A cornerstone of Turkish aviation, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev was born in 1878 in the Gedikpaşa district of Istanbul. After studying at Galatasaray High School and then the Military Academy, he joined the Ottoman Army in 1899 as a cavalry lieutenant. However, it was the skies where he truly left his mark.
The Ottoman Empire’s First Pilot Candidate Heads to France
In 1911, Fesa Evrensev ranked first in an exam held to meet the Ottoman Army’s need for pilots. He was sent to the Blériot Aéronautique Flight School in France. After intensive training there, he made his first flight over Turkish skies on April 26, 1912. Thus, Evrensev became known in Turkish aviation history as the holder of the “Pilot Badge No. 1.”
Serving in the Skies During the War Years
Fesa Evrensev supported the front lines with reconnaissance flights during the Balkan Wars and World War I. In 1914, he was captured by the Russians and sent to Siberia. However, he escaped in 1917 and returned home. He continued his heroic service in the skies during the Turkish War of Independence on the Western Front. Evrensev retired in 1925 with the rank of major but continued to contribute to Turkish aviation even after retirement.
Laying the Foundation of Civil Aviation
In 1933, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev was appointed the first general manager of the State Airlines, known today as Turkish Airlines (THY), playing a pioneering role in institutionalizing civil aviation in Turkey.
April 26 World Pilots’ Day: A Day to Honor Those Who Love the Sky
In honor of Fesa Evrensev’s historic flight on April 26, 1912, the Turkish Airline Pilots’ Association (TALPA) declared this date as “Pilots’ Day” in 2013. That same year, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) also recognized this meaningful day, and since 2014, it has been celebrated as World Pilots’ Day.
Pilots: The Silent Heroes of the Sky
Every April 26, pilots the backbone of aviation and their sacrifices are honored through various events. Pilots are not only the ones who fly aircraft; they carry longing, reunions, hope, and sometimes farewells. Their duty goes beyond flying; it is about carrying thousands of lives with responsibility.
From military missions to civilian flights, from training flights to search-and-rescue operations, pilots operate in many fields with unwavering commitment and quiet strength. We may not know them all or see their faces, but we hold the same gratitude for each one of them.
The Sky is in Safe Hands: Happy World Pilots’ Day to All Our Pilots
On this special day, we celebrate all our pilots on duty for World Pilots’ Day, remember those who are no longer with us with mercy, and extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to those still serving.
May the skies always be clear and your flights always safe.
We’re glad you’re here, and glad the sky is in your hands!
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor – mevlutzorr@gmail.com
Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.
