GACA Class 1 Medical Requirements: What Saudi Pilots Need for Their Aviation Medical
- Wingman Log
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
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 cardiovascular, ophthalmological, audiometry, and psychiatric evaluations.
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 (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, certain psychiatric illnesses).
Demonstrate satisfactory results in:
Vision and color perception tests.
Audiometry and ENT screening.
ECG and blood pressure assessments.
General health evaluations (BMI, musculoskeletal checks, etc.).
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 the initial examination and periodic renewals. The test suite includes:
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 like glaucoma or retinopathy
Hearing Assessment
Able to hear a conversational voice in a quiet room from 2 meters
Audiometry if hearing test is inconclusive
Laboratory Tests
Blood glucose, lipids, hemoglobin
Urine routine
Drug screening (case-by-case basis)
Mental & Neurological Health
Screening for depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and substance abuse
Cognitive function assessments for ATPL or renewal applicants if 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
It's recommended to book appointments in advance, especially during peak months like June–August when airline recruitment surges.
Validity and Renewal
Age Group | Initial Validity | Renewal Frequency |
Under 40 | 12 months | Every 12 months |
40 and above | 6 months (for ATPL) | Every 6 months (mandatory) |
Renewals can be done up to 45 days before expiry without losing the validity date.
Disqualifying Conditions to Watch Out For
Pilots can 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 heart conditions
In some cases, a GACA waiver may be available after a special review.
Wingman Logbook Can Help You Track Expiry & Renewals
Saudi pilots often struggle to keep track of expiry dates, renewal cycles, and regulatory documentation—especially when juggling rosters, training, and exams.
Wingman Logbook solves this by automatically syncing your roster and alerting you of upcoming medical expiry, license deadlines, and logbook compliance.
Documents to Carry 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/lenses (if worn)
Specialist reports (if undergoing treatment)
Copies of any GACA waivers, if granted
Pro tip: Carry printed and digital copies of all documents.
Helpful Resources & Official References
Final Takeaway: A current and valid medical certificate, as stipulated by GACAR Part 67, is a non-negotiable requirement for all Saudi pilots. Plan well ahead, stay compliant, and let tools like Wingman Logbook automate your expiry tracking so you never miss a deadline.
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