{"id":55071,"date":"2025-11-17T13:28:47","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/becoming-a-pilot-at-turkish-airlines-step-by-step-training-with-seda-tigrek\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:23:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T12:23:28","slug":"becoming-a-pilot-training-with-seda-tigrek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/becoming-a-pilot-training-with-seda-tigrek\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming a Pilot at Turkish Airlines: Step-by-Step Training with Seda Ti\u011frek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Let\u2019s begin with the classical question. Could you tell us about yourself?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How did you decide to apply? What motivated you at the time?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Had becoming a pilot ever been a dream of yours?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pilot
Pilot preparing for takeoff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t help but become interested. I considered applying but thought my background in languages probably wouldn\u2019t qualify me. Then I checked and realized that wasn\u2019t 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\u2014and eventually, I applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much time did you spend preparing for the exams?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t prepare much for the English test because translation is already part of my job. However, for the DLR exam, I studied for about twenty days. Once I figured out the tactics and study methods that worked for me, everything fell into place. Spending just half an hour to an hour a day was enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After completing the process and receiving a positive response, when did your training actually begin?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before I even received official confirmation from the board, I had already gotten the email about the medical check. Still, I waited for the final decision from the board. When the message finally arrived, stating that my application was approved and listing my fleet, I felt as if I had been part of it for years. The gaps in between lasted about twenty days to a month, but at the time, it felt like forever. I checked my emails anxiously every day. On November 1, I signed the paperwork, and by November 4, we had started our theoretical training online. The first two months were conducted online. Before exams, we came here for a week; our third phase was in person, but our final exams took place in Ayd\u0131n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How much total time have you spent in this training from the very beginning?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been part of the program since November 1. It seems like a long time on paper, but sometimes it feels like it\u2019s flown by. With the theoretical training included, I\u2019ve now been here for about six months. If you also count the acceptance stages, the total duration is roughly a year and a half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Could you tell us a bit about the training you\u2019ve received so far?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our theoretical training was divided into three phases: the first covered three subjects, the second five, and the third six. At the end of each phase, we took exams with the Civil Aviation Authority to qualify for the next step. Before actual flight training, we spent two days in simulator and orientation sessions, so there was little downtime in between. Throughout the process, both instructors and fellow trainees offered very supportive guidance. We learned what to expect together, which made it much easier to adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Compared with the theory, is flight training a little more fun?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunset
Sunset through the pilot’s eyes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s certainly much more fun. After spending so much time on the theoretical side, it starts to feel like it\u2019s always about reading, almost like going back to college lectures. It feels as if the classes will last a long time. Transitioning to flight training, therefore, gave all of us a huge boost of motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After completing your degree, you worked for a few years before returning to school. What was that like for you?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve always liked studying, the rhythm and pace of classes gave me new energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How are the exams structured? What\u2019s the passing grade, and do you get another chance if you fail? Is there a similar system in flight training?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the end of each phase, we take exams with the Civil Aviation Authority. The passing score is 75, and you\u2019re 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\u2019ve only completed my 16th flight, so you could say I\u2019m still in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So far, what\u2019s been the hardest part of your training? Which stage challenged you most? <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s humbling too. When you\u2019ve spent years doing something you\u2019re good at, failing at something new can dent your ego. You find yourself thinking, \u201cWhy can\u2019t I do this?\u201d But that\u2019s also what keeps me sharp. Doing something poorly at first and then succeeding feels like a reward in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 notes\u2014yet I still thought, \u201cI\u2019ll never really get this.\u201d Now I realize it laid the foundation for everything else. Even today, I\u2019d still say the most challenging part was the start of theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So what\u2019s the overall length of your training? How does the process move forward?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Officially, it\u2019s about fifteen months, but we\u2019ve been moving a little faster. As I mentioned, the timeline can shift depending on planning and scheduling. We didn\u2019t 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\u2019d say around fourteen to fifteen months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s the main difference between theoretical training and flight training?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might think you\u2019re 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Could you discuss the compensation a bit?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You\u2019ve mentioned how demanding and lengthy the training is. Do you still find time for yourself\u2014pursuing hobbies or going out with friends?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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\u2019t even allow myself to rest because I felt I had to study every free moment, so I wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So in general, once you\u2019ve had time to adapt, you\u2019re able to make room for yourself.<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exactly. Of course, it still depends on the schedule. There are days when all I want to do is sleep and nothing else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do you ever practice with imaginary flights?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Airplane
Airplane wing in flight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes. At first, it felt a little strange, but personally, I\u2019ve seen how much it helps me. People have always said it was useful; I didn\u2019t expect it to be this effective. So at home, I sit down and fly through it on my own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Besides the mental effort, there\u2019s also the physical aspect. You need to stay healthy and resilient. How do you manage that?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t studying, but over time, I realized that was counterproductive. One of my instructors once said, \u201cYou\u2019re still learning even when you rest.\u201d It sounded strange at first, but I\u2019ve realized how true it is; taking breaks actually boosts my efficiency. Besides flying, it\u2019s important to do something that completely clears your mind. For me, that\u2019s working out or sometimes just walking my dog. The key is to give your brain a rest. Sometimes, it\u2019s even more beneficial than nonstop studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can you maintain a regular workout routine?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Right now, since I\u2019m about to take my first solo flight, I\u2019m 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\u2019s not that exercise is impossible; it just takes energy and mental prep. You have to convince yourself to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do you spend most of your time here? <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since you spend so much time together, does that create a special kind of bond, like the friendships from high school or college?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019s why these bonds feel different; more genuine, rooted in solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where do you see yourself in a few years? What do you expect from this profession?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What I want most is to keep learning, always adding something new to myself. I also want to see that I\u2019ve grown more confident because I\u2019m still at the beginning of this journey. Of course, I have self-confidence, but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In a year and a half, you\u2019ll be flying as a pilot. If you could choose, which aircraft would you want?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Airplane
Airplane flying at sunset.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t really have a definitive answer to that. Whatever aircraft type I’m assigned in my fleet, that\u2019s what I\u2019ll fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are pilots assigned to an aircraft type individually or by fleet?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pilots are assigned to an aircraft type by fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do all fleets use Boeing or Airbus?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 Ayd\u0131n; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From an industry perspective, do you feel that this change is happening or do you see it?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I do, in fact. I\u2019ve 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\u2019s happening; I see progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What qualities would you most want <\/b>the pilot in the cockpit with you <\/b>to have? <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pilot
Pilot and cockpit instrument panel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d say calmness, above all. When the person next to me remains calm, it rubs off on me too. I\u2019d also want them to act according to the situation and to communicate honestly. If they\u2019re genuine, I wouldn\u2019t mind if they shouted at me one moment and laughed the next. I wouldn\u2019t focus on the shouting-what\u2019s most important is clear, honest communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We also have a question about artificial intelligence. AI has affected many professions. How do you think it will influence piloting?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t think there will be a time soon when we won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here\u2019s 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?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, I can\u2019t change anyone\u2019s mind about this. If they believe they can, let them go ahead. Perhaps we should say among ourselves that women could land it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering applying today? What should they focus on, or pay attention to?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When I first started, I didn\u2019t 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\u2019t think it\u2019s 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\u2019t about studying for hours every day\u2014it 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\u2019s when it\u2019s crucial not to lose motivation. Keep going, stay steady. And don\u2019t forget to make time to clear your mind, as it will boost your efficiency throughout the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you<\/b>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s 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? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":45583,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[149,1034,1080],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-55071","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-crew-insights","8":"category-interviews","9":"category-news-from-the-turkish-airlines-team"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55071"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55117,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55071\/revisions\/55117"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}