Leman Altınçekiç facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leman Altınçekiç
|
|
|---|---|
A photo of Leman Altınçekiç from the 1950s
|
|
| Born |
Leman Bozkurt
1932 Sarıkamış, Kars Province, Turkey
|
| Died | 4 May 2001 (aged 68–69) |
| Occupation | Jet pilot |
| Known for | First female jet pilot in NATO. |
Leman Bozkurt Altınçekiç (1932–2001) was a truly amazing person! She made history by becoming the very first female jet pilot in the Turkish Air Force and for NATO. Imagine flying a super-fast jet – she was the first woman to do it in her country!
Contents
Leman's Early Life and Dreams
Leman Bozkurt was born in 1932 in a place called Sarıkamış, which is in Kars Province, Turkey. After finishing high school at a girls' school in İstanbul, she decided to follow her dreams of flying.
She applied to the Turkish Aeronautical Association's training center in İnönü. There, she trained to become a glider pilot. Gliders are planes that fly without an engine, using air currents!
Becoming a Military Pilot
In 1954, the Turkish Air Force decided to allow women to join. Leman was one of the first to apply! She became the very first female student at the military flight school in İzmir.
From 1955 to 1957, she learned to fly planes that used propellers. At first, the school didn't have a place for female students to stay. So, Leman lived as a guest with an officer's family.
Graduating and Flying Jets
On August 30, 1957, Leman proudly graduated as a military pilot. While five other women later joined the school, Leman was the only one who went on to join the aviation unit in Eskişehir.
In Eskişehir, she trained to become a jet pilot. This was a huge step! On November 22, 1958, she earned the rank of second lieutenant. Until 1967, she flew powerful jet planes like the Republic F-84 Thunderjet and the Lockheed T-33. Later in her career, she worked in staff roles. She retired as a senior air colonel, a very high rank!
Leman's Personal Life
In 1959, Leman Bozkurt married Tahir Altınçekiç, who was also a colleague in Eskişehir. She passed away on May 4, 2001, in İzmir. She was laid to rest in Karabağlar Cemetery.
A Lasting Legacy
Leman Altınçekiç left an important mark on history. On December 1, 1984, Turkey celebrated 50 years since women gained the right to vote. On this special day, Leman was invited to the Turkish parliament. She received an award for being the first woman in her profession. Her bravery and determination continue to inspire many people today.
