Wings of My Heart: Becoming a Pilot - How I Went from Propeller Planes to Flying the Boeing 777

In this book, you will witness the step-by-step ascent of a heart captivated by the passion for flight. You will hear the story of pivotal milestones in a pilot's journey. You will feel the racing heartbeat of an eighteen-year-old on his first solo flight, see the helmeted military cadet leaping from the aircraft's door with a parachute, and find yourself inside a white aerobatic plane twisting through the sky. From a small propeller-driven aircraft to an acrobatic plane, you will breathe the air of many cockpits, journeying all the way to the intercontinental Boeing 777, flying for hours from Istanbul to Miami. You will dream of alien pilots, witness the cabin crew's urgent care for a passenger taken ill mid-flight, alter course to avoid volcanic ash sweeping across the sky, and even soar above the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.

You will feel the spirit of flight-its serenity, and, when the moment arrives, its stress or its joy. At times you will find yourself laughing, sometimes lost in reverie, and at other moments, moved by the story of a crew who became martyrs while striving for the advancement of our aviation.

This book, while soaring at high altitude, will contribute to changing your perspective on the events you may encounter in your profession and daily life in a positive way. Flying high enables you to see the broader picture of the world more swiftly. You will begin to approach life with a fuller perspective, striving not to become entangled in minor problems and details. Through this journey, you will come to better appreciate how vital a peaceful world is for our future. You will read the poems that flow from the wings within a pilot's heart. In fact, behind each poem lies a special piece of music that deepens its emotion. For instance, I recommend reading the following poem while listening to "And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness" by Ólafur Arnalds. And I promise that one day, I will recite these verses to you.

If you are ready for takeoff, fasten your seatbelts, put your seat in the upright position, and wear your radio headset. Meanwhile, do not forget to check that your oxygen mask is in place and your oxygen tank is at 100% fullness. Do not be afraid; I will always be there as the captain instructor, to your left or right.

Also, never forget Wilbur Wright's words: "Flight is possible without engines, but flying without knowledge and skill is not."

May your journey be clear in the blue and free of turbulence. Safe flying to you all!