Saudi Arabian Pilot Program

Are you from Saudi Arabia and interested in becoming an airline pilot?

We have designed Epic Flight Academy’s Saudi Arabian Pilot Program to train pilots under the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia with structured flight training. We take you from zero experience to a successful career as an airline pilot. The program supports students who speak English as a second language. The aviation industry requires the ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently for most employees and all pilots. Therefore, our flight school students have access to English tutoring to develop Aviation English skills during Ground School training.

We have trained thousands of international students from more than 80 countries prepare for jobs in aviation. Epic provides a complete pilot program for Saudi students to reach their dream airline job, such as Aziz Alzaydany, who now flies a Boeing 737 for Saudi Aramco. With the demand for airline pilots at an all-time high and pilot salaries soaring, aspiring aviators are seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient ways to fulfill their flight training and achieve their airline pilot career dreams.

Epic has trained thousands of international students from 80+ countries for jobs in aviation. This includes many from Saudi Arabia. We provide a complete pilot program for Saudi Arabian students to reach their dream airline job. For example, Epic graduate Walid Alotaibi flies for Saudi Airlines. Most importantly, the demand for airline pilots is at an all-time high. Therefore, aspiring aviators are seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient program to receive flight training and begin their airline pilot careers.

What are the requirements to begin the Saudi Arabian Pilot Program?

• First, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Also, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Next, students must be able to obtain an FAA medical certificate.
• Most importantly, you must be proficient in English.
• Additionally, you must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration.
• Furthermore, will need to apply for and receive an M1 visa.
• Finally, you must be available to be a full-time student 5 days per week.

Check Flight School Eligibility!

What is the cost of the program?

Can I transfer to your flight school?

If you have already logged flight training hours, we can accept you as a transfer student regardless of how much training you have had.

What are the hiring requirements for airlines in Saudi Arabia?

Depending on the airline, they may require additional hours of time building. Generally, Saudi Arabian airlines require a total minimum of 250 hours. Therefore, our students typically need an additional *110 hours time building if they finish their commercial training within the estimated 140 hours.

*Pilot-In-Command Time Building: 110 Hours

View Pilot Hiring Requirements for these Saudi Arabian Airlines:

Below are links for hiring requirements for top airlines in Saudi Arabia. Note: These requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Therefore, refer to the airline directly for the latest information. 

• Flyadeal
• flynas
• Nesma Airlines
• Saudia Airlines

What is the GACA Saudi Arabian Pilot Conversion process?

Once Saudi Arabian students complete their FAA pilot training at Epic, they will need to follow the below steps to officially convert their licenses to GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation). In order to initiate the conversion process, students must register on the GACA website and follow the posted instructions for electronically submitting the below document copies:

• Valid Passport
• Saudi ID / Residency Permit
• 2 Recent Photos 3cm x 3cm (white background & uncovered head)
• All Foreign Pilot Certificates
• 1st Page and Last 4 Pages of Flight Logbook
• English Language Proficiency Certificate (minimum level 4)
• Current and Valid GACA Medical Certificate
• Receipt for the Required Fees
• Digital Picture in .jpg Format (white background & uncovered head)
• Digital Signature in .jpg Format (signatures form)

How much do pilots earn in Saudi Arabia?

Pilot salaries vary depending on multiple factors, such as country, airline, pilot experience, and type ratings. Therefore, you should research pilot wages, benefits, and even signing bonuses, which are becoming more common due to the pilot shortage. Pilot pay has been steadily climbing the last few years, and this is also true in Saudi Arabia. The average annual pilot salary in Saudi Arabia is 233,628 SAR, which is equal to $62,272 USD. An entry level pilot in Saudi Arabia makes approximately 100,000 SAR, while an experienced pilot earning at the top would make approximately 355,000 SAR. It is always a good idea to research airlines you’d like to work for. Our article about pilot pay provides other related details you should be aware of when making decisions that will affect your income.

Relocation & Transportation Assistance

We understand that selecting and applying to a flight school, and arranging travel and housing, if necessary, can be very stressful. However, our pilot training facility assists you in arranging each detail, As a result, your transition here is simple and easy. Visit our Student Life section for more information on our student amenities, transportation, events, and activities.

What else should I know about Epic’s Saudi Arabian Pilot Program?

Transferable FAA Pilot Programs

Epic’s flight training courses are the leading United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Professional Pilot courses. All Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), including the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA recognizes FAA-issued certificates. FAA approved flight courses are the key to pilot career opportunities. This is because they require English proficiency and successful completion of an ICAO Level 4 English language endorsement. Most importantly, airlines that fly routes between countries with different native languages require you to speak English.

Virtual Online Flight Academy

Epic Flight Academy provides important resources for its international flight students. For instance, our Online Virtual Flight Academy lets you connect with your FAA Flight Instructor and classmates before you arrive here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Likewise, the online, interactive pilot training course helps you develop aviation skills and build a knowledge base of aviation terms and resources. Above all, you have an advantage when you begin attending Epic’s Ground School. For example, we share training videos on Cessna 172s, aircraft systems, aircraft performance, FAA regulations, and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Saudi Arabian Pilot Program students can start their training from home. Also, you can try our free Demo Online Course.

Aviation Skill Development (ASD) and Private Pilot Ground School

Epic is the only flight school to offer this unique ASD course. For example, during this phase of flight training, ground school students will build on the information they gained from the Virtual Flight Academy. Additionally, they start flight simulator training. In other words, the purpose of ASD is to familiarize students with the Cessna 172 and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Most importantly, ASD increases students’ safety and awareness.

What if I have other questions?

You can view the most Frequently Asked Questions for international students. Also, you can also post questions and comments in our Pilot Forum. Most importantly, we are here to help and look forward to answering your questions. You are welcome to contact us anytime!