PILOT SCHOOLS IN TURKEY
Anadolu University Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics
AYJET Anatolian Stars FTO Flight School
Istanbul Aviation Club
Er Ah Flight School
THK Flight School
Tarkim Flight Academy
University of Turkish Aeronautical Association
Ozyegin University
AFA Atlantic Flight Academy
Top Air Flight Academy
Avion Training ATO
ERAH Aviation Academy
North Fly Aviation Academy
Welcome: Welcome to Turkey! Turkey offers a variety of pilot schools registered to conduct flight training programs for both citizens and international students. The country’s weather conditions, especially during the summer months, are favorable for flying. There is no snowfall, and flight operations can be carried out year-round. While there are a limited number of flight schools, most of them offer quality training, making it easier to select a suitable one.
Although the selection process may seem daunting, this guide will provide more details on how to get started and make the right choice. The following paragraphs will give an in-depth explanation of what to consider when choosing a flight school in Turkey.
Admission: Admission to pilot schools in Turkey involves the student requesting information on how to begin training. The admission process is the final step in selecting the right flight school, and it involves reviewing the syllabus, training costs, and regulations. Students are advised to consider the information provided by the schools, particularly in terms of training and costs.
There are many schools in Turkey, so it is important to inquire about each one and their training methods. Once the admission process is complete, the student can begin their training at a licensed school. Regulations followed by Turkish pilot schools align with international standards set by ICAO.
Ground School: Ground school is essential for gaining theoretical knowledge. It is the first step before practical flying lessons. All pilot schools in Turkey follow the same syllabus for private, commercial, and airline transport pilot licenses. Students study books and theory to prepare for written exams, which are common across all schools.
Ground school provides foundational knowledge and helps students prepare for more advanced training, enabling them to operate aircraft safely under various conditions. It is important to choose a school with qualified instructors and well-organized classrooms.
Single-Engine Airplane: Single-engine airplanes are used for initial flight training. In Turkey, most schools use Cessna 172 aircraft, which are widely recognized for their reliability and ease of handling. These airplanes are ideal for beginners learning to fly under visual meteorological conditions.
Training with single-engine aircraft is cost-effective and an excellent starting point for students who want to progress into more advanced ratings and licenses. When selecting a pilot school, ensure that they provide well-maintained aircraft and offer the necessary training for various ratings.
Multi-Engine Airplane: Multi-engine airplanes are used for advanced training. These aircraft allow students to learn more complex flight procedures, which are essential for commercial aviation. In Turkey, many flight schools use the Diamond DA42, a twin-engine aircraft, to train students for multi-engine ratings.
Training in multi-engine aircraft is crucial for students who want to become commercial pilots or work for airlines. After completing the necessary multi-engine training, students can continue with type ratings to fly larger aircraft.
Simulator: Simulators are a vital tool for pilot training, particularly for instrument ratings. Simulators allow students to practice flying under different conditions without the need for an actual airplane. Almost all pilot schools in Turkey own simulators, which provide a safe environment for practicing maneuvers and procedures.
While simulators are not always required for basic training, they are invaluable for learning advanced procedures such as instrument flying and night flying. It’s important to choose a flight school that offers access to a variety of simulators, especially if you’re planning to pursue a professional aviation career.
License: A pilot license is the official approval that allows you to fly an airplane. The primary types of pilot licenses available in Turkey include the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
Each license comes with specific qualifications and requirements, including a minimum number of flying hours and successful completion of written exams. Commercial and ATPL licenses offer more opportunities to work with airlines, while a private license allows pilots to fly for personal use.
Rating: Ratings are additional qualifications that can be added to a pilot’s license. In Turkey, ratings such as instrument ratings, multi-engine ratings, and night ratings are commonly offered. These ratings enhance a pilot’s skills and allow them to fly in different conditions, such as during low visibility or at night.
A multi-engine rating is essential for those looking to fly commercial aircraft, and an instrument rating is required for flying under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Type ratings are also necessary for flying specific aircraft, such as jets or large commercial planes.
Special Training: Special training includes ratings for unique flight operations, such as acrobatic flying or skydiving. In Turkey, while acrobatic flying is not as common, it is still available at certain flight schools, and specialized training can be arranged for sport pilots.
Additionally, flight schools in Turkey offer instructor ratings for those who want to teach new pilots. While flying clubs are not widely available, some schools offer specialized programs to gain experience in various flight operations.
Conclusion: Choosing a flight school in Turkey is an important decision that will influence your aviation career. While there are a few options for training, Turkey offers a high standard of flight education at affordable prices. It is important to research each school’s offerings, instructors, and fleet of aircraft before making a decision.
The process of becoming a pilot in Turkey is well-supported, and students are provided with the necessary tools to succeed. Whether you want to obtain a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, or pursue further ratings, Turkey provides the opportunity to complete your training and start your career in aviation.