Turkey's and NATO's First Female Jet Pilot: Leman Bozkurt Altınçekiç
In the annals of aviation history, the name Leman Bozkurt stands out as a beacon of inspiration and determination. Born on November 1, 1932, in Kars, Sarıkamış, Bozkurt's life took a transformative turn when women were admitted to the Turkish Armed Forces in 1954.
After completing her glider training at Türkkuşu İnönü Facilities following her high school graduation, Bozkurt joined the Türkkuşu Motor School as a teacher candidate. Her journey in the skies began in earnest when she graduated from Izmir Air Force Academy on August 30, 1957, having completed her training with propeller aircraft.
Bozkurt's groundbreaking achievement came on November 22, 1958, when she completed jet training in Eskişehir and became Turkey's first female jet pilot. This milestone extended beyond national borders, making her the first female jet pilot of NATO as well. Her accomplishments were further recognised with the title of "Turkey and NATO's First Female Jet Pilot."
Lieutenant Colonel Burhan Göksel, the Commander of Türkkuşu, presented Bozkurt with her jet pilot badge at a ceremony, addressing her as his daughter and expressing immense pride in her achievement. Bozkurt flew on F-84 and T-33 jet planes for 9 years, making significant contributions to Turkish aviation.
However, it's important to note that Sabiha Gökçen, born in 1913 in Bursa, Turkey, was the first female jet pilot globally. A trailblazer in military aviation history, Gökçen was the world's first female fighter pilot, having joined the Turkish Air Force in 1936. Throughout her career, she flew over 8,000 hours on 22 different types of aircraft, including 32 hours in active combat and bombardment missions.
Bozkurt retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel and served as Personnel Plan Branch Manager and Central Branch Manager. Tragically, she passed away on May 4, 2001, in Izmir, Turkey.
Sources: - Türki̇ye Ve Nato'nun İlk Kadın Jet Savaş Pi̇lotu: Leman Bozkurt Altınçekiç - Fark Yaratanlar-Röportaj (09.07.2022) -
- The journey of Leman Bozkurt, a pioneer in aviation education, was significantly influenced by the admission of women to the Turkish Armed Forces in 1954.
- Bozkurt's accomplishments in the aviation industry, including becoming Turkey's first female jet pilot in 1958, have left an indelible mark in the annals of aviation history.
- Bozkurt's contributions to the aviation sector, particularly in the field of technology with her expertise in jet planes, were profound and far-reaching.
- Despite Bozkurt's significant achievements, it's imperative to acknowledge Sabiha Gökçen, the world's first female fighter pilot, who paved the way for women in aviation and women's health.
- Following her retirement from the Air Force, Bozkurt ventured into health-and-wellness and industry sectors, demonstrating her versatility beyond aviation.
