Aviation English and Communications Training for a Post Covid-19 Era

The global Covid-19 pandemic has required rapid adaptations to the delivery of Aviation English training.

Since the start of 2020, we have come to embrace Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) and seen how curriculum and content needs to be modified for online delivery. We have seen how e-Learning activities delivered via Learning Management Systems (LMS) with support from instructors can provide an effective means to support the English Language Proficiency (ELP) development of aviation professionals. And, as we have become increasingly aware that effective pilot-ATCO communication depends on more than just language proficiency, what does training need to address in the future?

This series of four virtual workshops led by expert guest facilitators explored these issues, and provided an opportunity to consider training needs and delivery methods for a post Covid-19 era.

Workshop 1: Thu 2 December
Designing productive exchanges between learners and instructors in online asynchronous settings

Workshop 2: Fri 3 December
Testing and training flight deck communications – an operational perspective

Workshop 3: Sat 4 December
Developing virtual instructor-led Aviation English lessons using authentic radiotelephony texts

Workshop 4: Sun 5 December
A mutual exchange: gaining the operational knowledge needed to be an English Language Expert, and, demystifying the voice in the headset

MORE INFORMATION

GLOBAL SURVEY

The effectiveness of ATC-pilot radio communication around the world

ICAEA is conducting an ongoing global survey of international pilots and air traffic controllers, to identify how effective radio communication is in different countries. The Association aims to use the results to report on emerging issues and possible ways to address them. The findings will also help to show how effectively the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements (LPRs) have been implemented in different countries.

The survey aims to answer these questions:

1. How effective is radio communication in different regions of the world?
2. Are there regions which would benefit from improving communication over the radio?
3. What are the main factors that cause ineffective radio communication?
4. How does ineffective radio communication affect operations?

The survey contains 10-12 questions and takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.

Participation is anonymous.

Are you a pilot or air traffic controller?

TAKE THE SURVEY

WEBINAR 9

Aviation and English:
Catching Up

SME and ELE discussion panel

Panel:
SMEs
Jacqueline Pulido (Pilot: Mexico), Thiago Silva (ATC: Brazil)
ELEs
Norma Bravo (Argentina), Neil Bullock (UK/Switzerland), Cecilia Denis (Argentina), Henry Emery (UK), Michael Kay (Australia/Thailand), Ana Monteiro (Brazil), Malila Prado (Brazil/China), Jennifer Roberts (USA)

This webinar reflected on some of the key points and discussions that have arisen during the ICAEA Webinar Series since June 2020. It looked at how we can maintain best practice approaches in the testing and training of aviation English communication skills in the present environment, and, how to continue adapting as the industry continues its recovery.

Issues that were explored in this session included:

1. the factors influencing the effectiveness of pilot-ATC communications,
2. synchronous and asynchronous language learning and practice,
3. the use of realworld examples in the development of testing materials, and,
4. building aviation discourse corpora to support the writing of training materials.

The session also provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions to the panel.

GUIDELINES

ICAEA’s Test Design Guidelines establish eight criteria for the design and recognition of valid and effective ICAO LPR tests. The TDGs explain the critical features that are necessary for the alignment of a test with the objectives of the LPRs and best practice in the specific-purpose language assessment of pilots and ATCOs.

The TDGs were produced in response to issues that have emerged since the introduction of the LPRs:

• to guide interpretation and application of ICAO Document 9835 (2010),
• to provide a common framework to analyse, evaluate and select LPR tests,
• thereby promote more uniform implementation of the ICAO LPR standards and foster greater confidence in testing systems, and,
• to recognise the effects that testing practice can have on test takers and training.

GO   TDG Video Intro & Objectives

GO   ICAO LPR Test Design Guidelines

WORKSHOPS

In 2019, ICAEA offered 4 practical workshops in Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America to introduce the TDGs to CAA LPR Focal Points, Airlines & ANSPs, Test Service Providers and other stakeholders.

Supported regionally by ICAO, over 200 participants attended these events which provided opportunities for hands-on familiarisation and discussion of the Guidelines, and the sharing of experience.

GO   TDG Workshops 2019

GO   TDG Handbook & Presentations

8 – 10 May, 2019
Chiba, Tokyo – Japan

As industry growth and the number of non-native English speaking personnel entering the industry accelerates particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, this conference explored the language proficiency and communications training needs of two important groups of personnel:

• ab-initio pilots and ATCOs as they prepare for and undergo training to enter the industry, and,
• aircraft maintenance personnel engaged in all aspects of MRO operations.

ICAEA’s 2019 Conference comprised Presentations, Q&A Panels, practical Workshops, and a social programme that included a dinner banquet and traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. With over 100 participants from more than 35 countries, this was ICAEA’s first event in Asia for 7 years. Considering the enthusiasm for the conference and the lively exchange of experiences during sessions, a follow-up event is planned in Asia in the near future.