World’s Youngest Pilot

Being exposed to flying, her father’s main hobby, Isilay started taking pilot training courses at the age of two and spent about six years in the sky, in the company of an assistant pilot. She is currently in Turkey with her family, attending the Global Friendship Association Youth Space Summit camp, being held in Izmir. Gulsen Davaz said that their other daughter Nurbanu, 6, like her elder sister, had also begun to take flying courses.

Speaking to journalists before take-off, Isilay said that she was not afraid of flying and that her goal was to be the first Turkish astronaut. Isilay said, "Flying is not difficult. I think loving it is enough. I was born a pilot. My biggest goal is to become an astronaut. I want to be the first Turkish astronaut in space."

Cihan News Agency / Izmir / TURKEY