Frequently Asked Questions

The questions pilots coming here ask most often, with short answers. Each answer links to the page with the detail.

Licence, registration and documents

What licence do I need to fly at Babadağ?

At least P3. A P3 pilot may fly solo on a single seat wing under their own responsibility. P2 pilots may fly only from the altitude and within the wind limits that instructor pilots consider suitable. Training and levels

Do I have to register?

Yes. Since 2022 entry to the takeoffs is controlled by turnstiles, and the gate opens only for a pilot registered in the system who has opened a flight for that day. Without registration you cannot launch even if you get up the mountain. Flight registration

Is insurance required?

Yes. Amateur pilots are responsible for holding personal accident insurance and keeping it current. Local rules

I am a foreign national, is there anything extra?

The licence and insurance requirements are the same. Beyond that you may fly on condition that you comply with the civil aviation rules published in the Turkish AIP and in the directive. Flight registration

Can I fly tandem?

An amateur pilot may not carry out commercial tandem flights. A non commercial tandem flight requires at least a Tandem certificate, and notification must be given to the Slot Service Centre at least five days beforehand. Flight registration

Takeoffs and wind

How many takeoffs are there?

Five: 1200, 1700, 1800, 1900 North and 1900 Patara. They face different directions, so a change of wind direction does not end the day, it just changes the site. Takeoff sites

Which site works in which wind?

Southerly winds suit 1700, west and southwest 1200, northerlies 1800 and 1900 North, and easterly or southeasterly 1900 Patara. Site by wind direction

What is the maximum wind limit?

25 km/h, that is 7 m/s. Above that there is no launching, and the limit is the same at every site. For students flying solo the limit is 15 km/h. Live readings at the sites

What does a red flag mean?

No launching. A green flag means the site is not closed; the final decision to fly rests with the pilot and the operator. The Slot Service Centre publishes a separate flag decision for each site. Airspace

Getting up and costs

Can I drive up the mountain myself?

No. Private vehicles may not enter or park in the takeoff area. Pilots arriving in a hire car have to leave it below. Getting there

How far does the cable car go?

To 1700 metres. The main takeoff, 1700, is right next to the top station. Cable car

How do I get to the upper sites?

By the shuttle that leaves from the 1700 cable car station. It is free for pilots, but only pilots who came up by cable car may use it. Shuttle

What does it cost?

For the 2026 season, site use for a solo flight is 900 TL and the cable car return is 890 TL. Prices are reported to rise around 40 percent a year, so confirm at the start of the season. Costs

Landing

Where do I land?

At Belcekız, in one of four areas lined up along the shore on the sea side of the boulevard. This guide codes them A, B, C and D. Landing areas

How is the approach flown?

The approach runs along the land side of the areas, flown from west to east. The turn into wind is left until last: you turn towards the sea in the final two or three metres as you enter the area. Landing pattern

What if I cannot reach Belcekız?

The alternatives are Butterfly Valley and Kabak. You have to decide to divert while you still have height. Alternative landing areas

Can I do acro or SIV?

There is an area set aside for it: a defined SIV and acro box over the sea, stated as safe below 1000 metres. Pilots on a normal landing approach should stay out of that box. Special use areas

Timing

When should I come?

If it is your first time here, September and October are the most settled. For XC, May, June and October. For calm flying and low traffic, the winter months. Season guide

What time of day should I fly?

In summer, early morning. The sea breeze pushes at the 25 km/h limit around midday and the sites can close. Here the hour is often more decisive than the month. The rhythm of the day

How many flights a day can I make?

At most five. Local rules

When is the last launch?

Flights take place between sunrise and sunset. The last launch may be made 30 minutes before sunset, coordinated with the Slot Service Centre. Night flying is prohibited. Flying hours

Equipment

Is a radio mandatory?

Yes, you must carry a radio on all flights. There is no common frequency set for pilots here though, so agree one with your group in advance. Safety

Where can I get my reserve repacked?

Reserve repacks, wing checks, line measurement and repairs are all available locally. Equipment and service

Is a helmet mandatory?

Yes, in every phase of the flight. Safety equipment