AOPA Türkiye President discusses growth of sporting aviation

Turgut Kulaçoğlu, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA Türkiye), stated that the expansion of sporting aviation activities can contribute to the development of various professional groups. He noted that the sector supports not only flight operations but also technical personnel, ground services, aviation software, and information technologies.

Kulaçoğlu highlighted that while awareness of sporting aviation is increasing in Türkiye, infrastructure remains a significant challenge. He pointed out that the security and operational requirements of large airports often impose limitations on sporting aviation.

While noting improved support from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Kulaçoğlu remarked that Türkiye still has a long way to go compared to Europe. He reported that AOPA Türkiye has approximately 60 members, with about 150 active participants in the country, and an estimated 200-250 such aircraft, compared to a global figure of 75,000-80,000.