Whats is the correct interpretation of "Language Proficiency: English"
as endorsed in the UK License?
"Language Proficiency: English" marked on a UK issued JAR Licence simply
means that, sometime in the past, the holder was deemed to be
Level 4 or higher.
A bit of background (from memory only so may not be 100% correct):
When the Language Proficiency requirement came in the UK CAA decided
not to indicate the level of proficiency on the actual Licence - but to keep a
record themselves.
All pilots who had a UK FRTOL were automatically deemed to be Level 4.
UK Examiners (who had to be recorded as Level 6 themselves) were
empowered to assess if candidates were Level 6 - if not Level 6 then a
Language School assessment would be required.
As most Ratings were valid for one year, the SEP for two years, then it
was anticipated that the bulk of pilots would be in contact with Examiners
during the validity period of their existing Level 4 LP and the Examiner
would assess their actual level and, if 6, report this to CAA as part of
Rating renewal/revalidation paperwork.
This did not always happen and, even if it did, the CAA often omitted to
record it on their database - and with no level being indicated on the
actual Licence pilots ended up being totally unaware what, if any, valid
Language Proficiency they had.
With the change to EASA and the LP level being stated on the Licence the
CAA will only issue a new Part-FCL Licence if they already hold on record
a valid proficiency level, or if they receive a new official notification of
level along with the Licence application.