Are you wanting to become a Turkish Airlines Pilot in 2023? If yes, you need to go through this full informative article to get important tips on becoming a successful and professional airline pilot.
We have covered all aspects of becoming a Turkish Airlines Pilot including requirements, recruitment process, cadet pilot program, salary, benefits, training and much more.
Without further ado, let’s get started by exploring some basic details on Turkish Airlines.
Table of Contents
About Turkish Airlines
| Identity | National Flag Carrier of Turkey World’s 17th Best Airline of 2021 (Skytrax World Airline Awards) |
| IATA CODE | TK |
| ICAO | THY |
| Call Sign | TURKISH |
| Hub | Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) |
| Fleet | Over 370 aircraft Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Airbus A350-900 Boeing 777-300ER Airbus A330-300 Airbus A330-200 Airbus A321neo Boeing 737-900ER Airbus A321-200 Airbus A320-200 Boeing 737-800 Airbus A319-132/100 Boeing 737 MAX 9 Boeing 737 MAX 8 |
| Destination | Over 331 destinations in 127 countries. |
| Codeshare Agreements | Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, United Airlines and much more. |
How to become a Turkish Airlines pilot?
At Turkish Airlines, you can join as a pilot with four different routes and they are:
- Apply for Captain Position
- Apply for First Officer Position
- Join Turkish Airlines Cadet Pilot Program
- Apply for Simulator Flight Instructor (SFI)
Now, let’s explore these options in detail.
Apply for Captain Position
Turkish Airlines announces vacancy for Captain position based on the aircraft type. For instance, you might see a vacancy for Captain Pilot Narrow Body (A320) or Captain Pilot Wide Body (A330, A350) on the official website.
If you are already an experienced pilot and have a type rating on any of the Turkish fleet, you can directly apply for the Captain position. But before applying, the following requirements must be strongly met.
Turkish Airlines Pilot Requirements (Captain)
- The minimum age requirement is not mentioned however, the age must be less than the retiring age of 60 years.
- Applicants must hold a minimum High School Diploma or equivalent level of education.
- Must not hold written penalty due to flight default or lack of discipline.
- Applicants must be able to pass pre-employment checks including criminal checks.
- Applicants must have obtained a minimum of ICAO English Language Level 4.
- Must have a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Must fulfil all Medical requirements specified by Turkish Airlines.
- Applicants must hold an EASA/FAA/ICAO ATPL (A) with a valid type rating on the applied aircraft type.
- Must hold a valid and up-to-date type rating on the applied aircraft type.
- A minimum of 6000 hours of total flight time on aircraft over 27T. (Note: The flight hours requirement is based on the aircraft type. For instance, A330 requires 6,000 total hours whereas A320 requires 5,500 total flight hours.)
- A minimum of 3000 hours as PIC on aircraft over 27T.
- A minimum of 500 hours as a PIC on the applied aircraft type.
Apply For First Officer Position
If you are an experienced pilot and meet the minimum criteria, you can apply for the First Officer Position at Turkish Airlines.
Here are the minimum criteria required to apply.
- The maximum age of the applicant must not exceed 55 years.
- A minimum High School Diploma or equivalent level of education is mandatory.
- Applicants must hold an EASA/FAA/ICAO CPL/IR (A) with ATPL theory or ATPL (A) with a valid type rating on the applied aircraft type.
- Applicants must be able to pass the pre-employment checks.
- Must not hold a written penalty due to flight default or lack of discipline.
- Must be willing to relocate as per airline requirements.
- Must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate and comply with airline’s medical requirements.
- Minimum ICAO English Language Level 4 is mandatory.
- A minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time is required. (1,500 hours for A330/A350 and 750 hours for A320)
- A minimum of 500 hours of flight time on the applied aircraft type is mandatory.
Turkish Airlines Pilot Recruitment Process
If you fulfil all the requirements mentioned above, you can now apply for the pilot vacancy at Turkish Airlines. For that, you need to go through the following processes.
- At first, you need to visit the Turkish Airlines Careers website and search for pilot vacancies. If you find a suitable vacancy matching your qualifications, you can proceed by submitting an online application including necessary documents and information.
- The airline will conduct an initial screening of your application that might take 3 days. If selected, you will be invited for various assessments that includes document verification, license check and CRM/Group Assessment (Psychometric Test).
- After passing assessments, the airline will conduct a Simulator test under the supervision of experienced Turkish Airlines pilots to evaluate your flying skills.
- If you manage to pass the Simulator check, you will attend a competency-based panel interview. The final steps are the medical examinations and pre-employment checks.
Turkish Airlines Cadet Pilot Program
Turkish Airlines also offers Cadet Pilot Program to enthusiastic aviators and become professional airline pilots in a short period of time. This program is an accelerated path to becoming a skilled airline pilot through intensive training courses.
To apply for this program, you must meet the following basic criteria.
Turkish Airlines Cadet Pilot Program Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old during the time of applying.
- Applicants must hold a minimum High School Diploma or equivalent level of education.
- Applicants must be able to pass the medical examination to receive a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Fluency in the English Language is mandatory.
- Applicants must hold a valid passport with at least 6-month validity.
Turkish Airlines Pilot Uniform
Explore More Pilot Opportunities How to become Qatar Airways Pilot? How to become Singapore Airlines Pilot? How to become Emirates Pilot? How to become Cathay Pacific Pilot? How to become Qantas Airways Pilot? How to become Air France Pilot? How to become British Airways Pilot?
Turkish Airlines Pilot Salary
Turkish Airlines pilots earn an average of TRY 363,346 (US$24,277) per year. The pay scale range from TRY 179,671 (US$12000) to TRY 823,168 (US$55,000) depending upon the seniority level.
Turkish Airlines Pilot Benefits
In addition to the basic salary, Turkish Airlines Pilots receive various benefits and perks.
- Private Health Insurance
- Free and Discounted Flights
- Financial Aid for Marriage
- Maternity and Nursery Benefit
- Bonus
- Language Allowance
- Partnered Hotels
- Shuttle Network
- Corporate Communication Activities
Conclusion
This is how you can become a Turkish Airlines Pilot and grow your flying career. Among four options, you can choose the route that matches your qualification.
If you are a passionate aviator, you need to prepare well to pass all the intensive tests and become a professional commercial pilot for Turkish Airlines.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Turkish Airlines hire foreign pilots?
Yes, Turkish Airlines hire foreign pilots. However, foreign pilots must obtain legal authorization to work overseas.
How do I become a Turkish Airlines Pilot?
You can choose the Turkish Airline Cadet Pilot Program, apply for First Officer, apply for Captain or become Flight Simulator Instructor. Among these four options, you can choose the one that matches your qualification.
