What a pilot does
A pilot flies the aircraft according to the flight plan, the rules and the instructions of air traffic control. An airline pilot usually starts as a first officer in a multi crew cockpit, and the captain's seat comes with experience. Preflight preparation, reading the weather, fuel and performance calculations and communication make up much of the job.
The licence ladder
In Turkey, pilot licences are issued by SHGM under its SHT-FCL instruction, which follows the structure of EASA Part-FCL.
PPL, private pilot licence: applicants must be at least 17. It does not allow paid flying.
CPL, commercial pilot licence: applicants must be at least 18.
ATPL, airline transport pilot licence: applicants must be at least 21. For aeroplanes, the rules require at least 1,500 hours of flight experience. The UK CAA states the same age and hour figures.
Young airline pilots usually start with a CPL and passed ATPL theory exams, then complete the ATPL as they build hours. Training can be taken as one integrated course or in modular steps.
In the US, the FAA sets the ATP minimum age at 23, or 21 under a restricted route.
Two main routes in Turkey
University route: pilot degree programmes admit through the YKS exam on the SAY score. Some programmes teach in English. The ÖSYM guide notes that at foundation universities flight training is charged separately from tuition.
Flight school route: licence training at an approved training organisation, independent of university. Some airlines run their own cadet programmes, each with its own requirements and selection.
Medical
The CPL and ATPL require a Class 1 medical certificate. According to SHGM, a student pilot licence needs Class 2. SHGM also states that university enrolment and an aviation medical certificate are separate processes, although some universities ask for a Class 1 certificate at enrolment. Finding out early whether there is a permanent obstacle protects years of study and the cost of flight training.
English
Radio communication is in English. SHT-FCL requires at least operational level, Level 4, language proficiency to use licence privileges. In the US, the FAA requires ATP applicants to read, speak, write and understand English.
School subjects that build the base
Physics: force, motion, energy, pressure and fluids. Lift, drag and performance rest on these.
Maths: ratios, trigonometry, vectors, unit conversion and quick mental arithmetic. Navigation and fuel planning use this language.
English: the language of both the theory and the radio.
AP Physics 1 strengthens mechanics, AP Precalculus strengthens functions and trigonometry. IGCSE Physics and IB Math build the same base. For students aiming at aviation degrees abroad, the Digital SAT can be part of the route.
Common mistakes
Leaving the medical until after enrolment.
Thinking flying is only a hands on skill. ATPL theory is a long series of exams including meteorology, navigation, systems and air law.
Planning to fix English later.
Assuming a licence transfers automatically between countries. SHGM, EASA states and the FAA are separate authorities; converting a foreign licence is a separate process.