English Language Proficiency Requirements

[planeenglish]

I am writing because it seems a lot of people do not know about these new requirements. ICAO has stipulated in Doc 9835/AN 453 that as of March 5, 2008 all pilots (PPL,CPL,ATPL aeroplane and helicopter) and all air traffic controllers must prove proficiency in the English language. This will be rated according to a scale and descriptors developed by specialists in linguistics (aviation related) and operations. This group, called Proficiency Requirements in Common English Study Group (PRICESG), developed this new method and ICAO has given its guidlines on how this language should be tested.

They then have left it upon the member states to decide whether to use a language testing body externally or internally resolve the matter. It has caused controversy, but it is there and we must deal with it. Even native speakers must prove proficiency. They recommend that a level four (operational) be re-tested every three years. A level five (extended) has been recommended to be re-tested every six years. A level six, or expert speaker, does not have to be re-tested.

I attended a JAA meeting where these standards and their adoption were being discussed and now the new NPA has been issued and it seems in September will be issued in the new FCLs.

I met an English CAA member and know that they are looking into what they should do about this new standard as well as the FAA.

I think that, as a teacher of aviation English this is a place for linguistic and operational people to work together to implement these standards fairly.

I am curious of your opinions on this.

Kind regards,
Plane English