Understanding the GACA Class 1 Medical Certificate for Pilots in Saudi Arabia

To fly professionally in Saudi Arabia, aspiring and current pilots must obtain and maintain a valid GACA Class 1 Medical Certificate. Issued under the regulations of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), this medical assessment ensures pilots meet the required physical and mental fitness standards to operate safely in the aviation environment.

This guide breaks down everything Saudi pilots need to know—from eligibility to disqualifying conditions, approved centers, and documentation—under GACAR Part 67.

What Is a GACA Class 1 Medical Certificate?

A Class 1 Medical Certificate is mandatory for anyone pursuing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), or operating in a professional flying capacity. The certificate confirms you are medically fit to perform pilot duties in accordance with GACA regulations.

It is more stringent than the Class 2 (Private Pilot) certificate and includes evaluations for cardiovascular fitness, vision, hearing, and psychological health.

GACA Class 1 Medical Eligibility Criteria

According to GACAR Part 67 Subpart B, to be eligible for a Class 1 certificate, a pilot must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Meet the standards of physical fitness outlined by GACA.

• Have no disqualifying medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, or certain psychiatric illnesses.

• Demonstrate satisfactory results in various health tests, including:

- Vision and color perception.

- Audiometry and ENT screening.

- ECG and blood pressure assessments.

- General health evaluations, including BMI and musculoskeletal checks.

• Undergo psychiatric screening as per aviation standards.

  
  

What Tests Are Included in the GACA Class 1 Medical Exam?

GACA-approved AMEs (Aviation Medical Examiners) conduct comprehensive tests during both the initial examination and periodic renewals.

General Medical Tests

• Height, weight, BMI check

• Blood pressure

• Complete physical examination

  
  

Cardiovascular Evaluation

• ECG (Electrocardiogram) is mandatory for all Class 1 applicants and during renewals based on age and health history.

  
  

Vision Requirements

• Minimum distant visual acuity: 6/9 in each eye separately, corrected or uncorrected.

• Normal color vision (Ishihara or equivalent tests).

• Binocular vision and absence of eye diseases.

  
  

Hearing Assessment

• Must hear a conversational voice from 2 meters in a quiet room.

• Audiometry may be necessary if the initial hearing test is inconclusive.

  
  

Laboratory Tests

• Blood glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin checks.

• Routine urine tests.

• Drug screening may occur on a case-by-case basis.

  
  

Mental & Neurological Health

• Screening for depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and substance abuse.

• Cognitive function assessments for ATPL or renewal applicants as needed.

  
  

Where Can You Get a GACA Class 1 Medical Done?

You must get your medical assessment from a GACA-authorized AME or Aeromedical Center. The current list includes:

• Saudi German Hospital – Jeddah

• King Khalid University Hospital – Riyadh

• Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare – Dhahran

  
  

Booking appointments in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak recruitment months, such as June to August.

Disqualifying Conditions to Consider

Pilots may be denied a Class 1 Medical if diagnosed with any of the following:

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

• Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

• Insulin-dependent diabetes

• Color blindness (unless specifically cleared)

• History of substance abuse

• Uncontrolled hypertension or serious heart conditions

  
  

In some cases, a GACA waiver may be available after a special review.

Wingman Logbook: Track Your Expiry & Renewals

Many pilots struggle to keep track of expiry dates, renewal cycles, and regulatory documentation while managing busy schedules.

Wingman Logbook can help you by automatically syncing your roster and notifying you of upcoming medical expiry, license deadlines, and logbook compliance.

Learn more

Documents to Bring for Your Medical Appointment

Before your GACA medical assessment, ensure you carry:

• Government-issued ID (Iqama or passport)

• Previous medical certificate (if applicable)

• Corrective glasses or lenses (if worn)

• Specialist reports (if you've been undergoing treatment)

• Copies of any GACA waivers, if granted.

  
  

Pro Tip: Bring both printed and digital copies of all necessary documents.

Helpful Resources & Official References

• GACAR Part 67 – Medical Standards

• GACA Aeromedical Centers

• Medical Examination Waivers

• Wingman Logbook for GACA Pilots

  
  

Final Takeaway: A current and valid medical certificate, as stipulated by GACAR Part 67, is a non-negotiable requirement for all Saudi pilots. Plan ahead, remain compliant, and use tools like Wingman Logbook to automate your expiry tracking, ensuring you never miss a critical deadline.