Dear
atco112 and all,
I believe I may be of some assistance here. What
side saddled writes is a bit wrong. ICAO (and subsequently JAA/EASA) have guidelines specific to Aviation English in document 9835. I can tell you that according to the requirements reading and writing mean nothing. Your literacy should not be in question. These new standards deal solely with radio communications when radiotelephone standard phraseologies do not suffice. England, from when I spoke with the member from the CAA, seems to be using their usual technique for testing R/T For those who fall under level 6 Expert-THIS DOES NOT MEAN NATIVE SPEAKER!- (Many non-native speakers have level 6 proficiency and many native speakers have less!) will then be sent to test for specific proficiency through an accredited school.
The test, according to ICAO, must be specifically designed to follow the guidelines. EUROCONTROL has the ELPAC test which is a spin-off of their famous PELA exam which they changed to conform to the new standards.
It is much more complicated than most people care to believe. Perhaps in 2008 more people will begin to listen, just when it is too late.
Each country must adopt their own method of testing. If you would like more specific information PM me or look here...
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=233246
and here......
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=230474
Best to all,
PE