Middle East Pilot Logbook Requirements: Key Differences Between GCAA, GACA, and Other CAAs
- Wingman Log
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 26

Overview: Why Understanding Logbook Differences Matters
For airline pilots working across the Middle East, staying compliant with national aviation authorities is not just a bureaucratic requirement—it’s a professional necessity. Whether you're based in the UAE under GCAA, flying with a Saudi operator under GACA, or operating under Oman CAA, the pilot logbook standards differ slightly but significantly across these jurisdictions.
In this guide, we’ll break down and compare the core requirements of GCAA (UAE), GACA (Saudi Arabia), and Oman CAA, helping pilots avoid compliance pitfalls and streamline their license renewals or conversions.
🇦🇪 UAE – GCAA Logbook Requirements
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) governs pilot licensing in the UAE. Here’s what’s essential for your logbook to meet CAR Part II and CAR-FCL regulations:
✅ Logbook Standards
Must clearly record:
Total time
Pilot-in-command (PIC), Co-pilot, Dual, Simulator time
Day/Night operations
Instrument time (IFR/IMC)
Entries must be chronological, dated, and signed/validated
All simulator entries must mention device type and approval per CAR-FCL
✅ Format Accepted
Digital logbooks are accepted if:
They allow secure backups
Provide time-stamped entries
Are exportable in printable PDF or Excel formats
Can be signed digitally or physically
Wingman Logbook ensures GCAA-compliant structuring, including auto-calculated totals and categorized flight types. You can export your log in GCAA-ready formats with just a tap.
✅ Validation Points
Entries must align with approved training syllabus
For renewals, evidence of recency (last 90 days) is mandatory
Endorsements from Approved Training Organisations (ATO) are required
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia – GACA Logbook Requirements
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) outlines pilot logbook rules under GACAR Part 61.
Mandatory Elements
Complete record of:
Takeoffs and landings
Simulator hours
PIC, SIC, Night, Cross-country time
Signed entries for every training session or exam
Simulator logs must show FAA/EASA or GACA approval
Logbook Format Accepted
GACA accepts digital logbooks for log verification and audits if:
The digital log is tamper-proof
Backup and retrieval options exist
It can generate reports per GACAR Part 61
With Wingman, Saudi-based pilots can auto-import their airline rosters and log all duty time in GACA-auditable formats, saving hours of manual entry.
During License Renewal
A current and valid medical certificate (GACAR Part 67)
90-day takeoff/landing recency for commercial ops
All flight time must be verified by the operator or examiner
🇴🇲 Oman – CAA Logbook Guidelines
Oman CAA has harmonized much of its pilot licensing framework with ICAO Annex 1 and UAE GCAA formats, but there are some national nuances.
What Must Be Logged
Dates of flight
Aircraft registration and type
Simulator hours with type & authority approval
Duty time vs block time clearly separated
Clear mention of Night/IFR/PIC/SIC
Refer to Oman CAA’s AELTR guidance for up-to-date forms and formats.
Accepted Formats
Handwritten logbooks still accepted—but subject to audit
Digital logs increasingly preferred, especially for:
E-License renewal
FTL reviews
Multi-aircraft auditing
Comparison Table
CAA | Digital Accepted | Print Required | Signature Needed | ICAO Format | Wingman Export Ready |
GCAA (UAE) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✅ |
GACA (KSA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✅ |
QCAA (Qatar) | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes | ✅ |
Oman CAA | Yes (Hybrid) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✅ |
DGCA (Kuwait/Bahrain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✅ |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Not tagging simulator types and authority
❌ Failing to separate IFR and VFR clearly
❌ Using non-exportable mobile apps with no print formats
❌ Submitting logbooks without total recency calculations
🛠️ How Wingman Logbook Solves the Problem
Most logbook errors arise from manual calculation errors, loss of data, or formatting mismatches.Wingman Pilot Logbook eliminates these issues through:
✅ Auto-import of flight data from your airline roster
✅ Authority-specific export templates for GCAA, GACA, and Oman CAA
✅ Built-in recency calculators and FTL dashboards
✅ Cloud backup and mobile/web sync
Try Wingman Now – and make compliance effortless.
Testimonials
“I just needed to export my GACA-compliant Wingman log, sign it, and hand it over—no drama.”– Ali R., Saudi Arabia-based A320 FO
“Wingman’s QCAA export saved me a full day. Their format was exactly what the officer asked for.”– Yousef A., Qatar Airways
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