Let’s begin with the classical question. Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Seda and I was born in Adana in 1995. I graduated from Hacettepe University with a degree in Translation and Interpreting. Previously, I worked as a subtitle translator.
How did you decide to apply? What motivated you at the time?
Actually, I first applied in 2019. A foundation that awarded me a scholarship during college sent me the announcement. Until I saw that notice, I didn’t know such a program even existed. But something lit up inside me; it felt like a flame, and I decided to pursue it. I passed the DLR (the German Aerospace Center) test and the English exam. Unfortunately, I later received an email saying the process had been suspended due to Covid. A few years later, when the program reopened, I applied again. I realized I still had the same excitement and motivation I felt the very first time I saw that announcement.
Had becoming a pilot ever been a dream of yours?
Honestly, it had never even crossed my mind. I was focused on languages; I loved learning new ones, and that was the path I was following. But when I saw that announcement, I couldn’t help but become interested. I considered applying but thought my background in languages probably wouldn’t qualify me. Then I checked and realized that wasn’t the case. I asked people close to me for advice, and everyone said it suited me perfectly. That gave me the push to start researching—and eventually, I applied.
After completing your degree, you worked for a few years before returning to school. What was that like for you?
I graduated in 2019 and spent six years away from school. Returning to studying and learning new things again was actually very refreshing. At first, it felt strange to slip back into student life, but I ultimately enjoyed it. Since I’ve always liked studying, the rhythm and pace of classes gave me new energy.
How are the exams structured? What’s the passing grade, and do you get another chance if you fail? Is there a similar system in flight training?
At the end of each phase, we take exams with the Civil Aviation Authority. The passing score is 75, and you’re allowed four retakes. Within TAFA, there are also exams after each course; grades are calculated as the average of quiz and final scores, with the passing mark usually ranging from 75 to 80. In flight training, evaluations are on a scale of 1 to 5: a 3 is a passing grade; a 4 is considered good. I’ve only completed my 16th flight, so you could say I’m still in the early stages.
So far, what’s been the hardest part of your training? Which stage challenged you most?
What challenged me most is also what I liked best: the feeling of truly pushing my limits. For a long time, I worked in a very different field: freelancing, running my own sole proprietorship, setting my own schedule without the constraints of instructors, managers, or office hours. The training process has been the complete opposite. Adjusting to that has been tough, and it still challenges me now and then. But it’s precisely what I wanted: to step outside my comfort zone, to learn new things in areas I knew nothing about; challenging, yet motivating. Of course, it’s humbling too. When you’ve spent years doing something you’re good at, failing at something new can dent your ego. You find yourself thinking, “Why can’t I do this?” But that’s also what keeps me sharp. Doing something poorly at first and then succeeding feels like a reward in itself.
For me, the hardest part was at the very beginning of theoretical training. I thought the flight phase would be tougher, but it was actually those first weeks of theory. Everything was so new. Looking back, the material seems easy now, but at the time, it felt impossible to understand. I kept watching videos, reading documents, and reviewing previous students’ notes—yet I still thought, “I’ll never really get this.” Now I realize it laid the foundation for everything else. Even today, I’d still say the most challenging part was the start of theory.
So what’s the overall length of your training? How does the process move forward?
Officially, it’s about fifteen months, but we’ve been moving a little faster. As I mentioned, the timeline can shift depending on planning and scheduling. We didn’t have any break between the end of theoretical training and the beginning of flight training. We took the exams, then the orientation, and went straight into flying. So for us, it may end up being shorter than fifteen months. Typically, though, I’d say around fourteen to fifteen months.
What’s the main difference between theoretical training and flight training?
You might think you’re learning the material during the theoretical training, but without practice, that knowledge quickly fades. Even if you grasp the logic, some subjects can feel abstract. Once you’re in the cockpit, those concepts suddenly make sense, and everything feels more real. Take human psychology, for example; it initially seemed strange as a course, but now I see how it applies directly in real-life situations. The foundation gained in theory is solidified and enhanced through practice, making the whole process clearer and easier.
Could you discuss the compensation a bit?
While staying at the hotel, we receive the equivalent of two minimum wages. If we move out to rent a place, we get an additional allowance, making it to three. However, there are deductions related to the extra pay. We also get a Metropol meal card, which I use for grocery shopping at participating stores. Breakfast is included at the hotel, but we pay for the rest out of pocket. The meal card covers enough for two meals a day. Whether the pay feels sufficient really depends on what and where you choose to eat.
You’ve mentioned how demanding and lengthy the training is. Do you still find time for yourself—pursuing hobbies or going out with friends?
The theoretical phase was particularly demanding; we were in class from early morning until evening. By the time you review lessons, go over what you didn’t understand, and grab dinner, the day has already passed. During the online training period, especially, it took some time to adjust to that pace. The first few weeks were exhausting, but over time, I started to notice when I was getting tired, what I needed, and how to plan my day accordingly. In the beginning, I didn’t even allow myself to rest because I felt I had to study every free moment, so I wasn’t seeing friends either. However, sometimes taking a break or socializing actually helps more than sitting at your desk. Flight training is similar; at first, it feels impossible to find personal time, but eventually, you learn to find a balance.
So in general, once you’ve had time to adapt, you’re able to make room for yourself.
Exactly. Of course, it still depends on the schedule. There are days when all I want to do is sleep and nothing else.
Do you ever practice with imaginary flights?
Yes. At first, it felt a little strange, but personally, I’ve seen how much it helps me. People have always said it was useful; I didn’t expect it to be this effective. So at home, I sit down and fly through it on my own.
Besides the mental effort, there’s also the physical aspect. You need to stay healthy and resilient. How do you manage that?
Once I started preparing meals at home and bringing them with me, my diet became healthier, which boosted my overall mood. Early on, I felt guilty whenever I wasn’t studying, but over time, I realized that was counterproductive. One of my instructors once said, “You’re still learning even when you rest.” It sounded strange at first, but I’ve realized how true it is; taking breaks actually boosts my efficiency. Besides flying, it’s important to do something that completely clears your mind. For me, that’s working out or sometimes just walking my dog. The key is to give your brain a rest. Sometimes, it’s even more beneficial than nonstop studying.
Can you maintain a regular workout routine?
Right now, since I’m about to take my first solo flight, I’m not working out because my mind is completely focused on that. Instead, I try to balance things by taking longer walks with my dog. It’s not that exercise is impossible; it just takes energy and mental prep. You have to convince yourself to do it.
Do you spend most of your time here?
Yes. Even after my flight is over, my friends are still here, and I love the atmosphere. Sometimes, when ten of us sit together, five of them don’t have a flight, and I join them. We sometimes discuss flights and occasionally other topics. Even if I’m not here, I spend time with my friends from here somewhere else.
Since you spend so much time together, does that create a special kind of bond, like the friendships from high school or college?
I wouldn’t compare it to college friendships; it feels more like being with cousins. Everyone here faces the same challenges, so the relationships are built on empathy and mutual support. We understand each other and lift each other up. We share both the joy of good flights and the disappointment of setbacks. Knowing others are going through the same things makes it easier to handle. That’s why these bonds feel different; more genuine, rooted in solidarity.
Where do you see yourself in a few years? What do you expect from this profession?
What I want most is to keep learning, always adding something new to myself. I also want to see that I’ve grown more confident because I’m still at the beginning of this journey. Of course, I have self-confidence, but it’s something that develops gradually, step by step. A year or two from now, I imagine myself feeling more assured. For now, the job already meets my expectations, and I am building on that layer by layer. It feels like the foundation for what I hope for in the future is being laid now. Overall, I want to stay energized and maintain that sense of vitality.
In a year and a half, you’ll be flying as a pilot. If you could choose, which aircraft would you want?
I don’t really have a definitive answer to that. Whatever aircraft type I’m assigned in my fleet, that’s what I’ll fly.
Are pilots assigned to an aircraft type individually or by fleet?
Pilots are assigned to an aircraft type by fleet.
Do all fleets use Boeing or Airbus?
Yes, I know I’ll love whichever aircraft type I get assigned. That’s why I don’t want to make a choice right now; otherwise, my mind might start to wander to the other one. I don’t have a preference; whatever comes my way will be best for me. One of them interests me a little more, but I’m trying not to lean toward it.
Although the aviation industry has long been male-dominated, the number of female pilots has been steadily increasing in recent years. How do you think these stats impact the aviation field, and what has been your experience with this issue?
My girlfriend and I often notice that most things are designed without women in mind. Some minor details stand out, and it’s great to see that these things are gradually changing. Of course, there’s still a lot of prejudice. Even a very close neighbor of mine tensed up when I told her, “I’m leaving and moving to Aydın; I’m going to get pilot training.” I remember telling her, “We’re very close; please don’t comment, I want to keep loving you.” So it feels good to be part of this process where that prejudice is slowly breaking down. I think I helped break my neighbor’s prejudice, starting with her. We’re dismantling it little by little, and we will continue to do so. I’m also noticing more women in new fleets, and I like that too.
From an industry perspective, do you feel that this change is happening or do you see it?
Yes, I do, in fact. I’ve been part of this process for five or six years now, starting from my very first application. Back then, almost all the videos I watched and the blogs I followed were by men. More recently, especially when I was reapplying, I began to notice an increase in videos, accounts, articles, and interviews featuring female pilots. The change feels a bit slow, but luckily, it’s happening; I see progress.
What qualities would you most want the pilot in the cockpit with you to have?
I’d say calmness, above all. When the person next to me remains calm, it rubs off on me too. I’d also want them to act according to the situation and to communicate honestly. If they’re genuine, I wouldn’t mind if they shouted at me one moment and laughed the next. I wouldn’t focus on the shouting-what’s most important is clear, honest communication.
We also have a question about artificial intelligence. AI has affected many professions. How do you think it will influence piloting?
I believe it will mainly assist us over a long period, making our jobs easier rather than replacing us. Pilots will continue to oversee and manage everything. I don’t think there will be a time soon when we won’t be needed at all. There are just too many variables and unpredictable factors. Human eyes and judgment will still be essential for a long time.
Here’s a question people often debate: some men claim that, in an emergency, they could land a plane safely. Is there any truth to that, and what do you think about it?
Honestly, I can’t change anyone’s mind about this. If they believe they can, let them go ahead. Perhaps we should say among ourselves that women could land it too.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering applying today? What should they focus on, or pay attention to?
When I first started, I didn’t have much contact with others who had already gone through the process. In some ways, that was good because sometimes people try to copy the exact tactics others used, which can backfire. I don’t think it’s beneficial to constantly seek advice from many different people. A better approach is to conduct some basic research, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and then develop a study routine based on that. For me, it wasn’t about studying for hours every day—it was about 15 to 20 minutes of consistent, regular practice. I believe consistency is the real key. The most difficult parts are usually at the beginning, and that’s when it’s crucial not to lose motivation. Keep going, stay steady. And don’t forget to make time to clear your mind, as it will boost your efficiency throughout the process.
