In our country and worldwide, the rapidly growing civil aviation sector requires more pilots to be trained and employed by airlines each year. To become a pilot, one must complete the training programs specified by international and national regulations applicable to each country. The institutions authorized to provide this training are also determined by these regulations.

In accordance with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), the qualifications and requirements of institutions authorized to provide training are defined by the Instruction on Flight Crew Organization Requirements (SHT-ORA) and the Instruction on Declared Training Organizations (SHT-DTO). Currently, there are 53 Approved Training Organizations (ATO) and 5 Declared Training Organizations (DTO). The updated list can be accessed at this link.

Each training institution has different types of training authorizations. They cannot provide training outside their designated authorizations. Examples of authorized training types include PPL (Private Pilot License), CPL (Commercial Pilot License), ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License), MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot License), SPL (Sailplane Pilot License), etc.

It is possible for an individual to pilot different types of aircraft. Examples of licenses include those for glider pilots, helicopter pilots, private pilots, or airline transport pilots. An individual can hold one or more of these licenses. Individuals who meet the necessary qualifications and complete the required training at authorized institutions are eligible to obtain pilot licenses.

There are certain requirements to become a pilot. For the acceptance of an individual as a student pilot by a flight school, the Instruction on Tests to be Used for Student Pilot Selection (SHT-1T) has been issued. Once these qualifications are met, the licenses a student pilot will acquire are regulated under different regulations. The main regulations include the Pilot License Regulation (SHY-1) and the Instruction on Flight Crew Licensing (SHT-FCL). Examples of required qualifications include not having committed any offenses specified in the regulations (such as disgraceful crimes), possessing the necessary medical license, and meeting certain age criteria. Thus, holding a pilot license does not mean an individual will retain it permanently. If the required qualifications are lost, the license can be revoked.

Different training programs are organized for acquiring each pilot license. Each pilot must take theoretical lessons, known as ground school, and then continue with flight training on training aircraft and simulators. The timing and sequence of these training sessions are usually determined by flight schools in accordance with SHT-FCL instructions. Theoretical training can be conducted in a classroom setting, and in certain cases and hours, it can also be provided as distance learning. After completing the training, student pilots must pass theoretical exams organized by the DGCA and check flights conducted by DGCA-authorized check pilots. The rights granted to candidates for success at each stage vary.

Numerous legal disputes arise between flight schools and student pilots on various issues, leading to court cases. The main disputes include: failure to complete training within the promised duration, non-refund of fees after a student pilot quits or terminates the training at any stage despite paying the full amount upfront, demands for additional payments due to exchange rate increases after agreeing on fees in Turkish Lira equivalent to a foreign currency, imposition of sanctions by the flight school on the student pilot due to indiscipline or training failure, and mutual accusations for failures in theoretical exams or check flights conducted by the DGCA.

Undoubtedly, many other issues can lead to disputes between the parties. In such cases, working with lawyers who have high theoretical and practical knowledge of the sector is very beneficial for determining responsibilities and preventing potential disputes.