The problem for many Brits is not the amount of French they can muster to get themselves in and out of the circuit, but understanding the locals on the radio, especially if the airfield is on 123.5.
It's one thing to order a meal in a restaurant, but understanding what's going on for les rosbifs, especially without the benefit of face to face communication, becomes too much for some.
The French have every right to expect the courtesy of French where it is published to be in use.