New civil aviation English test for pilots
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 9 August 2006


THE INTERNATIONAL Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has informed its membership of 189 nations of its new English proficiency requirement for pilots and air traffic controllers. By March 2008, they must have at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency to qualify for their licence.

Using a scale of one to six, with six being the highest level of English, candidates will be tested on their language skills. A lowest level of four is needed to qualify for the respective licences.

Civil aviation adopts English as its working language worldwide.

The new ICAO rule resulted from a need to spruce up the standard of English, both spoken and written, among pilots and air traffic controllers. This is borne out by the impact recent events had on safety in air travel.

In the past decade, ICAO recorded 1,500 fatalities globally caused by poor communications between pilots and the control tower. Moreover, international standard of communication in English has become increasingly critical with new airlines taking off in Asian and other traditionally non-English-speaking countries.

An acceptable international standard means proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English. Proficiency also requires a knowledge of air traffic parlance and proper pronounciation.

Singapore Airlines supports the ICAO move according to its Vice-President for Public Relations, Mr Stephen Forshaw. So does the International Air Transport Association of 261 world airlines. But most Singapore's pilots and controllers are already using a high level of English due to their professional entry requirements. Therefore, they should qualify for the ICAO test.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will be assessing soon, about 2,500 pilots and some 200 controllers. Those who fail the test will have to attend remedial lessons.

Recently, the Singapore Aviation Academy in Changi organised a meeting of representatives from 31 nations, ICAO and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations. Delegates discussed the issue and its implications facing airlines and airports.

SOURCE: International Civil Aviation Organisation/Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

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