Pilotage

Students admitted to the University’s Pilotage Program must first successfully complete the English Preparatory Program. They then enroll in the eight-semester Undergraduate Pilotage Program.

During the program, students complete aviation- and engineering-based academic courses in the first three semesters and are trained as knowledgeable aviation professionals. Beginning in the fourth semester, they receive theoretical pilot training prepared in accordance with international standards in real and virtual classrooms supported by Bahçeşehir University’s modern technical training facilities. In the fourth semester, they also begin their initial practical flight training and, before the start of the fifth semester, become eligible to obtain the Private Pilot License (PPL-A).

Practical flight training is conducted using modern training aircraft and specialized simulators by distinguished instructors at our contracted flight school. Over the following four semesters, students complete progressively advanced flight training and theoretical pilot training in accordance with the designated stages and graduate upon successful completion of the program.

Upon graduation, our graduates will be eligible to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP-A) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), in addition to their Bachelor’s degree diploma.

Partner Airline

“Within the scope of the BAU–SunExpress partnership, our graduates will be able to apply to SunExpress Airlines with their ATPL Frozen licenses without waiting for their diplomas. The MCC license will be provided by SunExpress Airlines exclusively for BAU students. The application will be announced as a closed posting exclusively for Bahçeşehir University students, and students who complete the required documentation process will be able to submit their applications using their BAU email addresses.”

Contracted Flight School

Atlantic Flight Academy (AFA)

Bahçeşehir University has an agreement with AFA (Atlantic Flight Academy). BAU Pilotage Department students conduct their flight training at Atlantic Flight Academy in parallel with the theoretical courses they receive within our Approved Training Organization.

With a fleet of 37 aircraft, including 7 twin-engine aircraft, AFA maintains both the youngest and the largest fleet in Türkiye. With 3 FNPT-II / MCC Flight Training Simulators, AFA enables the comprehensive implementation of all aspects of student training programs. In addition, AFA is one of the limited number of flight schools in Türkiye capable of providing Integrated/Modular/MPL/UPRT training through its own facilities.

Flight training operations at Atlantic Flight Academy are conducted from Tekirdağ Çorlu Airport, Edremit/Körfez Airport, and Sakarya/Pamukova Airport, which is operated exclusively by AFA. Following students’ solo flights, PIC (Pilot in Command) flights are also conducted at various other airports in the region.

The exclusive use of Sakarya/Pamukova Airport by AFA significantly reduces traffic congestion, particularly for twin-engine flights, providing a substantial advantage in enabling students to complete their training on time or ahead of schedule.

Prerequisites for Registration

Applicants who wish to enroll in the Bahçeşehir University Pilotage Department are required to submit a valid Class-1 medical certificate issued by aviation medical centers authorized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). The medical certificate must state that there are no restrictions preventing the candidate from serving as pilot in command on single-pilot certified aircraft.

Pilot candidates must also meet the requirements for student pilot license applications as specified in Article 24 of the Aircraft Pilot Licensing Regulation (SHY-1), published in the Official Gazette dated June 6, 2006, and numbered 26190, including compliance with the provisions related to criminal record status.

Opportunities Available to Our Graduates

Students who complete the English-medium Pilotage education at Bahçeşehir University and become eligible to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP-A) will have the opportunity to secure employment operating wide-body aircraft, which symbolize the rapidly growing air transportation sector.

Our graduates, equipped with English proficiency and strong self-confidence, will reach the level required to serve as First Officers in domestic and international airline companies upon completion of the required type rating and line training following graduation.

At the Bahçeşehir University Pilotage Department, comprehensive training is provided not only to enhance flight knowledge and skills but also to deliver detailed instruction on numerous technical and regulatory subjects. Instruction is delivered by a distinguished faculty composed of leading professionals in their respective fields and is supported by modern training equipment and techniques.

Students enrolled in the Pilotage Department distinguish themselves not only through specially designed pilot uniforms but also through their knowledge and professional conduct. The foundation of the program emphasizes the adoption and development of aviation culture.

In addition to the academic opportunities provided, various events are organized under the leadership of our aviation clubs, offering students the opportunity to develop leadership and effective communication skills and to meet distinguished professionals recognized for their achievements and experience in aviation. Activities are not limited to these events and are also planned to include sports aviation branches such as parachuting and gliding, as well as training in operating unmanned aerial vehicles, manufacturing model aircraft, and flight training.

Graduates of the Bahçeşehir University Pilotage Program are expected to be pilots who:

· Hold the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP-A),

· Demonstrate the professional values and awareness expected of aviation professionals,

· Have internalized aviation culture,

· Speak English at ICAO Level 4,

· Have internalized and practice both personal and aviation discipline,

· Are capable of making accurate and timely decisions under stress and/or time and operational pressures,

· Prioritize aviation safety above all else,

· Are qualified to meet the pilot demands of airline operators both domestically and internationally,

· Possess a scientific mindset characterized by critical inquiry, research curiosity, and investigative motivation,

· Demonstrate strong teamwork skills,

· Develop and exhibit leadership qualities.

Academic Program

The academic training provided to our students is planned in accordance with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and in compliance with the Modular Airline Transport Pilot (ATP-A) license standards established by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA).

Summary of Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the Undergraduate Pilotage Program, pilot candidates are required to complete a total of 57 courses (240 ECTS).

PILOTAGE DEPARTMENT ADVISORY BOARD

FULL NAME	POSITION
Bülent Ünalan	Turkish Airlines, Chief of Flight Operations
Mustafa Murat Esendir	SunExpress Airlines, Head of Cockpit Group
Ömer Furkan Altay	AJet Airlines, Chief of Flight Operations / Deputy General Manager
Muzaffer Afşin Yelok	Corendon Airlines, Director of Flight Operations
Hakan Uçar	Turkish Airlines, B777 Instructor Captain Pilot
Elif Güveyler	AJet Airlines, A320 Technical Pilot and Team Leader / Chief Captain Pilot
Tevfik Zehni	Turkish Airline Pilots’ Association (TALPA), Vice Chairman of the Board / Turkish Airlines Captain Pilot
Teoman Ceylan	Turkish Airline Pilots’ Association (TALPA), Vice Chairman of the Board / MNG Airlines Captain Pilot
Dr. Tunç Çavcav	Istanbul Airport, Senior Manager of Human, Culture and Academy
Boğaç Uğurluteğin	Pegasus Airlines, Director of Ground Operations / Senior Vice President