Overview: Becoming a Pilot in Türkiye
Türkiye’s aviation sector has grown rapidly over the past decade. Turkish Airlines (THY), Pegasus, and SunExpress account for the majority of commercial pilot employment in the country. While each has different expectations from pilot candidates, some basic requirements are common.
This guide provides a comparative analysis of the application criteria and processes of three airlines. If you are looking for a separate resource for the training phase, you can refer to our guide describing the pilot training process.
Turkish Airlines (THY) Pilot Application Requirements
Turkish Airlines is Türkiye’s largest and most prestigious airline. Accordingly, its expectations of pilot candidates are among the highest standards in the industry.
License and Flight Hour Requirements
- ATPL (Frozen or Full):Turkish Airlines requires a valid ATPL license or at least a combination of CPL + IR (Instrument Rating) for application.
- Minimum total flight hours:Typically 1,500 hours (may vary depending on current listings).
- Multi-engine flight clock:A minimum of 500 hours of multi-engine flight experience is required.
- PIC (Pilot in Command) saati:Minimum 250 seconds.
Educational and Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate education is preferred; aviation, engineering, or science majors offer an advantage.
- Graduation from an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) accredited by the DGCA (General Directorate of Civil Aviation).
- Valid ICAO English proficiency, minimum.Level 4preferably Level 5 or 6.
Age and Health Requirements
- The age limit for applications is generally…Under 65 years old(Mandatory retirement age is taken into account).
- Valid EASA Class 1 Medical CertificateIt is mandatory.
- Visual acuity, hearing, and cardiovascular health standards are subject to EASA regulations.
Application and Selection Process
Turkish Airlines’ pilot selection process consists of several stages:
- Online application
CV, licenses and documents are uploaded. - Your element
Documents and flight times are reviewed. - Technical interview
Aviation knowledge, air law, meteorology, and general technical competence are assessed. - Simulator evaluation
Flight skills and CRM (Crew Resource Management) are observed. - Human resources interview
Personality, teamwork, and communication are evaluated. - Psychometric tests
Attention, memory, spatial orientation, and problem-solving are measured.Turkish Airlines uses the THY PACE test as a standardised psychometric screening tool for all pilot candidates. - Medical approval
This is done at healthcare facilities designated by Turkish Airlines.
Pegasus Airlines Pilot Application Requirements
Pegasus is a dynamic airline built on a low-cost model. Its pilot recruitment process is notable for its more flexible profile compared to Turkish Airlines (THY).
License and Flight Hour Requirements
- CPL + IR or Frozen ATPLAccepted.
- Minimum total flight hours:Approximately 200–500 hours (may be lower in cadet programs).
- Experience flying with multiple engines is advantageous, but it is not required in all programs.
- Pegasus has its own cadet program, which includes training pilots from scratch.
Educational and Academic Requirements
- High school graduation is the minimum requirement; a university degree is preferred.
- Applications for the cadet program, which is run in collaboration with Pegasus Academy, follow a separate process.
- ICAO English proficiency, minimum.Level 4.
Age and Health Requirements
- The application age for the Cadet program is generally18–35It is determined within the range.
- The age limit is more flexible for experienced pilot (direct entry) applications.
- Valid EASA Class 1 Medical CertificateIt is mandatory.
Application and Selection Process
- Online application
There are two separate paths available: a cadet program or applying as an experienced pilot. - Aptitude tests
Mathematical reasoning, attention, and spatial orientation tests. Pegasus evaluates candidates through the CASE aptitude exam, which tests cognitive and spatial skills. - English exam
Focused on Aviation English. - Simulator evaluation
This applies especially to applications from experienced pilots. - Interview
Motivation, personality compatibility, and aviation knowledge are assessed. - Medical approval.
SunExpress Pilot Application Requirements
SunExpress is a joint venture between Turkish Airlines (THY) and Lufthansa. It primarily operates flights to holiday destinations. Its pilot profiles emphasize both technical competence and a customer-focused approach.
License and Flight Hour Requirements
- Frozen ATPL veya Full ATPLpreferred.
- Minimum total flight hours:Typically between 500 and 1,000 hours (varies depending on position).
- Boeing 737 type rating provides a significant advantage; it may be required for some positions.
- Experience flying with multiple engines and multiple pilots is required.
Educational and Academic Requirements
- A university degree is preferred.
- German language skills are an advantage in some positions due to the company’s origins at Lufthansa.
- ICAO English proficiency, minimum.Level 4.
Age and Health Requirements
- No specific age limit is set for general applications; the mandatory retirement age is used as the basis.
- Valid EASA Class 1 Medical CertificateIt is mandatory.
Application and Selection Process
- Online applicationThis is done through the SunExpress career portal.
- Document reviewLicense, flight time log, and medical documents.
- Technical evaluationWritten or oral aviation knowledge test.
- Simulator evaluationFlight skills and CRM on a Boeing 737.
- Human resources interviewTeamwork, stress management, and motivation.
- Medical approval.
Key Differences Between the Three Airlines
| Criterion | THY | Pegasus | SunExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum flight time | ~1,500 seconds | 200–500 seconds (cadet dahil) | 500–1,000 seconds |
| Licence | ATPL / Frozen ATPL | CPL+IR / Frozen ATPL | Frozen / Full ATPL |
| Cadet program | Yes (TCA) | Yes (Pegasus Academy) | Annoyed |
| English level | ICAO 4 (5+ preferred) | ICAO 4 | ICAO 4 |
| German advantage | No | No | Yes |
| Simulator evaluation | Yes | Yes | Yes (B737) |
Ways to Strengthen Your Application
In airline pilot selection, preparation is just as important as documentation. Here are a few practical steps to make your application stand out:
Technical preparation:
- Achieve high scores on the ATPL theoretical exams; focus especially on meteorology, navigation, and aviation law.
- Keep your CRM training up-to-date.
- Increase your simulator hours; if you have a type rating, highlight it.
Application file:
- Make sure your flight time sheet is complete and up-to-date.
- Obtain letters of recommendation from previous instructors or check-in pilots.
- Check the expiration date of your Class 1 medical certificate.
Interview preparation:
- Research each airline’s fleet structure, route network, and corporate culture.
- Practice English aviation terminology.
- Get ready to describe your past experiences using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.
If you need a systematic preparation process for theoretical exams and aptitude tests, Aviotest’s practice exams and study materials can help you identify your weaknesses in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flight hours are required for a Turkish Airlines pilot application?
Turkish Airlines generally requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours; however, this figure may vary depending on the position and the period. The best approach is to follow current job postings on the Turkish Airlines career portal.
How to apply for the Pegasus Cadet program?
The Pegasus Academy cadet program is open to candidates who are high school graduates and over 18 years of age. Applications are made through Pegasus’ official careers page. The process consists of aptitude tests, an interview, and a medical evaluation.
Is knowing German a requirement for SunExpress?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s advantageous due to its Lufthansa origins. The primary language of communication is English.
Where can I get a Class 1 medical certificate?
In Türkiye, these can be obtained from Aeromedical Centres approved by the SHGM (General Directorate of Civil Aviation). There are several authorized centers in Ankara and Istanbul.
Is it possible to apply to three airlines simultaneously?
Yes, no rule prevents this. However, since each airline’s selection schedule and stages may overlap, it is recommended to follow the processes carefully.
The information in this guide is compiled based on general application criteria. Each airline’s requirements may vary depending on the application period; be sure to check the relevant airline’s official career page before applying.
