The language for all aviators and air traffic control officers (ATCOs) who wish to operate internationally is English. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has produced a creditable and expansive manual, which details future English-language communication requirements for aircraft operators. Those requirements come into effect on 5 March 2008.
The ICAO document, which details the English-language proficiency requirements is, to all intents and purposes, a Statement of Requirement. Training providers Worldwide, and the aviation industry as a whole, therefore need to adapt to meet the demand and the challenge faced by all concerned. The requirement is to raise standards in aviation communications globally, commonly referred to as Aviation English. However, there needs to be greater understanding that the term ‘Aviation English’ covers a considerably wider field of knowledge and expertise than many currently appreciate. The following is designed to provide some indication as to the degrees of enormity and complexity that the industry faces in contributing to, and in meeting the task of imposing safe English-language communication skills among...