Average training time | 10 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your GACA license
Average completion: 10 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Class 2 Medical (GACA Aviation Medical Examiner). The medical certificate must be current before you can fly solo.
- Step 2Theory study & ground school
Complete approximately 80 hours of ground theory covering air law, navigation, meteorology, principles of flight, communications, and human factors.
- Step 3Fly the required 45 hours
Log a minimum of 45 flight hours with a certified instructor at an GACA-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
GACA PPL Theory Exam — 9 subjects mirroring EASA TK; 75% per paper.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an GACA examiner. Once passed, your Private Pilot Licence — SARC Part 61 is issued.
License classes issued by GACA
- PPL(A) — SARC Part 61
- CPL(A)
- ATPL(A)
- Type Rating / IR / Multi-engine
- UAS Operator — Open, Specific, Certified
Saudi Arabia drone license under GACA
Drone authority
GACA UAS Regulations (Part-UAS Saudi)
Test format
Theory + practical via a GACA-approved RPAS Training Organisation; commercial work requires operator approval + insurance
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 2 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How GACA compares to FAA & EASA
Compare with other worldwide authorities
GACA pilot license — frequently asked questions
Does GACA recognise FAA / EASA licences?
Yes — GACA validates ICAO licences for foreign operators. Permanent residents must convert via written exam and skill test under SARC Part 61 Subpart D.
How much does flight training cost in Saudi Arabia?
SAR 60,000–110,000 at Saudia Academy, Oxford KSA, or Prince Sultan Aviation Academy. Vision 2030 programs cover up to 100% for Saudi nationals.
Are drones legal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, under GACA Part-UAS. All operations (recreational and commercial) require GACA registration and per-flight authorisation via the GACA app.
What is the role of the Saudi Aviation Academy?
GACA-approved Part 141 / FCL ATO that delivers integrated ATPL programs in partnership with Saudia Group and Riyadh Air. Many cadets graduate as 250-hour MPL holders.
Is alcohol-related medical screening different?
Yes — GACA Class 2 medicals follow ICAO standards but include cultural-specific health declarations. Substance-related disqualifications are stricter than FAA.
Ready to start training for your GACA license?
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