Converting Your Pilot License to Fly in the Middle East

Dreaming of flying across the deserts of Dubai or the bustling airspace of Riyadh? Many Indian DGCA and U.S. FAA-licensed pilots are increasingly eyeing the Middle East for rewarding career opportunities. But transitioning your license to meet GCAA (UAE) or GACA (Saudi Arabia) standards requires careful planning and documentation.

This guide simplifies the license conversion process and explains how digital tools like the Wingman Pilot Logbook can help streamline the transition.

Why Convert Your License to GCAA or GACA?

Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Saudia, and Flynas are expanding rapidly, offering attractive compensation packages and fast career progression. However, to legally fly for these operators, you need to hold a valid local license—issued by either:

• UAE’s GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority)

• Saudi Arabia’s GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation)

  
  

Eligibility: Who Can Convert Their License?

✅ For Indian DGCA Pilots

• Hold a valid CPL or ATPL issued by DGCA India.

• Possess an ICAO-compliant English Proficiency Level 4 or higher.

• Fulfill minimum flight hour requirements.

• Hold a current medical certificate equivalent to GCAA/GACA Class 1.

  
  

✅ For FAA Pilots (USA)

• Hold a current and valid FAA CPL or ATPL.

• Must pass region-specific theoretical knowledge exams.

• Must validate flying experience and provide logbook endorsements.

• Hold an FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate for conversion.

  
  

GCAA (UAE) License Conversion Process

📄 Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Document Submission

   • Submit your application via the GCAA e‑Services portal.

   • Upload a copy of your foreign license, medical, passport, and logbook.

2. GCAA Theoretical Exams

   • Appear for GCAA-specific subjects like Air Law and Operational Procedures.

3. Skill Test

   • Undergo a license skill test conducted by a UAE-approved examiner.

4. Medical Certificate

   • Get a GCAA Class 1 Medical from an approved AeMC.

5. Logbook Verification

   • Your logbook must show proof of PIC time, IR hours, and multi-engine time.

   • Using the Wingman Logbook App can help maintain accurate, GCAA-auditable digital logs.

     
     

GACA (Saudi Arabia) License Conversion Process

📄 Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Application Form

   • Submit the application on the GACA e‑Services Portal.

2. Knowledge and Oral Exams

   • Mandatory written and oral exams based on GACAR Part 61.

3. Simulator Check / Skill Test

   • Conducted at a GACA-approved ATO or airline.

4. Medical Certification

   • Obtain a GACA Part 67 Medical Certificate from an approved center.

5. Logbook Endorsement

   • Your logbook must clearly reflect total flight time, types, and recency.

   • Wingman Logbook provides pre-formatted export PDFs and time summaries by aircraft and category, ready for GACA review.

     
     

Key Documents Required

• Valid Foreign CPL/ATPL

• ICAO ELP Certificate

• Flight Logbook (endorsed)

• Medical Certificate (GCAA/GACA-specific)

• Passport & Visa Copy

• Recent Photograph

• Simulator Session Records (if applicable)

✅ Pro Tip: Use Wingman’s auto-import and roster sync features to keep logs accurate and up-to-date across iOS, Android, and Web platforms.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• ❌ Submitting incomplete logbooks or hand-written records.

• ❌ Skipping medical exams with region-approved Aeromedical Centres.

• ❌ Assuming FAA knowledge exams will be accepted in lieu of GCAA/GACA written exams.

• ❌ Not maintaining time zone consistency in flight logs (GCAA and GACA often expect UTC-based logs).

  
  

How Wingman Logbook Simplifies License Conversion

Wingman was built specifically for pilots flying in and out of the Middle East and South Asia. Here's how it supports conversion candidates:

• ✅ One-click summaries of PIC, IR, night, cross-country, and ME time.

• ✅ Region-specific formats aligned with GCAA and GACA logbook expectations.

• ✅ Audit-ready exports accepted by most local authorities.

• ✅ Cloud backup across iOS, Android & Web—no risk of losing your flight history.

Whether you're applying from India or the U.S., Wingman keeps your log conversion-ready at all times.

Learn more

Final Thoughts

Converting your pilot license to work in the Middle East is an ambitious yet achievable step. With the right documents, timely exams, and a digitally maintained logbook, you can accelerate your onboarding process with GCAA or GACA.

Explore your options. Prepare smartly. And fly with confidence—knowing your credentials are in perfect shape.

Need help digitizing your logbook or exporting region-compliant reports?📲 Get started with Wingman Logbook

Disclaimer: Always check with the respective authority websites for the most up-to-date requirements.