Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Her very first aviation sector interview was given to our Editor-in-Chief Emre Nar many years ago. Last week, at TEKNOFEST 2025, the two met again to discuss her new projects in detail. For now, she prefers not to highlight these projects because the focus was on her story in our Women in Aviation series.
Can we get to know you?
I was born in Çanakkale in 1985, the middle child of three siblings. My mother is a retired handicrafts teacher, and my late father was a mining engineer. I continued my schooling in Çanakkale, Balıkesir, and later in Istanbul.
When did you first meet the aviation sector?
While studying psychology at university, I started part-time work at Çelebi Ground Handling Services as a domestic traffic officer. I loved it there and made great friendships. That’s how I was introduced to aviation. I also had my first leadership experience as a team leader.
When did you first encounter an airplane?
After my studies, I received very positive feedback for problem-solving. I was the one to find missing passengers during boarding or to resolve lost/mixed baggage issues quickly. One day, I was asked to escort an unaccompanied child passenger. While taking the child to the aircraft, I saw a plane up close for the first time. Until that day, I had never traveled by plane. That moment inspired me to become a flight attendant—because, for me, that was the path toward becoming a pilot.
When was your first flight?
During my time as a flight attendant, I learned so much. I had a fear of heights, but I realized it wasn’t the same as flight anxiety. I even started helping passengers with flight phobias thanks to my training. Unlike others, my very first flight ever was as a crew member. That was in 2006 with the now-defunct Onur Air. Later, I worked as cabin crew and instructor in several airlines, and even led cabin crew training programs at universities such as Ondokuz Mayıs University and Işık University. Although I sometimes stepped away from the sector, my heart and mind were always in the sky. I realized I couldn’t do a job that kept my feet too long on the ground.
“I also flew as a flight attendant on private jets.”
While working for the private jet company Bon Air at Atatürk Airport, I aimed for pilot training. On private jets, usually with three crew members, the cockpit door was open, so I was much closer to the pilots. They supported me and said, “Yes, you can do this,” which meant so much to me—especially when others around me said, “It’s too hard, you can’t.” Support like that is invaluable for women.
When did you get your pilot’s license?
I started with a Private Pilot License (PPL) while still working as a flight attendant. It took longer because of overlapping responsibilities and delays at the Civil Aviation Authority. I finally received my PPL in 2011. I was preparing to pursue an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License), but unfortunately, my flight school closed. To keep my skills fresh, I looked for another aircraft, and that’s when I discovered the gyrocopter.
When did you become a gyrocopter pilot?
Between 2011–2013, the gyrocopter became the best thing in my life. It was the aircraft that matched my character the most. It also introduced me to sport aviation, which I hadn’t experienced before, despite years in aviation. Through my converted license, I obtained an Ultralight Pilot License (UPL) as well as a gyrocopter license. I was also doing paragliding at the time. Then I started aerial photography. Captains would call me when they spotted beautiful views because they knew I exhibited my photos for social responsibility projects. Flying gyrocopters over Alaçatı skies, with an open-top view, I captured incredible photos.
“I am Türkiye’s first female gyrocopter pilot.”
After becoming Türkiye’s first female gyrocopter pilot, I promoted gyrocopters, women’s role in aviation, and amateur aviation through TV, newspapers, and international symposiums. I discovered aerial photography as a professional field and worked in it for about five years, supporting both public and private organizations. I even conducted aerial mapping flights, which required extreme precision, what I call “aerial tightrope walking.”
As a woman, I was the only one in Türkiye doing this work: transporting 120-liter fuel barrels, preparing aircraft under tough weather, flying 5–6 hours daily, often with minimal cockpit comfort, and handling long, heavy days of photo processing.
What contributions have you made to amateur and sport aviation?
I served in various amateur and sport aviation associations and was President of THK’s Bursa Branch (2023–2025), where we brought the first simulator to the branch. We pioneered model aircraft, cabin crew training, and aerial photography in Bursa. My contributions there led me to be appointed Deputy General Manager of THK Gökçen Aviation. THK has always been meaningful to me; even as a child, I supported it through small donations. Today, I continue supporting it in a much greater way, carrying forward the institution founded by Atatürk.
I want to introduce youth to amateur and sport aviation and create a new culture. Inspiring children and young people is the most important mission in life for me.
Which female aviator inspires you?
My biggest inspiration has always been Sabiha Gökçen. Even as a child, she was my role model. On THK’s 100th anniversary, I received the Sabiha Gökçen Award. After a car accident, it gave me the strength to continue. Now, I am planning a commemorative flight in June next year, retracing Sabiha Gökçen’s Balkan Tour, flying similar aircraft, along the same routes, visiting the same countries, and wearing retro outfits like hers. The journey will end with a landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
