World pilots day

Hello WanOnTheRoad Fam, here another article about the world pilots day, hope you find all the information you needed.

The role of pilots, including commercial pilots, flight instructors, private flight crew, fighter jet pilots and recreational pilots, is recognized across the globe during International Pilots’ Day, which takes place on April 26 each year. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this particular celebration?  

World Pilots’ Day originated through the efforts of the Turkish Association of Airline Pilots to honor Fesa Evrensev, Turkey’s first pilot, who made his inaugural flight on April 26, 1912. The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations proposed April 26 as a date to annually recognize the role of all pilots worldwide. Since World Pilots’ Day was first proposed, pilots’ associations, airlines and other aviation organizations globally have adopted it to honor pilots. World Pilots’ Day was celebrated for the first time in Istanbul/Turkey in 2014.

Celebrated annually on April 26 for nearly a decade, World Pilots’ Day honors the men and women who keep passengers flying safely through the skies.

The history behind World Pilots’ Day

Since his first day in the Academy, it was clear Fesa was destined to fly. He was the best student in the pilot class and passed the final exam with the highest evaluation. Shortly after, Fesa was appointed General Manager of the State Airlines Administration An essential role in establishing this day as the world pilots’ day was played by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association (IFALPA). This association dates back to 1948 when a conference of pilots’ associations was held in London. The conference aimed at providing all pilots in the world with a formal means to interact with the newly established International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As for now, 104 pilots associations have joined IFALPA, which has come to represent more than 100,000 pilots worldwide.

On this very day in 1912, a young Turkish pilot took his first flight. His name was Fesa Evrensev. This man was born in 1878 in Istanbul, Turkey. After graduating, he decided to pursue a military career. Therefore, he joined the Military Academy and graduated as a Cavalry Lieutenant, which then evolved into what we now know as Turkish Airlines. Throughout his career, Fesa held different positions within the Turkish Aeronautical Association, making him one of the most prominent figures in the aviation world.

Who is Fesa ?

Mehmet Fesa Evrensev was born in 1878 in the Gedikpasa district of Istanbul. After  Galatasaray High School, he entered the Military Academy and graduated as Cavalry Lieutenant in 1899. In 1911, he won the exam for trainee pilot and was sent to France for flight training. After returning to Turkey, he served in a number of flight with duty as fleet commander during the Balkan War. During the First World War, he was assigned to the Caucasian Front. Evrensev’s ship was attacked by the Russians near Amasra and those on the sunken ship were captured by the Russians. Evrensev lived in captivity for about five years in Siberia. Then Evrensev survived by escaping from Siberia in 1920 and returned to Turkey. Fesa Evrensev who is Turkey’s first pilot lost his life on April 9, 1951.

We wish all pilots a wonderful day, and we thank them for their dedication and professionalism.

Always, Happy Landings!