Originally Posted by ATC Watcher
The problem with multi lingual R/T is just the opposite : it is not dangerous and has not cost many lives as you say. If it had, then it would be easy to argue in the ICAO council everytime the subject comes on the table.
I cannot believe I've just read this, especially from someone with such experience.
1) Inex Adria DC9 v BEA Trident: Gradimir Tasic, when he realised what was happening, slipped back into Croat to give instructions to the DC9 - The BEA crew had no idea what was going on. Had they had the situational awareness of hearing what was happening it's possible things could have been different
2) SH360 Runway collision - LFPG. The streamline crew had no idea what was going on, again because of the dual language scenario.
Not many lives? 1 life is 1 too many - how many do you consider acceptable?