Before the new version was delivered to the air force, two experienced test pilots flew with them. One was a former Turkish Airforce pilot who became later TUSAŞ test pilot Murat Özpala, and the other was his instructor, who taught him how to test the aircraft, Giorgio Clementi.
Özpala attended the International Test Pilots School-ITPS to learn the methodology of testing aircraft. Mr Clementi was the president and CEO of ITPS.
Two pilots flew in Ankara; following the flight, Özpala wrote, “ It has been 10 years since my last test flight with him, which was my final check ride on the way to graduation as ITPS’s first experimental test pilot from Turkey 🇹🇷🦅🇹🇷 Thanks for this memorable test ride on my predatory bird HÜRKUŞ.”
Clementi’s experience with Hürkuş was worth taking note;
Always great to add another type to the logbook! Wonderful flight in the Turkish Aerospace Industries Hurkus with my brother Chief Fixed Wing Test Pilot Murat Ozpala! What a great airplane! Viceless handling from stall to Vne, effortless aerobatics with jet-like handling, conventional, predictable spin recovery, advanced avionics with Embedded Training System. Great visibility all round, no problem landing it from rear seat for the first time. Smooth, rapid acceleration with no swing on take-off or touch and go on power application. Best of all, a big spacious cockpit easily accommodating little ol’me! A great training airplane! I want one!”
