The Ultimate Middle East Pilot Logbook Guide: From First Flight to ATPL Renewal

For every pilot in the Middle East, the journey from the first take-off to renewing an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) hinges on one essential tool: the pilot logbook. More than just a record of hours, it is the official proof of your flying experience, skills, and competency. Whether you are a cadet starting training in the UAE, a First Officer in Saudi Arabia, or a Captain in Jordan, your logbook is a career document that can open doors or close them.

This guide explains why meticulous logbook management is essential at every stage of your career and how Wingman Pilot Logbook can make the process seamless, efficient, and compliant.

The First Flight: Building Good Habits Early

Your very first flight marks the beginning of a professional record that will follow you for your entire career. From day one, you should log:

• Date and aircraft registration

• Departure and arrival aerodromes

• Total flight time

• Roles (Pilot in Command, co-pilot, dual instruction)

• Day or night classification

• Remarks such as training exercises or weather conditions

  
  

Good logbook habits from the start make future licensing and job applications easier. Wingman Pilot Logbook allows you to store these details digitally, keeping them accurate and secure.

From PPL to CPL: Meeting Authority Requirements

To transition from a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), each Middle East authority has specific hour and documentation prerequisites:

• In the UAE, the GCAA outlines licensing rules under CAR-FCL and Part-MED.

• In Saudi Arabia, the GACA outlines licensing standards via GACAR Part 61 and GACAR Part 67.

• In Jordan, the CARC enforces licensing rules under JCAR-FCL.

A properly maintained logbook is the only accepted proof of meeting these criteria. Wingman Pilot Logbook automatically calculates your total hours in each category, reducing manual errors and keeping you compliant.

Reference Guides for Licensing and Medical Compliance

For detailed walkthroughs on license renewals and medical compliance across the region, explore:

• UAE GCAA Pilot License Renewal Made Easy: Step-by-Step Guide and Logbook Tips

• Saudi GACA Pilot License Renewal Checklist: Navigating Regulations for a Smooth Renewal

• Jordan CARC Pilot License Renewal & Logbook Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

• Oman CAA Pilot License Renewal Process: Ensuring Your Logbook and Medical Are Up to Date

• Kuwait DGCA Pilot License Renewal Guide: Documents, Logbook Endorsements, and Deadlines

  
  

Type Ratings and Career Progression

Once you hold a CPL, your logbook becomes even more valuable. Airlines require accurate hour breakdowns for type rating enrolment and line training. Missing or inconsistent logs can delay your training applications.

Climbing Towards the ATPL

The ATPL is the highest level of pilot certification and the ultimate professional milestone. In the Middle East:

• The GCAA requires precise records of total time, PIC time, night hours, instrument hours, and multi-crew experience, as per CAR-FCL.

• The GACA defines ATPL requirements under GACAR Part 61.

• The CARC applies similar record checks under JCAR-FCL.

  
  

Renewal and Revalidation: Staying Current

Even after achieving your ATPL, your logbook continues to play a crucial role. It’s used to verify:

• Minimum recent flying hours

• Currency in instrument or multi-crew operations

• Flight experience within regulatory validity windows

Valid Class 1 medicals are also essential. See our GCAA Class 1 Medical Guide and GACA Class 1 Medical Guide for detailed steps.

Wingman Pilot Logbook helps you stay prepared by sending automated renewal reminders and keeping your data updated.t

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many pilots make avoidable logbook errors, especially early in their careers:

• Recording block times inaccurately

• Forgetting to log simulator sessions where permitted

• Missing instructor or examiner endorsements

• Using inconsistent formats between entries

Why Your Logbook Is More Than Just a Legal Requirement

In the competitive Middle East aviation market, your logbook is more than compliance paperwork — it’s your career portfolio. Airlines, training organisations, and aviation authorities use it to:

• Verify your qualifications during recruitment

• Assess your eligibility for advanced training or promotions

• Confirm your currency for specific operations

A clean, accurate, and easy-to-retrieve logbook helps you stand out as a professional pilot.

Annexure: Quick Compliance Tables

1. CPL/ATPL Eligibility Requirements

Country & Authority	Key Requirements	Notes
UAE – GCAA	- Must be employed by an operator of UAE-registered aircraft.- Completion of required training from a GCAA-approved organisation.- Meet experience and hour requirements in CAR-FCL.- Hold a valid Class 1 medical as per Part-MED.	Minimum hours vary depending on integrated or modular route.
Saudi Arabia – GACA	- Minimum age 18.- Hold a PPL and valid Class 1 medical under GACAR Part 67.- Complete CPL/ATPL training at a GACA-approved Part 141 or 142 organisation.- Meet hour requirements in GACAR Part 61.	Both integrated and modular pathways available.
Jordan – CARC	Integrated CPL:- 150 hours total time.- ≥100 PIC hours, ≥20 PIC cross-country, ≥10 instrument instruction.Modular CPL:- 200 total hours with same breakdown.- All entries must be certified by instructors/examiners.	Requirements under JCAR-FCL; integrated route requires fewer hours.

2. ATPL Renewal Requirements

Country & Authority	Renewal Criteria	Notes
UAE – GCAA	- Maintain valid Class 1 medical per Part-MED.- Complete ATPL proficiency check in relevant aircraft type or simulator.- Log recent flight experience meeting CAR-FCL recency requirements (multi-crew, instrument, night hours as applicable).	Renewal application should be submitted at least 60 days before expiry to avoid grounding.
Saudi Arabia – GACA	- Hold valid Class 1 medical under GACAR Part 67.- Complete proficiency check with GACA-approved examiner.- Meet recent experience requirements in GACAR Part 61 (including PIC, instrument, and multi-crew time).	Missing recent flight hours may require additional training before renewal.
Jordan – CARC	- Maintain valid Class 1 medical.- Complete proficiency check and meet JCAR-FCL recency standards.- Provide certified logbook showing recent hours in required categories.	Late renewals may involve re-examination or refresher training.

Conclusion

From your first recorded flight to your ATPL renewal, your logbook chronicles every stage of your aviation journey. In the Middle East, where authorities like the GCAA, GACA, and CARC require strict documentation, accurate logbook management is essential.

By starting with Wingman Pilot Logbook early in your journey, your records remain accurate, secure, and ready for every milestone. Strong logging habits today make your progression from student pilot to ATPL holder smoother, faster, and stress-free.