First, thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Yunus Emre Çakır. I was born in Samsun in 1994 and started my undergraduate studies in the Department of Business and Technology Management in Istanbul. Subsequently, I went to the Netherlands for a student exchange program and finished my education there. I came back to Türkiye to pursue my ambition of becoming a pilot — piloting was a dream I’d had since childhood and, after my initial flight experience, it became a tangible goal. So, after graduating from university, I submitted my application to Turkish Airlines. I was 22 years old; my application was accepted, I completed an extensive training process, and then began my journey as a pilot.
What sparked your desire to become a pilot?
As I said before, even as a child, I dreamed of being a pilot. I remember, when I was very young, looking up at the sky and imagining flying a plane. My first flight as a passenger, TK 568 from Istanbul to Samsun, was instrumental in my decision to pursue a career as a pilot. After we landed, I sent a detailed thank-you email to Turkish Airlines, expressing my gratitude for the cabin crew’s attentiveness and the fantastic experience they provided. I then started researching more about piloting, even reaching out to relevant pilots via social media. As a writer, I sent letters to various pilots and corresponded with a number of them. One of those pilots invited me to come to Antalya. He was training at the flight school at the time and he took me up in a small propeller plane. I stayed in contact with these people and my interest in aviation grew.
A lot of people think about becoming a pilot. In this regard, we’d like to hear about your flight school experience. How long is the training period, and when did the flight training begin?
I finished a two-year academy training program in Eskişehir. My training group was affiliated with Anadolu University. The duration of theoretical training and the start of flight training may differ depending on the methods and offerings of each flight school. For us, flight training began after about five or six months of theoretical instruction and lasted two years.
What did you find most difficult about your pilot training?
Well, to begin with, flying is not something that we’re physiologically accustomed to, and adapting to it can present certain challenges. However, once you’ve navigated those issues, flying becomes one of the most exquisite sensations imaginable!
In addition to physical effort, piloting demands mental discipline and resilience. How do you manage this?
Most people approach their work in an individual manner and with methods that they consider effective. Whether these methods are used in flight training or other areas of life, they help with the process of overcoming obstacles. When I was at university, I developed effective study methods that I was later able to deploy in my flight training. Having a clear understanding of what and where I needed to study streamlined the process for me. The points I have raised might not be within the scope of discipline but I refer to it as a more practical approach. For example, how do we approach reading a new book? We start at the cover, move on to the introduction or content list, and then start reading the rest of the book.
Also, in addition to our flight training and experiences, our daily lives can have a significant impact on our flight performance. The quality of activities we engage in has an impact on our professional lives. In this context, sports and hobbies can help us relax and focus during our flights. I play sports, I travel, read, write, and spend time at my library. In conclusion, missing certain things while airborne can boost your motivation and efficiency in handling work during the flight.
What does your profession offer you?
Being a pilot aligns seamlessly with my life’s purpose. Continuous learning, personal growth, and broadening my perspectives are the core principles that guide my life. Had I pursued a different profession, I might not have experienced such a profound journey of learning and growth. So, in this context, piloting is an engaging profession for me; it enhances my skills and it offers a range of experiences.
So, you never run out of things to learn?
The journey of learning is one that continues indefinitely. As the saying goes, a person ages the moment he acquires knowledge… Indeed, the journey of learning is one that is never truly finished. Skills development can’t rely solely on theoretical knowledge obtained from reading books at home. It’s essential to fully engage in life and grow through genuine experiences. In a profession like piloting, you’re perpetually engaged with life. Every individual we fly with has a unique story: Engaging with those individuals and gaining insights from their experiences resonates deeply with my life’s mission.
What are some of the drawbacks you’ve encountered? For instance, there are no cocept of special days. What is your approach to managing this?
We’re aware of this before we even enter the profession. We are completely satisfied, as we have a set flight schedule and operational plan in place. We are already aware of it ahead of time. This is how I handle the situation.
What are the reactions of those around you?
Individuals with an interest in aviation grasp this concept; people who aren’t interested in aviation might perceive the situation unfavorably. As we clarify the situation to them, we highlight the scale and accountability of the operation. This approach allows them to grasp the situation more effectively and react with empathy.
Has your group of friends changed since you became a pilot?
Since I studied abroad, almost half of my friends live in Europe. I’ve stayed in contact with them; for instance, I’m traveling to Amsterdam at the end of this month, and we have a plan to meet up. During my time in Antalya, my friends from Europe would visit me. Most of my friends are involved in aviation, many are not, but all my friends are integral in my life.
Is it challenging to manage relationships with people who live far away?
Well, yes, navigating human relationships can be challenging. It’s essential to put in the effort to maintain strong connections with our friends and loved ones, otherwise our connections can deteriorate. I’d never want that. I keep up my professional friendships and, although I can’t visit my friends in Europe as often as I’d like, we stay in touch regularly through calls.
Which flights do you enjoy the most? Short or long?
First, it’s important to note that piloting is categorized into narrow body and wide body piloting. Every pilot begins their career flying narrow body aircraft, which tend to be used for shorter flights — in this context, flights within Türkiye or to and from Europe. Narrow-body operations have a more intense flight tempo, while wide-body piloting involves long-range flights and extended layovers. At this time, I’m operating A330 wide-body aircraft, so my response will be based on those experiences: I prefer long flights because they allow me to explore the world and gain diverse experiences.
Where was your longest flight and after how many hours do you stay overnight?
My longest flight was to China. Other fleets have longer flights, but the A330-type aircraft we operate usually fly to China. Since we organize cargo operations to this region, we make two flights. During the flight, we first land at a certain location and unload the cargo, then we take off again and continue to China. In this way, the duration of the mission can last up to 16 hours. Overnight stays are completely related to flight frequency, which can vary between three to five days. If there are two flights to the same location that week, the first crew flies ahead and stays there until the other crew arrives. The second crew arrives, takes delivery of the aircraft, and returns.
How do you fly airplanes if there’s an autopilot?
Even if there’s an autopilot on the aircraft, experienced personnel are required to operate and direct it. As pilots, we are involved in all aspects of the operation from start to finish. Even if the autopilot is on, we’re monitoring and controlling the flight. It’s also not true that the aircraft always operates in autopilot mode. Pilots conduct critical procedures such as landing and takeoff.
With the advancement of artificial intelligence technology, some believe that “Piloting is not the profession of the future as long as there is an autopilot.” What are your thoughts on the subject?
Yes, there is an autopilot option, but there has to be someone aboard the aircraft who understands the operation and can direct the autopilot. For example, if there’s inclement weather during the flight, the autopilot is unable to decide whether to avoid the route. The pilot makes such decisions, and the autopilot executes them.
What does a pilot do during a ten-hour flight?
We typically have three or four captains on long-haul flights. Shortly after takeoff, we devise a rest strategy to alternate between us. Assume the flight time is nine hours and there are three captains on duty; divide this time into three. We can sleep, read a book, or rest during the three-hour periods. However, aside from the rest periods, we have routine tasks in the cockpit, including time and fuel checks, evaluating situations that affect flight safety, weather monitoring, regular autopilot control, and meticulous implementation of procedures in the airspace being flown. All of these procedures are critical to ensuring that the flight runs smoothly and safely.
How do you handle a crisis?
We attend simulator trainings to prepare for potential crises, so when we encounter a crisis, we try to manage it as best we can by adhering to the procedures we’ve learned.
What are your favorite places to layover?
Mauritius and New York are by far my favorite places. First and foremost, I’d like to talk about Mauritius, an utterly unique island in the Indian Ocean. I think it’s one of the most distinctive places on earth. When we fly to a tropical island, we typically stay for two or three days. Every time I visit Mauritius, I rent a car and drive along the coastline, stopping at various points to swim and just enjoying the extraordinary nature. Sometimes there are multiple flights to Mauritius in the same month, which is great for me. As for New York, maybe it seems like a cliché, but I think New York is also a special city. Even walking through the streets with a cup of coffee lets us feel the world we see in movies. Walking through Central Park in the springtime after a flight is an unforgettable experience. In New York, I discovered that city life, like island life, has its own distinct beauty.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Flying at sunrise or sunset is a beautiful experience. One of the most rewarding aspects of our job is taking off against the sunrise and enjoying the extraordinary views. Aside from the enjoyment of flying, we have the opportunity to meet great people. We can gain new insights from their stories and experiences. Being a pilot also gives you the opportunity to live in various cities. The Company periodically asks us if we want to live in the cities of the new flight destinations. For example, after finishing my training, I was invited to live in Antalya. I accepted the offer because my future plans were to live in the Aegean or Mediterranean, and so I worked from Antalya for a while. These three elements are the most enjoyable aspects of my job in my opinion.
Are the same opportunities available to cabin crew? Or are these just applicable to pilots?
These opportunities are also applicable to our cabin crew. Our Company’s flight destinations include Antalya, Ankara, and many other cities, and cabin crew can also fly from these locations. This practice may change from time to time, depending on the needs. Similarly, captains who want to take advantage of this opportunity can work in the respective cities. Furthermore, because the same team typically works at such locations, there’s a family-like atmosphere, resulting in good synergy. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience this.
How long have you been a pilot at Turkish Airlines, not counting your training?
I’ve been a pilot for Turkish Airlines for about three years.
What is the most interesting situation you’ve encountered during your flying career?
I recently went on a mission with a pilot I had texted in high school. We initially sat in the cockpit as strangers, but as the conversation progressed, we remembered each other. It was an interesting and beautiful experience to fly with this person who brought light into my life.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Recently, while flying to Africa at sunset, I was struck by a bright light. The brightness persisted for a while, so I suspected it was a comet and immediately took a picture of it. After my flight, I conducted extensive research. What did I learn? I discovered that the bright object that caught my attention was Comet Atlas, which could be seen with the naked eye for the first time in 80,000 years. I had a magnificent view of this special star, which the entire world was focused on and observatories were eager to examine. That flight was the most memorable experience of my career.
Do you ever see anything interesting on your flight that we don’t?
Yes, we can encounter unexpected situations. On night flights, we already have a view of the stars. However, during daytime flights, I’ve seen moving and rotating celestial objects. I’m still not sure what they are; they could be satellites in an unusual shape. We often discuss these observations with the captains. And at points like these, one can’t help but experience a mystical feeling.
How and when did you start writing?
I began writing when I was a kid. When I was 12 or 13, I kept a notebook, similar to a diary. I began writing professionally in 2010. I’ve kept a diary every day for the past 14 years. My journals are not diary-style writings about what I experience and feel throughout the day. Rather, they are based on the notes I read, compile, and use to plan my days.
What’s your motivation for writing?
Putting complex issues on paper can be one of the most effective ways to clear the mind. Writing is a sort of meditation for me. When I realized this, I decided to start writing professionally. I believe that writing and reading together makes my pen more efficient. In fact, my first book, Düşündüren Seyahatler (Thought-provoking Travels) is a collection of my diaries and readings.
Could you tell us more about your book, Düşündüren Seyahatler (Thought-provoking Travels)?
During the pandemic, the aviation industry experienced a period of stagnation. When the borders reopened, I began traveling again. My brother was studying at a university in Ukraine, so I was constantly visiting. During my travels through Ukraine, I was struck by how much emphasis was placed on art. Operas, ballets, theaters, and philharmonic concerts were numerous and well-attended. I went to many concerts and operas because I was interested and , while listening to pieces at the concerts I attended, I went on intellectual journeys and wrote down my thoughts. In other words, the moments during the concerts I attended inspired me. Later, I compiled these experiences in Lviv and Kyiv into a travelogue. Throughout the process, I was showing my writings to a publisher I met in Ukraine. My writings were translated into Ukrainian and published as a book with the Ministry of Tourism’s sponsorship, as it appreciated the content. This was the first time I had my book published, in Ukraine.
Do you think that efficient travel equals quality travel? What are the requirements for quality travel?
A productive trip, in my opinion, is one that causes you to think and returns you as a different person. Travels where our ideas transform, our souls rest, and we make life-changing decisions are what I consider productive. I don’t think travel concepts that promise to see a lot of places in a short period of time are particularly productive. I prioritize quality over quantity when traveling. Rather than visiting many places, I prefer to visit places that will help me grow personally and provide me with a new perspective on my life. I do think that quality travel begins with good planning — planning carefully enables us to have enjoyment without exhaustion. Furthermore, engaging in quality activities in quality places to relax my mind makes traveling more meaningful to me.
What are your career and life goals?
My ambition as a pilot is to become a captain of A350 wide-body aircraft. These aircraft are technologically advanced and they fly to stunningly beautiful destinations, which is enormously exciting for me. On the other hand, I think I still have a long way to go in my writing career, which has only begun. In my opinion, one of the greatest pleasures in life is intellectual production, so writing new books is one of my goals. In fact, I’m currently working on a new one. Personally, I want to spend more time with my loved ones. Being a pilot has shifted my perspective on the world. It helped me understand the role and importance of the people in my life. With this awareness, I intend to cultivate more meaningful relationships and strengthen my existing ones.
How many seats can A350-type aircraft accommodate?
A350-type aircraft can carry 300 passengers. Our longest flights to Australia are typically operated with A350 models. I’d like to be a part of this operation and explore a unique continent like Australia.
Are you planning on becoming a captain on an A350 aircraft in the near future?
In two to three years, I hope to become a captain. However, I won’t be able to fly long distances immediately after becoming a captain. First, I’ll take over as captain of a narrow-body aircraft. After three or four years, I hope to be a captain on wide-body aircraft. In other words, it will take me approximately eight years to achieve my main goal.
How do you obtain type rating? Do you get type rating by requesting to fly the A350 while working on the A330?
First, I should probably explain the type title. In aviation, obtaining a type refers to a pilot receiving training for a specific aircraft type and being authorized to fly that type. When we graduate from the academy, we’re assigned an aircraft type based on the Company’s needs, which determines the direction of our careers. If you start with Airbus, you’ll continue with Airbus aircraft; if you start with Boeing, you’ll stick with Boeing aircraft. I consider myself fortunate in this regard, as Airbus is an excellent aircraft. Adopting an airplane also means adopting its operation. Although I enjoy flying the A330, the A350 provides an entirely different experience. I definitely want to fly in this plane because it has cutting-edge technology.
Have you ever flown as a passenger on this aircraft?
Yes, I took the A350 as a passenger on my way back from completing an assignment flight. I particularly admired the Business Class. The cabin is wonderfully comfortable and modern in design. The most noticeable difference from our previous experiences with airplanes is how quiet it is. This feature really surprised me. I consider it a great privilege to fly with it.
What benefits do you get from being both a pilot and a writer?
To describe a situation, you must first live through it. You write about your own experiences and thoughts. These experiences require interaction with the outside world. This is where my occupation comes into play. Being a pilot provided me with all of the opportunities and experiences necessary to write. That’s why I enjoy piloting —not just because it’s my profession, but also because it complements my hobbies. Piloting has allowed me to travel extensively and discover new places. When I come home, I have so many stories to write. In short, my flight experiences have a direct impact on my writing.
What does a quality life mean to you?
I believe that a quality life consists of a profession you love, virtuous endeavors, and a healthy lifestyle. I’d like to share a favorite quote by Naval Ravikant: “A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought — they must be earned.” This quote has always inspired me. And I can’t deny that being a pilot and a writer contribute to the quality of life I’m describing.
