Turkish prodigy Defne Ozcan, named among Time magazine's "Girls of the Year" list.
Defne Ozcan, a high school junior from Bursa, has made history as Turkey's youngest female pilot candidate. Recognised by Time magazine in 2025 as one of the "Girls of the Year," Defne's passion for aviation began at a young age, inspired by her mechanical engineer father.
At just 15 years old, Defne joined Yunuseli Airport's Amateur Aviation Certificate Program and progressed to Ultralight Pilot License (UPL) studies. Her extensive training included 45 hours of theoretical courses in aviation law, operations planning, meteorology, communication, and emergency procedures, as well as 18 hours of flight training. Defne achieved her first solo flight at the tender age of 16, becoming the youngest Turkish person to do so.
Defne's inspiration comes from a desire to break gender barriers in Turkey, where few women pursue careers in aviation or other STEM fields. She sees flying as a symbol of freedom and aims to encourage more women in her country to enter scientific and technical professions such as piloting, engineering, and aircraft maintenance.
Zehra Savas, Communications Director at the flight school, considers training Defne a source of pride. Dilmurat Cumali, Defne's instructor, praised her discipline and determination, stating that she will be an inspiration to her generation.
Defne's solo flight, a part of her UPL training, was a significant milestone in her journey. She looks up to Sabiha Gokcen, Turkey's first female pilot and the world's first female fighter pilot, as a role model. Defne wants to show girls that they can achieve anything if they follow their dreams.
Although Defne did not initially pursue a career as a pilot, her goal is to ensure that other women in Turkey feel they can work in STEM fields, including aviation. She plans to pursue mechanical engineering in the future.
Defne's story is a testament to the power of inspiration and determination. She hopes to inspire young girls to dream big and break their own barriers, just as she did. Zehra Savas notes that women like Sabiha Gokcen prove that people should not automatically associate the role of a pilot with men. Defne Ozcan is indeed a beacon of hope for women in Turkey and beyond, showing that the sky is not the limit for those who dare to dream.
[1] Defne Ozcan's Ultralight Pilot License training [2] Defne Ozcan's first solo flight [3] Time magazine's list of Defne Ozcan as one of the 'Girls of the Year' [4] Defne Ozcan's interview with Time magazine
[1] Defne Ozcan, while pursuing her Ultralight Pilot License (UPL) studies in Turkey, underwent extensive training that consisted of 45 hours of theoretical courses on aviation law, operations planning, meteorology, communication, and emergency procedures, as well as 18 hours of flight training.
[2] At the tender age of 16, Defne Ozcan achieved her first solo flight, making her the youngest Turkish person to have done so. This significant milestone was a part of her UPL training.
