Turkish Pilot Program

Are you from Turkey and interested in becoming an airline pilot?

We have designed Epic Flight Academy’s Turkish Pilot Program to train pilots under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Turkey and Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organization (JAATO) 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.

How many Turkish students has Epic trained?

Epic has trained thousands of international students from 80+ countries for jobs in aviation We provide a complete pilot program for Turkish students to reach their dream airline job. For example, Epic graduate Bahadir Toplugul flies for Turkish 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 Turkish 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 Turkey?

Depending on the airline, additional time building flight hours may be required. Generally, airlines in Turkey require a total of 250 hours. Therefore, our students typically need an additional *110 hours of 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 Turkish Airlines:

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

• Turkish Airlines
• AnadoluJet
• SunExpress
• Turkish Cargo

JAA Turkish Pilot Conversion Process

While Turkish students are completing their FAA pilot training at Epic, they will need to follow the below steps to officially be JAA ATPL Frozen/JAA CPL holders.

• Have 2 logbooks: 1 for FAA and 1 for EASA
• Complete 100 hours of PIC time (NOT Time building), 50 of which must be in in IR conditions
• Complete 1 long (VFR) Cross Country with at least 300 NM

Once back in Turkey, students must:

• Complete JAA ATPL theory classes for the 14 subjects done (Around 800 hours) – We recommend students begin this while at Epic after successful completion of their PPL with us.
• Take the refresher courses (Usually 12 days) and take written exams.
• Complete the IR/CPL check rides at a local flight school

How much do pilots earn in Turkey?

Pilot pay varies among countries and airlines. Pilot salary is also impacted by a pilot’s training and level of experience. Additionally, with the current pilot shortage, pilot salaries are at an all-time high. Therefore, it’s important to research pilot salary trends in Turkey and understand all factors that impact pilot wages. Pilots in Turkey earned an average of 135,000 TRY ($24,277 USD) annually in 2020. Certainly, brand new pilots earned less, and pilots with years of experience earned more. New pilot wages in Turkey start at around 70,000 TRY annually. Additionally, those with more than 20 years of experience earn approximately 193,000 TRY. Flight school training is a big investment for your career as an airline pilot, so be sure to monitor hiring practices and pay scales as you go forward.

Relocation & Transportation Assistance

We understand that selecting and applying to a flight school, and arranging travel and housing, if necessary, can be very stressful, but our pilot training facility assists students in arranging each detail so that the transition 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 Turkish 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 Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), including the Joint Aviation Authority.. These agencies recognize 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. Turkish 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!