The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set its standards and requisite barriers to entry for those working in the aviation industry or flying internationally. A very important aspect of training is being able to communicate effectively on a daily basis with what is termed as ICAO Language. This post will answer the question, what is aviation English and how such qualifications can be achieved. 

Aviation English courses prepares Aviation professionals and who are aspiring to become one, for being the most effective in the industry. Students will gain an additional skill for work purposes as well as a Language to cross communication borders.

Is English the official language of aviation?

The ICAO has made it mandatory for the English Language to be the international Language medium for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers and other Flight Crew Members. There has been an effort to improve operational standards in making this adjustment.  Aviation English training plays an important role in structuring the development of the industry as well as exposing students to native speakers. 

This international transition to the English Language, as the mode of communication for air traffic control, came about as a result, of concerns regarding how effective information is passed and understood at varying levels. These uncertainties could not be tolerated considering the sensitive job of transporting passengers and preserving the lives of all that are involved in the aviation industry.

What are Pilots English Language Proficiency Requirements?

In order to begin this programme students must have Basic level English Language proficiency in TOEIC, IELTS, or TOEFL. The course does not focus on all aspects of English Language, just the needed aspects covering Language skills for emergency situations and other general tenets of the ICAO. At the end of these courses, students will be functional in conveying native English speaking regarding correct pronunciations and context where aviation English jobs are concerned. 

What is Test of English for Aviation?

The Aviation English test provides the needed language proficiency requirements for aviation licensing. It focuses on communication skills for the operational environment. Aviation English teachers question students based on daily scenarios in the work environment and how to handle such eventualities. Native English speaking is broken down on the basis of English for Aviation courses. The course time is not spent on all professional areas of the Language. 

What is the difference ICAO and IATA?

There are 2 bodies that play critical roles in the aviation world. The ICAO streamlines all the policies and procedures for and about those involved in the aviation sector. On the other hand, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) speaks on behalf of and monitors the respective operational airlines.

ICAO focuses on the development of aviation structures such as global planning, safety and security in air navigation. ICAO produces standards and recommendations from the 192 Member States. These standards act as the guiding principles for players within the industry, to create a safe, efficient, and mutually beneficial approach to travelling. Particular emphasis is also placed on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices all regulators must adhere to.

The ICAO has seven regional locations namely: Bangkok, Cairo, Dakar, Lima, Mexico, Nairobi, and Paris. These locations all report to the headquarters in Montreal, Canada. 

IATA represents approximately 290 airlines and supports initiatives that create policies and handle aviation issues as they arise. This group facilitates all the necessary consultations and needed information that airlines require to be most effective and are abreast of all regulations.

What is ICAO Level 4?

The ICAO has formulated various levels of English proficiencies called ‘Holistic Descriptors.’ Proficiency is based on effective communication face to face, via the phone or another medium; being able to convey and resolve issues in the work environment, as well as a focus on dialect and accents being clear for aviation messaging. 

The ICAO Level 4 is the popular course choice for such professionals. It encompasses 6 units for aviation English training, namely: pronunciation, basic grammar structures, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. ICAO English ensures that students are taught how to conduct themselves in whatever scenarios that may arise. They are exposed to understanding varying ways of communicating information in emergency cases and how to proceed with giving instructions and descriptions where necessary. 

Air traffic Language constitutes a universal understanding; therefore, an emphasis is placed on how accents must not cloud clarity with communication. Students are assisted in coping methods to handle misunderstandings and are to employ strategies such as slowing speech or requesting clarifications when needed.

Please take look at our Aviation English courses to learn more.

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