Father-daughter in the cockpit

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) student Buse Köksal, who dreamed of being a pilot like her father since her childhood, achieved her goal by not giving up her passion for a moment, and flew with her father in the same cockpit. Köksal, who could not forget the days when she wore his father's pilot uniform when she was only 6 years old, and even resigned from the company she worked for and went to America for pilot training, proved that nothing can withstand the power of determination. Working with her father Ufuk Köksal in the same airline company, and flying together to many destinations around the world such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, Buse said, "I decided to follow my dreams during my university days. I am very happy to be able to do the job that I wanted so much with my father. "I will never forget my father saying 'Good landing, girl' on the radio on my first flight."

Buse Köksal (30), from Izmir, started to dream of becoming a pilot like her father, Ufuk Köksal (57), who was a soldier at the time, when she was still in primary school. However, when Father Köksal, who knew all the difficulties of the profession, suggested that she choose another profession, Buse Köksal preferred IUE Department of Computer Engineering in 2009. Standing out with her studies at the university, Köksal successfully completed her education in 2014.

SHE RESIGNED AND WENT AFTER HER DREAM

After graduating, Köksal started working in a company as a software developer. Continuing her success in education in her professional life, Köksal could not suppress her passion for piloting. Köksal, who made a radical decision and resigned from the company she worked for, told her father that she wanted to go to the United States (USA) for pilot training. In the face of her daughter's insistence, Ufuk Köksal accepted the offer and provided all the necessary support for her daughter's education. After completing her education in the USA and getting her license, Buse Köksal returned to Turkey in June 2018. Köksal, who saw that the airline company where his father was working at that time was hiring pilots, applied immediately. Having passed the interviews successfully, and becoming a pilot she had dreamed of for years in 2019, and Köksal made her first flight to the Netherlands.

I WAS WALKING AROUND HOME, SAYING 'I'M FLYING'

Saying that she loves flying and that doing her dream job makes her happy, Köksal said, “When I was little, I used to wear my father's uniform and walk around the house shouting "I'm flying". Flying, being in the air was my passion. There were those who believed that I would lose this enthusiasm one day, but I never gave up on this passion. Of course, I could not dream of flying with my father, but I was fortunate to experience this privilege, this incredible feeling. My father is my greatest teacher, my childhood hero. It is an indescribable feeling to work in the same profession with my father, whom I trust very much. When I made my first flight, my father was also going to Trabzon. I was surprised and very happy when he said, "Good luck, my girl" while talking on the radio. I can say it was one of the most memorable moments of my life.”

TO GIVE UP IS TO LOSE

Köksal continued as follows: “Piloting is a very important profession with lots of responsibilities. I feel it every time I get on a plane. I concentrate, I focus on doing my job that I love so much in the best way. I approach my work with the same seriousness whether I have my father by my side or not. Studying at Izmir University of Economics also contributed a lot to me. I received my pilot training in the USA, but I laid a strong academic foundation at my university. I was very happy at university. But being a pilot was a completely different feeling for me. I recommend especially young people to follow their dreams and goals. They should remember that life can open new doors no matter what. To give up, to get tired means to lose in a sense. My story is a good example in this respect.”

IT IS A WONDERFUL FEELING

Stating that being in the same cockpit with his daughter was a wonderful feeling, Father Ufuk Köksal said, “When my daughter said she wanted to become a pilot before she attended university, I didn't look kindly on her decision. I thought she could be successful as an engineer as well. Because his capacity and talent in this field was quite high. However, when she showed interest in piloting even after graduation, I did not remain indifferent to this situation and supported her all the way.  I am proud of my daughter. I can objectively say that she is a very successful pilot. Being able to fly with my daughter and being in the same cockpit is an indescribable and wonderful feeling. We are experiencing a rare feeling. I continue to share my experiences with my daughter. Sometimes when we sit together, when we eat at home, we talk about flights, about our experiences. It is very nice to share these with my colleague who is also my daughter. As a father, I feel special because I have experienced this feeling.”