{"id":10363,"date":"2026-10-28T06:56:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T03:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/?p=10363"},"modified":"2026-10-29T06:56:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T03:56:57","slug":"drone-permit-in-saudi-arabia-5-step-gaca-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/drone-permit-in-saudi-arabia-5-step-gaca-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Drone Permit in Saudi Arabia: 5-Step GACA Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>Based on these GACA documents:<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACAR Part 107, Edition 5,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unmannedairspace.info\/latest-news-and-information\/36573\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reported as published in January 2026<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-01-Advanced-Operations-with-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=A6E7F7218F50AE7C44675E0CC5253C2B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC 107-01, Advanced Operations with Unmanned Aircraft Systems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-02-Remote-Pilot-Certification.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=D63AB9BE60862E18F8DCA33ECCA917BB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC 107-02, Remote Pilot Certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexismiddleeast.com\/regulatory\/SaudiArabia\/SaudiArabiaGeneralAuthorityCivilAviation_AC_107-02_Remote_Pilot_Certification\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">issued 2 June 2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACAR Part 48, registration and marking.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Aramco\u2019s Uthmaniyah Gas Plant, drones and wearable technologies<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aramco.com\/en\/news-media\/elements-magazine\/2024\/flying-high-how-drones-are-optimizing-aramcos-operations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cut inspection times by 90%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Aramco also says a drone can<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aramco.com\/en\/news-media\/elements-magazine\/2024\/flying-high-how-drones-are-optimizing-aramcos-operations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check 70 wells in four hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while two field operators in a car take about an hour to check two wells.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More teams want results like that. The Saudi commercial drone market was<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imarcgroup.com\/report\/en\/saudi-arabia-commercial-drones-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about SAR 1.46 billion in 2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and reports forecast growth of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenresearch.com\/saudi-arabia-commercial-drone-market.md\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24.5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imarcgroup.com\/report\/en\/saudi-arabia-commercial-drones-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30.5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those results only count if the flights are approved. A GACA drone permit isn\u2019t one document. It\u2019s a chain of approvals: a registered aircraft, a certified pilot, the right operation category, an approved site, and Remote ID.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This checklist covers each step in order. It also lists common reasons applications get rejected. Then it answers the four questions drone program owners ask most: how long it takes, what it costs, whether you can fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), and what to do near critical infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who Needs a GACA Drone Permit<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who flies a drone for work in Saudi Arabia must follow GACA\u2019s rules. That includes in-house drone teams, HSE and compliance officers who approve drone work, and managers building a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/corporate-drone-program-ksa\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corporate drone program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cPermit\u201d is the word most people search for. GACA uses different terms: aircraft registration, Remote Pilot Certificate, operation category (Open or Specific), and approval of the operating area. This article uses \u201cpermit\u201d for the whole set.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The case for doing it right is strongest for HSE teams. Aramco says that when it inspects a tank with a drone, it doesn\u2019t need scaffolding, so<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aramco.com\/en\/news-media\/elements-magazine\/2024\/flying-high-how-drones-are-optimizing-aramcos-operations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintenance staff don\u2019t work at high elevations or in confined spaces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That safety gain only holds when each flight is approved and each pilot is certified.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quick note on terms. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is the drone plus its remote pilot station and command links.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The 5-Step Checklist at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10366\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10366\" style=\"width: 1971px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10366\" src=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6.webp\" alt=\"Infographic diagram displaying the 5 sequential steps to obtain a drone permit in Saudi Arabia from registration to Remote ID.\" width=\"1971\" height=\"1322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6.webp 1971w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6-300x201.webp 300w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6-1024x687.webp 1024w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6-768x515.webp 768w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6-1536x1030.webp 1536w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-1_11zon-6-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1971px) 100vw, 1971px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10366\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">GACA compliance is a sequential chain where each approval\u2014from Part 48 aircraft registration to Part 107 pilot certification and site clearance\u2014builds directly on the prior step.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Step<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What it answers<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Where it happens<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Registration<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which aircraft is flying?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA UAS Portal<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Pilot and operator approvals<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who flies, and who is responsible?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA UAS Portal, GACA examiner<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Operation category<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What kind of flight is it?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA (Open or Specific)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Site permit<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where will it fly?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air traffic provider, GEOSA where needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Remote ID<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is the drone identified in the air?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the aircraft<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do the steps in this order. Each one depends on the one before it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step 1: Register the Drone<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with the aircraft. Every drone used for commercial work must be registered with GACA, and it must show a unique registration mark.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/gaca-drone-regulations-the-2026-permit-guide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACAR Part 48 sets the mark, for example HZ-UAS-XXXX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You also link each drone\u2019s serial number to your operator profile on the GACA portal, so every aircraft traces back to a person or company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration applies to drones of 250 grams or more, according to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/drone-laws.com\/drone-laws-in-saudi-arabia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a summary of GACA\u2019s rules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Start with the aircraft. Most drones used for commercial work must be registered with GACA, and each one must show a unique registration mark.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/gaca-drone-regulations-the-2026-permit-guide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACAR Part 48 sets the mark, for example HZ-UAS-XXXX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You also link each drone\u2019s serial number to your operator profile on the GACA portal, so every aircraft traces back to a person or company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 48.3 of GACAR Part 48 sets<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexismiddleeast.com\/regulatory\/SaudiArabia\/SaudiArabiaGeneralAuthorityCivilAviation_GACAR_Part_48_-_Registration_and_Marking_Requirements_for_Model_Aircraft_and_Small_Unmanned_Aircraft\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three tests for registration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. An unmanned aircraft must be registered and marked if it has a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of 250 g or more, or if it carries a sensor able to capture personal data, or if it carries a sensor able to capture survey or geospatial information. Meeting any one test is enough. Check each aircraft against all three tests, because many commercial drones carry cameras or survey sensors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about import before the drone arrives. To bring a drone into the Kingdom, you must coordinate with GACA and the Ministry of Interior.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/gaca-drone-regulations-the-2026-permit-guide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hardware that arrives without these approvals can be seized at the border<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Checklist:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serial number and model, copied from the airframe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company or owner documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photos of the registration mark on the airframe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Import approval and customs papers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operator profile set up on the GACA portal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Step 2: Get the Pilot and Operator Approvals<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, the people. Every pilot who flies for work needs a GACA Remote Pilot Certificate.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-02-Remote-Pilot-Certification.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=D63AB9BE60862E18F8DCA33ECCA917BB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACAR Part 107 Subpart C sets the rules, and AC 107-02 explains the process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for both Open and Specific category operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots first pass a theory exam. It covers<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/gaca-drone-regulations-the-2026-permit-guide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saudi air law, weather and human factors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For any Specific category operation, AC 107-02 also requires a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-02-Remote-Pilot-Certification.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=D63AB9BE60862E18F8DCA33ECCA917BB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">practical skills assessment by a Designated Remote Pilot Examiner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Plan training time for this. Terra Drone Arabia runs the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/itqan-drone-course\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itqan drone course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for teams building their skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then the organization. Operators who need authorization, or prefer certification, for Specific category work must<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-01-Advanced-Operations-with-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=A6E7F7218F50AE7C44675E0CC5253C2B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apply to GACA under Part 107 Subpart D<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Subpart D covers drones under 150 kg and excludes fully autonomous aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect to show three documents for commercial work: an Operations Manual, a Safety Management System and an Emergency Response Plan, according to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/major-update-on-gaca-regulation-part-107-operation-of-uas-v5\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terra Drone Arabia\u2019s Part 107 V5 explainer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also need insurance.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/gaca-drone-regulations-the-2026-permit-guide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Third-party liability cover must meet Saudi Central Bank standards, and proof is uploaded to the GACA portal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Checklist:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote Pilot Certificate for every pilot<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical assessment and endorsement training for Specific category pilots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operator application to GACA for Specific category work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operations Manual, Safety Management System, Emergency Response Plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance proof uploaded<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Step 3: Choose the Operation Category<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The category decides how much approval you need. GACA uses two.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Open category<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is for lower-risk flights. The drone is under 25 kg, and flights stay below a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-01-Advanced-Operations-with-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems.pdf?as=0&amp;hash=A6E7F7218F50AE7C44675E0CC5253C2B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ceiling of 120 m (400 ft)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A drone between 15 kg and 25 kg may only fly in the Open category if GACA has registered and approved it. Open category flights don\u2019t need a prior Operational Authorization,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/major-update-on-gaca-regulation-part-107-operation-of-uas-v5\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">according to Terra Drone Arabia\u2019s V5 explainer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Specific category<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> covers everything else. AC 107-02 gives<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexismiddleeast.com\/regulatory\/SaudiArabia\/SaudiArabiaGeneralAuthorityCivilAviation_AC_107-02_Remote_Pilot_Certification\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">examples of Specific category operations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Operation<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Extra step<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daytime flight under 25 kg, within limits, in an approved area<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registered drone, certified pilot<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Night operations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization, endorsement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operations over people<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization, endorsement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cargo or dropping goods<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization, endorsement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BVLOS<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization, endorsement<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Near aerodromes or heliports<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization, airspace coordination<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drone heavier than 25 kg<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple drones in one operation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA authorization<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Standard scenarios (STS)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Authorization route.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In the Specific category, you apply to GACA for either an Operational Authorization (OA) or a UAS Operator Certificate (UOC) under Part 107 Subpart D, as set out in<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Aviation-Safety-and-Environmental-Sustainability\/Safety-and-Aviation-Standards-Advisory-Circulars\/GACA-AC-107-01-Advanced-Operations-with-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC 107-01<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. GACA takes a risk-based approach, so expect to describe the operation and how you will control the risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>FAQ: \u201cHow long does a GACA drone permit take?\u201d Replace the whole answer with this<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA\u2019s published documents don\u2019t set one standard processing time. The time depends on your category, your site and the agencies involved. A registered drone with a certified pilot in the Open category is the quickest route. Specific category work takes longer, because it needs an application to GACA and a practical assessment for the pilot. <\/span><b>[Add your team\u2019s real ranges.]<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>FAQ: \u201cCan I fly BVLOS?\u201d Replace the whole answer with this<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but only in the Specific category. AC 107-02 lists<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexismiddleeast.com\/regulatory\/SaudiArabia\/SaudiArabiaGeneralAuthorityCivilAviation_AC_107-02_Remote_Pilot_Certification\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BVLOS operations as a Specific category example<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you need GACA authorization and a pilot with the right endorsement. Your drone also needs Remote ID. Ask GACA which limits apply to your operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Checklist:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Match each planned flight to Open or Specific<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the Specific list above for night, BVLOS, over-people and near-aerodrome flights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check drone weight against the 25 kg line<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pick the standard scenario that fits, if one applies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Step 4: Get the Site Permit<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10367\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10367\" style=\"width: 1971px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10367\" src=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6.webp\" alt=\"Digital airspace map showing GACA UAS geographical restriction zones, SANS controlled corridors, and planned flight polygons around infrastructure.\" width=\"1971\" height=\"1322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6.webp 1971w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6-300x201.webp 300w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6-1024x687.webp 1024w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6-768x515.webp 768w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6-1536x1030.webp 1536w, https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Image-2_11zon-6-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1971px) 100vw, 1971px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10367\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Flights near airports, populated urban zones, or industrial assets require checking GACA geographical zones and coordinating SANS NOTAM clearances before takeoff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An approved pilot and drone still need an approved place to fly. This step has three parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Airspace.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Flights near airports and controlled airspace need coordination with Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), including Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) approvals. Terra Drone Arabia describes<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/topographic-survey-with-advanced-hardware-terra-mapx-and-certified-survey-expertise\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coordinating NOTAM approvals with SANS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for flights in controlled airspace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Geographic zones.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> GACA defines UAS geographical zones. Drones with Remote ID must have a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unmannedairspace.info\/latest-news-and-information\/36573\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">geo-awareness function that warns the pilot of a possible breach of these limits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Check the zones for your site before you plan the mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Survey and imagery permits.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mapping flights are also a geospatial activity. The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA)<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/topographic-survey-with-advanced-hardware-terra-mapx-and-certified-survey-expertise\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">permits aerial photography, LiDAR scanning and mobile mapping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If your drone collects maps or images, apply for this permit as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start early for urban sites, airports, ports and industrial facilities. Reviews at these sites can take longer. Flights that are autonomous, at night or beyond visual line of sight get extra review.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Checklist:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Site map and flight plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dates, times and altitude<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airspace check against GACA zones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SANS and NOTAM request where needed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GEOSA permit for mapping or imagery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Client or site owner approval<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact person on site<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Step 5: Set Up Remote ID<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote ID is the last step. It works like a digital license plate. GACAR Part 107 Edition 5 sets<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unmannedairspace.info\/latest-news-and-information\/36573\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct Remote ID and Network Remote ID requirements for Open and Specific category drones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct Remote ID must send these data:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The operator registration number and the verification code from GACA<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Remote ID add-on\u2019s serial number<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A time stamp, the drone\u2019s position and its height<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The route course and ground speed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The position of the remote pilot, or the take-off point if the pilot\u2019s position isn\u2019t available<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network Remote ID sends a similar set, plus an indication of the drone\u2019s emergency status.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Checklist:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote ID hardware or built-in function that meets Edition 5<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration number and verification code loaded<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ground test before each mission<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test result saved in the mission record<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These causes follow from the requirements above. Check them before you apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Reason<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What it looks like<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>How to avoid it<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aircraft details don\u2019t match<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serial number or model on the form differs from the airframe<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copy the details from the airframe label and photograph them<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrong category<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying as Open for a night, BVLOS, over-people or near-aerodrome flight<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the Specific category list first<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certificate doesn\u2019t match the flight<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open category pilot on a Specific operation, no practical assessment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finish endorsement training and the examiner assessment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating area not approved<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No air traffic clearance, or the site is in a restricted zone<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check GACA zones and request clearance early<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing risk assessment or manuals<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific category application with no risk assessment or Operations Manual<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare the documents before you apply<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing insurance proof<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Policy not uploaded, or cover below the required standard<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upload valid proof before applying<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No survey or imagery permit<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mapping flight without a GEOSA permit<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for GEOSA in parallel<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote ID not ready<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment can\u2019t send the required data<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test it before the application<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><b>What Happens if You Fly Without Approval<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA does fine drone flights made without approval. In its third-quarter 2025 report, it fined one individual<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/en\/News\/gaca-aviation-fines-q3-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAR 1,000 for operating a drone without prior authorization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In the second quarter of 2024, it issued<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/News\/gaca-fines-4-5m-q2-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">two fines for drone use without authorization, worth SAR 10,000 in total<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the size in view. Drone fines are a small part of GACA\u2019s penalties. In the same Q3 2025 report,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/en\/News\/gaca-aviation-fines-q3-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">237 of the 246 violations were against air carriers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. GACA issued more than<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arabianbusiness.com\/industries\/transport\/saudi-aviation-watchdog-issues-3-7m-in-penalties-in-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAR 13.8 million in aviation penalties in 2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a drone program, the higher cost is a delayed mission, a stopped project or lost client trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h3>\n<h4><b>How long does a GACA drone permit take?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I found no single processing time published by GACA. The time depends on your category, your site and the agencies involved. A registered drone with a certified pilot in the Open category is the quickest route. Specific category work needs a risk assessment, an examiner assessment and often airspace coordination. Terra Drone Arabia\u2019s V5 explainer says standard scenarios can<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/major-update-on-gaca-regulation-part-107-operation-of-uas-v5\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cut lead time from months to days<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Check that against GACA\u2019s current process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>How much does it cost?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GACA sets its fees in a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Civil-Aviation-Law\/Regulatory-framework-EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regulatory framework for service charges<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and all fees are paid in Saudi riyals. For commercial unmanned aircraft under 25 kg, the schedule lists a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaca.gov.sa\/-\/media\/Files\/PDF\/LawsAndRegulation\/Civil-Aviation-Law\/Regulatory-framework-EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one-time fee of SAR 500 to issue or change the registration mark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For aircraft above 25 kg, the fee is SAR 5,000. Re-issuing a registration certificate and de-registering an aircraft each cost SAR 500.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The schedule doesn\u2019t list a separate fee for the Remote Pilot Certificate or for a Specific category authorization. Check the amount shown in your application on the GACA UAS Portal before you pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add the other costs to your budget: pilot training and exams, the examiner assessment for Specific category pilots, insurance and Remote ID-ready hardware.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Can I fly BVLOS?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but only in the Specific category. AC 107-02 lists<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexismiddleeast.com\/regulatory\/SaudiArabia\/SaudiArabiaGeneralAuthorityCivilAviation_AC_107-02_Remote_Pilot_Certification\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BVLOS operations as a Specific category example<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you need GACA authorization and a pilot with the right endorsement. Terra Drone Arabia\u2019s V5 explainer describes a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/major-update-on-gaca-regulation-part-107-operation-of-uas-v5\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">standard scenario for BVLOS in sparsely populated areas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that allows flights up to 1 km from the pilot, or 2 km with visual observers. Your drone also needs Remote ID.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Can I fly near critical infrastructure?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only with the site permit in Step 4. Check GACA\u2019s geographical zones, coordinate airspace with SANS where needed, and get a GEOSA permit if the drone captures maps or images. Autonomous, night and BVLOS flights near sensitive sites get extra review. Sites that are protected against drones add another layer. You can read how this works in our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/drone-detection-in-saudi-arabia-passive-vs-active\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drone detection in Saudi Arabia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The five steps are simple to list: register the drone, certify the pilot and operator, choose the category, get the site permit and set up Remote ID. The work is in doing them in order, with the right documents ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aramco now deploys<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aramco.com\/en\/news-media\/elements-magazine\/2024\/flying-high-how-drones-are-optimizing-aramcos-operations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over 100 drones across most of its major facilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A program of that size depends on every drone, pilot and flight being approved.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Based on these GACA documents: GACAR Part 107, Edition 5, reported as published in January 2026.\u00a0 GACA AC 107-01, Advanced Operations with Unmanned Aircraft Systems.\u00a0 GACA AC 107-02, Remote Pilot Certification, issued 2 June 2025. GACAR Part 48, registration and marking.\u00a0 At Aramco\u2019s Uthmaniyah Gas Plant, drones and wearable technologies cut inspection times by 90%. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[151,8,115,149,153,154,150,68,9,56,152,156,255],"tags":[55,472,243,54,13],"class_list":["post-10363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-application","category-article","category-construction-infrastructure","category-content-type","category-drone-solution","category-geospatial-solution","category-industry-vertical","category-inspection","category-oil-gas","category-petrochemical-refinery","category-solution-type","category-survey-mapping","category-uncategorized-en","tag-drone-applications","tag-drone-survey-mapping","tag-dronesurveying","tag-industrial-inspection","tag-oil-gas"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10363"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10368,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10363\/revisions\/10368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.com.sa\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}