Introduction and Scope
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued Regulation No. 107 (GACAR Part 107), which governs all drone operations in the Kingdom. This regulation applies to all types of drones, from hobby and recreational models to commercial and industrial uses. The regulation aims to ensure air safety and protect lives and property while facilitating the legitimate use of the technology.
Basic Definitions
An unmanned aircraft (UAV) is an aircraft designed for unmanned operation. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) includes the aircraft and all associated components for unmanned operation. VLOS means maintaining a direct visual connection with the aircraft throughout flight, while BVLOS does not use a visual reference. The control station is the interface for controlling the flight path. The visual observer is a designated person to assist the pilot in seeing and avoiding hazards. A controlled ground area is an area where the operator ensures that only authorized personnel are present.
Operating categories
The authority identified two main categories of operations: the open category and the private category.
Open category
This is a low-risk category of operations that requires limited regulations before an operating permit can be granted. An aircraft is considered to be operating in the open category when the following conditions are met: a maximum takeoff weight of less than 25 kg, operation within visual line of sight, altitude not exceeding 120 meters above ground level, daytime operation only, and operation within 30 meters of unauthorized persons. Operation is prohibited in restricted or prohibited areas, over populated areas, within 8 kilometers of a controlled airport, or over emergency operations areas without authorization.
Special category
This includes aircraft with a takeoff weight between 25 and 150 kg, or operations that do not comply with open category restrictions. A detailed risk assessment and prior approval from the authority are required. Operations over populated areas, transport of people, transport of high-risk hazardous goods, and cross-border operations are prohibited.
Remote pilot certifications
Open Class Pilot Certificate
The person controlling the aircraft must hold an open category remote pilot certificate and meet the requirements for up-to-date aeronautical knowledge, or work under the direct supervision of a chief pilot capable of taking over control immediately.
Eligibility requirements:
- Age 18 or older
- Obtaining security approval
- The ability to read, speak, write, and understand English
- The absence of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation.
- Proof of aviation knowledge by completing an accredited training course and passing the theoretical knowledge test with a score of 75%
Issuance of Certificate: The application must be submitted in the form acceptable to the Authority, including proof of passing the knowledge test. The Authority may issue a temporary certificate for 120 days, followed by a permanent certificate.
Knowledge recency: One of the following options must be completed within the previous 24 months: passing the initial knowledge test, passing the periodic knowledge test, or holding a pilot's license and completing a training course that covers the required knowledge.
Knowledge tests: Minimum passing score is 75%. Copying or offering assistance is prohibited; violating this rule will result in a one-year ban from applying for any certification.
Special Category Pilot Certificate
In addition to the requirements for the open category, knowledge for the special category must be demonstrated by completing a comprehensive training course and passing a knowledge test and a practical skills test administered by an examiner appointed by the authority.
Specialized support training: Certain operations require additional training.
- night operations
- Operations above the people
- BVLOS operations over one kilometer
- Airport operations
- Operations in unisolated airspace
- Transporting or dropping off goods
- Multi-aircraft operations
- Operations over mountainous terrain or water
- Emergency transport of hazardous goods
Operating rules for the open category
Medical status and eligibility
Controlling the aircraft or acting as a pilot or visual controller is prohibited if a physical or mental condition interferes with safe operation. Before each flight, the system must be inspected to ensure its functionality, and flight must be prevented if a malfunction is detected.
Remote pilot
A chief pilot must be designated before or during flight. The chief pilot is directly responsible and has the final authority in operating the system. It must be ensured that no undue danger is posed to people, aircraft, or property, and that all regulations are followed.
Emergency situations
In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot may deviate from the regulations to the extent necessary to resolve the situation. A written report of the deviation must be submitted to the authority.
dangerous operations
Operating in a negligent or reckless manner that endangers life or property, or dropping objects in a dangerous way, is prohibited. Operating from a moving vehicle is prohibited except in sparsely populated areas and without transporting property belonging to others. Regulations regarding psychotropic substances must be followed.
Daytime and dusk operation
Nighttime operation is prohibited in the open category. Operation is permitted during civil dusk (30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset) if the aircraft is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible from a distance of 5 kilometers.
visual field
With unenhanced vision, the pilot, visual observer, and controller must be able to see the aircraft throughout the flight to know its position, attitude, altitude, and direction, monitor the airspace for hazards, and ensure that others are not put at risk.
visual observer
When using a visual observer, the following requirements must be met: effective communication between the pilot and the observer at all times, the observer's ability to see the aircraft in the designated manner, coordination to scan the airspace and maintain awareness of the aircraft's position.
Operating multiple aircraft
It is prohibited to operate or work as a pilot or visual controller for more than one aircraft at the same time.
Right of way rules
The right-of-way must be given to all aircraft. Operating too close to another aircraft in a manner that creates a risk of collision is prohibited.
Superhuman operation
Operation over a person is prohibited unless that person is directly involved in the operation, or is under a covered structure or inside a vehicle that provides reasonable protection.
Operation in certain airspaces
Operating in category B, C, D, or E airspace is prohibited without prior authorization from air traffic control. Operating in a manner that interferes with airport operations, or in restricted or prohibited areas, is also prohibited without the permission of the controlling authority. Restrictions must be adhered to in Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
Pre-flight preparation
Before flying, the pilot must:
- Operational environment assessment: local weather conditions, airspace and flight restrictions, location of people and property, ground hazards
- Informing participants of operating conditions, emergency procedures, roles, responsibilities, and risks
- Ensure that the control links are working correctly
- Ensuring sufficient power supply
- Ensure that attached objects are secure and do not interfere with flight.
- Record flight information in a flight log: Date, time, pilot's name, crew, registration marks, takeoff and landing zones, flight time, operation type, deviations (retained for 3 years)
Operational constraints
- Ground speed: not exceeding 87 knots (160 km/h)
- Height: Not exceeding 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level, except within 400 feet of a structure not exceeding 400 feet above it.
- Minimum visibility: 5 kilometers from the control station
- Stay away from the drag: 500 feet (150 meters) downward, 2000 feet (600 meters) horizontally
Special Operations
Certification requirements
This section applies to those operating aircraft outside of open category rules. A valid Operational Authorization (OA) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator Certificate (UOC) is required. An OA authorizes limited operations at specific locations for a limited period. A UOC provides long-term authorization for operations according to approved specifications.
Uncovered operations: Cross-border operations, over population centers, independent operations, transport of high-risk hazardous goods (require exemption).
Required administrative personnel
The manager in charge has the authority to ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with standards and that there is ongoing compliance with requirements.
The Operations Manager has the authority to ensure that all aircraft operations are carried out according to the procedures described in the Operations Manual. Their responsibilities include: ensuring operations comply with regulations, maintaining a pilot qualifications register, monitoring operational standards and efficiency, and maintaining an up-to-date reference library of operational documents (Operations Manual, Flight Plans, Pilot Certificates, Authorisations, Risk Assessments, Declarations of Conformity, Safety Management System).
Safety Manager: When the organization requests a safety management system, he has the authority to ensure that the system is established, implemented and maintained according to the size of the organization and the nature of its activities.
In small organizations, the manager in charge may perform all roles.
Pilot and aircraft requirements
Pilot: Must hold a Special Operations Remote Pilot Certificate and complete special support training.
The aircraft must be designed without any safety defects identified by the authority and must have current operating instructions. These instructions must be made available at the time of sale or transfer and must include: a description of the system and components, limitations, declared categories, permitted modifications, and verification of any changes in status.
The aircraft may only be operated after: the authority accepts the self-declaration of compliance with containment requirements, or the authority accepts the operational specifications, or the authority accepts the declaration of conformity. A current aircraft registration is required.
Applying for and obtaining authorization or certification
Application contents: The application should be submitted to the authority and include:
- Name and address registered in the Kingdom
- Details of the process
- Identifying responsible, controlling, and training individuals
- Physical locations used
- Operational Risk Assessment (ORA): Identifying the consequences of risks to people, property, and aircraft; describing mitigation or management actions.
- Accident reporting procedures
- Licensing, qualifications, training and competency requirements
- Details of the number and specifications of the aircraft and the identification system
- Control station
- Maintenance procedures
- Procedures during flight and minimum distances
- Goods handling or drop-off procedures
- Risk assessment for transporting hazardous goods (for emergencies, agriculture, or medicine)
- Declaration of conformity accepted
- Procedures for controlling, modifying, and distributing demand
The application should include an operations manual where necessary due to risks and complexity.
Issuance of authorization or certificate: The authority may issue authorization or certificate with requirements imposed on aircraft and specify additional procedures and conditions for flight safety.
Certificate contents:
- Physical location of the main base
- Service address in the Kingdom
- Approved Trade Names
- Permitted privileges and operations: number, type, description, and registration for each system; approved geographic areas; exemptions; additional conditions.
Certificate duration: Upon issuance or renewal, the authority shall determine an expiry date not exceeding 3 years after issuance.
Maintaining the certification: The holder must ensure that the application is amended to reflect the current process description and ongoing compliance, and provide the authority with a copy of each amendment within 14 days. Prior approval from the authority is required for changes to persons of control or operational locations.
Renewal: The renewal application must be submitted before the expiry date.
Record keeping
A record must be kept of the names of the pilots and crew, the time of each flight, and the maintenance, modification, and repair procedures: the name of the person, dates of work, details of the modified parts, and instructions. Upon transfer of ownership, the records must be handed over to the new owner. The records must be made available to the authority upon request and retained for three years.
Insurance and security
Insurance: Adequate third-party liability and cargo insurance must be obtained. Insured risks: Damage to third-party property, personal injury, acts of war and terrorism, kidnapping, sabotage, seizure, and civil unrest. The transport of dangerous goods must be explicitly included in the certificate. Coverage is required for every flight, regardless of whether the aircraft is owned or leased.
Security: Submitting a declaration to the authority regarding the implementation of appropriate preventive security measures.
Drone systems advertisements
This applies to any manufacturer or operator intending to declare the proven capabilities of their aircraft to the authority. A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) must be submitted for operations: in the open category (15-25 kg) and all special category operations.
Conformity methods
It consists of data, tests, analyses, industry conformity standards, and results used to demonstrate compliance with the specified safety level. A detailed description of the means of conformity and justification must be provided with supporting materials.
Factory or operator announcement
The declaration specifies: the system manufacturer and model, maximum takeoff weight, intended operations, performance characteristics, and compliance with conformity measures.
Declaration invalidated: If the authority determines that the conditions are not met, or if the manufacturer/operator is notified of a design flaw. The authority must be notified of any problem immediately upon its identification.
Documentation
Each owner should have access to:
- Maintenance program: Maintenance and service instructions, readiness inspection program, mandatory procedures
- System Operation Manual: System description, safe weight ranges and centers of gravity, load limits, minimum and maximum altitudes and speeds for each flight phase, effects of weather conditions on performance, characteristics that could lead to injury, design features for protection, warning information, normal and emergency operating procedures, assembly and adjustment instructions
Acceptance of the declaration of conformity
Automatic acceptance: FAA or EASA declarations are automatically accepted.
Evaluation: For local or other ICAO contracting countries, the Authority verifies that all elements are included and provides confirmation of receipt, completeness and the result of the evaluation.
Definition of remoteness and geographical awareness
Effective date: January 1, 2026.
Applicability: All registered aircraft and models intended for operation.
Requirements: Aircraft must be equipped with Direct Remote Identification (DRI) or Network Remote Identification (NRI). The agency may require special operations geographic awareness equipment.
Direct Remote Introduction (DRI)
Requirements:
- Download operator registration number with consistency check
- Unique serial number on the add-on and its packaging
- Live, real-time periodic streaming throughout the flight using an open protocol that can be received by mobile devices within range for data:
- Operator registration number and verification code
- Addition Serial Number
- Time signature, geographical location, and elevation
- Track path and ground speed
- Pilot's location or takeoff point
- Reducing the ability to manipulate jobs
- Factory instructions with protocol and installation instructions
Definition of Network Reception (NRI)
Requirements:
- Upload registration number with consistency check
- Real-time data transfer from the aircraft using an open protocol over a network:
- Operator registration number and verification code
- Unique serial number
- Time signature, location, elevation
- Track path and speed
- Pilot's location or takeoff point
- Emergency status indicator
- Preventing job manipulation
Geographic awareness (geofencing)
Job openings:
- An interface for uploading and updating airspace restriction data from drone geographic areas.
- Ensuring that data integrity and accuracy are not compromised
- Warning to pilot upon detection of a potential violation of airspace restrictions
- Information for the pilot about the aircraft's condition and a warning when proper functioning cannot be guaranteed.
Geographical areas of drones
When designating areas for safety, security, privacy, or environmental reasons, the authority may:
- Banning certain or all operations
- Request for special terms for operations
- Request for advance flight authorization
- Subjecting operations to specific environmental standards
- Allowing access to certain types of aircraft
Remote pilot training organizations
Accreditation requirements
Basic requirements:
- Head office in the Kingdom
- Adequate facilities and equipment
- Suitable training areas
- operational training drones
Qualified trainers:
- Age 18 and over
- Security approval
- Proficiency in English
- Factory certificate or accredited training course
- At least 20 hours of flight
- Remote pilot certificate
Training of trainers:
- Teaching methods
- Learning principles
- Organization procedures
- Duties and responsibilities
Course of Study:
- Accredited, covering the areas of knowledge specified by the Authority
- Practical topics
Quality assurance system: a mandatory requirement.
Record keeping: Trainee and trainer records for a minimum of two years.
Certificate validity: Until the specified date, renewable.
Operational Risk Assessment (ORA)
Effective date: Mandatory as of 1 January 2026.
Required content:
- Process description: activities, environment, complexity, aircraft technical features, personnel competence
- Safety objectives: Equivalent to manned flight
- Risk identification: Unmitigated ground and air hazards
- Mitigation measures:
- containment
- Operational constraints
- Airspace structure
- Ability to cope with negative conditions
- Regulatory factors
- Individual efficiency
- Risks of human error
- Aircraft design features
- Durability assessment: Ensuring the safety of all stages of flight
Operations Guide
Required structure (11 sections):
- Introduction: Definitions, Amendments, Purpose, Safety Statement
- Organization: Structure, roles, responsibilities
- Operations: Overview, Aircraft Specifications, External Systems, Environment, Procedures, Checklists
- Emergency procedures
- Emergency procedures and Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Maintenance: Factory requirements, inspections, instructions
- Training: Program, competencies, initial and periodic training, medical requirements
- Security, Privacy, and Environment
- Record keeping: flight records, maintenance, training, accidents
- Safety Management System (SMS): If in place
- Dangerous goods: if applicable
Appendices: Sample Operational Flight Plan, Sample LMRA, Risks, Mitigations
Reporting incidents
Within 10 days for the authority:
- Serious injury or loss of consciousness
- Property damage (excluding aircraft)
- Missing or inaccessible aircraft
- Fly-away
- Interference with a manned aircraft
- Other incidents identified by the authority
Immediately for NTSC:
- Serious accidents
- Accidents
Model airplane clubs
The authority may authorize clubs/associations to:
- Specific procedures and management system
- Notifying members of the terms and conditions
- Efficiency assistance for members
- Procedures in case of non-compliance
- Documentation for oversight
- Specific geographical areas
- Registering members voluntarily on their behalf
Waivers
Available for prohibited operations upon proof of safety.
Requirements:
- Full description of the process
- Operational risk assessment approved by the Authority
- Airworthiness certificate for aircraft
- Appropriate pilot license
- Operations guide
- Safety Management System according to GACAR Part 5
- The authority may impose additional restrictions.
Privacy and security
Registration is required: for aircraft with sensors that capture personal data
Approval is required:
- Photography/Videography
- Geospatial survey/data collection
Security Measures Announcement: Special Operations Required
Standard scenarios
Reserved for future application:
- VLOS operations in populated environments
- BVLOS operations in sparsely populated environments
Summary
GACAR Part 107 provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The regulation prioritizes safety by categorizing operations into two groups (open and private), with clear requirements for pilots, aircraft, and operators. It mandates appropriate pilot certifications, operational risk assessments, declarations of conformity, adequate insurance, and remote identification systems (RIS) starting in 2026. The regulation aims to strike a balance between enabling innovative uses of technology and protecting lives, property, and Saudi airspace.