Air sports cover disciplines based on gliding or free fall: paragliding, skydiving, gliders, ballooning and model aviation. In Türkiye they are largely governed by the Turkish Aeronautical Association and federation rules.

For beginners the usual entry point is a tandem flight with a certified pilot, which requires no prior training. Flying solo requires a staged training programme and a licence.

Air sport disciplines

ParaglidingFoot-launched from a slope; tandem flights are the most common first experience.

SkydivingAircraft exit, with tandem and AFF (accelerated free fall) training paths.

GlidingEngineless soaring; requires thermal reading and meteorology knowledge.

BallooningEarly-morning flights that follow the wind.

Wingsuit & acrobaticsAdvanced disciplines with strict jump-count and proficiency requirements.

What to check when choosing an air sports operator

Here, document checks are mandatory rather than optional:

Pilot licence and tandem rating; flight hours and last check date.
Wing/parachute maintenance records and reserve repack date.
Insurance: is there flight-specific cover, and what is its scope?
Weather decisions: refund or reschedule policy when a flight is cancelled.
Whether take-off and landing areas are officially designated flight sites.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need training for a paragliding flight?

Not for a tandem: the pilot flies, and you follow instructions during the run-up and landing. Flying solo requires staged pilot training and a licence.

How does weather affect the flight?

Wind direction and strength, visibility and thermal conditions decide whether a flight goes ahead. Cancellation can happen at short notice for safety; the listing states what happens then.

Are there age or health requirements?

Many operators require parental consent under 16-18 and may ask for medical clearance for older participants. Consult a doctor if you have cardiovascular conditions, recent surgery or are pregnant.