Uzeyir Kardas

With a deep-rooted passion for the Cappadocia landscape that began in his childhood, Uzeyir Keles is celebrated for his surgical precision in the air. Having been a licensed tour guide before becoming a pilot, Uzeyir possesses an intimate knowledge of the "hidden corners" of the valleys—valleys he now navigates with expert ease at low altitudes. Uzeyir is known among passengers and peers for his mastery of valley flying. While many pilots stay high for safety, Uzeyir’s technical skill allows him to "brush the treetops" and dip into the narrow canyons of the Red and Rose Valleys, providing his passengers with the most dramatic photographic opportunities in the region. His calm demeanor and focus on the "perde arkası" (behind the scenes) safety of every flight have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable captains in the Goreme skies. Why he’s a legend: His ability to read the wind currents like a map allows him to navigate the tightest rock formations, offering a technical flight experience that few others can replicate.