Toprak Mert Yürekli Flying since the age of 10!

What inspired you to start flying?

I can honestly say I grew up in aviation. At just 10 years old, I took my first microlight flight with my father, Onur Yürekli. My family owned the very first sports airpark in Bursa, so my childhood was spent on runways and in hangars.

In 2017, we moved to Bursa Yunuseli Airport, where my father and uncle, Burak Yürekli, founded Turkey’s first licensed sports aviation and aerial advertising company. At 17, I joined as an intern, and in 2021 our company became an authorized flight school. That same year, I began training and soon earned my license—becoming the youngest pilot in Turkey.

Since then, I’ve flown with hundreds of passengers and shared with them the love of aviation that my father passed on to me. That’s why meeting Ellipse means so much—its vision of aviation mirrors exactly what my family and I believe in.

Do you remember your first flight? And your first solo flight?

Yes—very clearly. My first flight was in a microlight with my father’s instructor. A grass runway, fresh air, and for a 10-year-old, a surprising amount of g-force! I was nervous at takeoff, but the thrill quickly turned into joy. I was hooked immediately.

My first solo flight, at 17, was in a red top-wing ultralight. I remember thinking: “Now it’s just me—no one to fix my mistakes.” The anxiety vanished as soon as I started the engine, replaced by focus and confidence. Flying alone felt like a huge step into adulthood. When I landed, my friends celebrated in the traditional way—by spraying me with a hose. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

What brought you to the Czech Republic to learn more about Ellipse?

When I first saw Ellipse, I realized an aircraft can be more than engineering—it can have a soul. Just a single photo revived the childhood dream of flying inside me.

Ellipse’s elegant lines, compact design, and aerodynamics instantly made me say: “This is it!” It is not just a flying machine; it embodies the simplicity, beauty, and freedom of flight. Its spirit is exactly how I’ve always felt about aviation.

That’s why I wanted to join the Ellipse family. Ellipse isn’t only an aircraft manufacturer—it represents a culture and a community. I want to live this spirit and share it with others.

As a pilot and instructor, why will others love flying Ellipse?

Pilots will be drawn to Ellipse for its balance and the sense of confidence it provides. In sports aviation, the joy of flight is essential, but Ellipse adds something more—carefully thought-out engineering.

Features like slotted wings and Fowler flaps improve takeoff and landing while keeping the aircraft safe and controllable at low speeds. The T-tail not only offers aerodynamic advantages but also gives the aircraft a distinctive look.

In the air, Ellipse feels predictable, stable, and inspiring. In Turkey, pilots place great value on safety and pleasure—Ellipse exceeds expectations in both. It’s an aircraft that truly lives up to the motto: “Pleasant and safe flight.”

What are your plans to introduce Ellipse in Turkey?

My first priority is to let people feel the true spirit of Ellipse. Nearly half of today’s active sports pilots in Turkey trained with us, so I already know their habits and needs.

We’ll organize demo days and special flights—because to understand Ellipse, you need to sit in the cockpit, take off, and feel its character yourself. We’ll also showcase Ellipse at festivals and aviation events across Turkey.

And of course, we’ll back this up with strong after-sales and maintenance support. For me, it’s not just about presenting an aircraft—it’s about building a culture of flight.

Can you tell us about your home airport, Bursa Yunuseli? Why should pilots visit?

Bursa Yunuseli Airport has a unique place in Turkish aviation history. It is considered Turkey’s first official landing strip, and it’s where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk welcomed his adopted daughter, Sabiha Gökçen. This connection makes Yunuseli not only an airport, but a symbol of our aviation heritage.

Its location is strategic—close to Istanbul, the Marmara Sea, Uludağ Mountain, and the Aegean region. It offers stunning flying opportunities and easy traffic management. The airport itself has a wide apron, long runway, and all the infrastructure for safe operations.

With our experienced team, we provide professional training and support here. For those test-flying Ellipse, Yunuseli is the perfect place—where history meets modern aviation.

In conclusion—anything else you’d like to share?

From the very first moment, Ellipse was more than just a business opportunity for me—it was something personal. Ellipse isn’t only about technical perfection; it carries a design philosophy that speaks to the pilot’s soul.

For me, bringing Ellipse to Turkey is about much more than airplanes. It’s about sharing the joy of flight, inspiring future generations, and growing our aviation culture.

Through demo flights, fairs, and aviation events, we will show pilots that Ellipse is not just a machine—it’s an experience, a culture, and a spirit.

Looking ahead, my dream is to spread this spirit to more people and help Turkish aviation reach new heights with Ellipse. I truly believe this journey will leave a lasting mark on our community, and I can’t wait to share it.