Flying in Turkey: a pilot's guide
the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) regulates flight in Turkey; pilots earn a private and then commercial/instrument ratings with the required aviation medical, in an ICAO class-based airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in Turkey is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). This guide summarises the framework; always confirm the current detail with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM).
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
Turkey issues private and commercial pilot licences, with commercial and instrument ratings beyond. Training is conducted at approved organisations, with theoretical examinations and a practical flight test.
Medical requirements
A Class 1 or Class 2 aviation medical certificate is required depending on the licence, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM)-approved aviation medical examiners.
Notable rules & airspace
Turkey uses an ICAO class-based airspace system bridging Europe and Asia, with busy controlled airspace and several restricted areas. The detail differs from the US system, so review the local procedures before flying.
Where to find the official rules
Consult the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) for the current licensing, medical and operating requirements. This guide summarises and links to those sources rather than reproducing the regulations.
Turkey aviation by the numbers
429 airfields on record (51 with scheduled service), 349 airspace volumes, 136 navaids.
- Heliport257
- Small airport55
- Medium airport52
- Closed47
- Large airport16
- Seaplane base1
- Balloonport1
- İstanbul Airport13,451 ft
- Şanlıurfa GAP Airport13,123 ft
- Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport12,503 ft
- Erzurum International Airport12,500 ft
- Esenboğa International Airport12,303 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).