The Turkish Airlines Take-Off Cadet Program is one of the fastest-growing pilot training initiatives in the world. As Turkish Airlines expands into the world's largest airline by passenger numbers — powered by Istanbul's new mega-hub — the demand for pilots is enormous. Currently selecting approximately 200 cadets per year, Turkish Airlines has announced plans to scale to up to 2,000 cadets annually, creating unprecedented opportunities for Turkish citizens with a bachelor's degree.
Program Overview
The Take-Off program provides ab initio training for candidates with no prior flying experience. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a position as First Officer at Turkish Airlines — one of the world's fastest-growing carriers with a fleet of 400+ aircraft serving 340+ destinations. The program reflects Turkish Airlines' strategic need for thousands of new pilots in the coming decade.
Requirements
Selection: DLR + PACE
The Take-Off program uses a combination of DLR (German Aerospace Center) aptitude testing and the PACE assessment system. The DLR component is the same foundational test used by Lufthansa's European Flight Academy, testing cognitive ability, psychomotor coordination, spatial orientation and multitasking. PACE adds additional layers of personality assessment and situational judgement.
Training Structure
The integrated ATPL(A) training takes approximately 18-24 months and covers all phases from ground school through to type rating. Training is conducted at approved flight training organizations, with the type rating (typically Boeing 737 or Airbus A320) completed in Turkey. Graduates enter Turkish Airlines as First Officers.
Massive Expansion Plans
Turkish Airlines' expansion is reshaping global aviation. The airline has ordered hundreds of new aircraft and is building Istanbul into the world's largest aviation hub. This creates an unprecedented demand for pilots. The planned expansion from 200 to 2,000 cadets per year means that the next decade will offer Turkish citizens an extraordinary window of opportunity to join one of the world's top airlines.
How OnlinePilotTraining.com Helps You Prepare
The DLR test is one of the most challenging pilot aptitude assessments in the world. OnlinePilotTraining.com offers comprehensive preparation for all DLR components: cognitive processing, psychomotor coordination, spatial orientation and multitasking. Our adaptive modules progressively build the skills and speed that the DLR demands. Additionally, our personality and situational judgement resources help you prepare for the PACE component.
Key tip: Since the DLR test is the same fundamental system used by Lufthansa, any preparation for the DLR BU also prepares you for the Turkish Airlines selection. Start at least 6-8 weeks before your test date and practice daily.