First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

Air Major Esra Özatay, the first Turkish female air demonstration pilot and a member of the Turkish Stars, -theTurkish Air Forces' aerobatics team- will take part in May 19 commemoration team that will perform in northern city of Samsun.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

The 38-year old Özatay reminded that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk initiated the War of Independence from Samsun on May 19, 1919, and it is an honor to fly with the Turkish Stars first time as a female pilot, although there are many female pilots serving in the air forces.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

Team Commander Air Colonel Zeki Koltukoğlu emphasized the coincidence between Özatay's first performance and May 19, adding that it is a good example of Atatürk's emphasis on woman.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

The team visited the tomb of Captain Ümit Özer located in Samsun, the only casualty recorded in the 23 year-longhistory of the Turkish Stars.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

The team also presented their hat to Fayzanur Türe, a young physically disabled girl who came to watch their rehearsal.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

Özatay in military uniform in 2001.

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration

First Turkish female air demonstration pilot to take part in May 19 commemoration