www.rmitenglishworldwide.com

Aviation English Testing and Training Solutions

for the International Aviation Industry

Grant Taylor

RMIT University

Melbourne, Australia

APATS, Singapore

August 2016

The English Language:

Significance for the Aviation Industry

• Adopted by industry as a common language for operations and training.

• Enables industries such as Aviation to engage cooperatively and globally in

an age of shrinking international borders.

• As the industry grows English as the common language will be more critical.

• This is especially relevant given the cross-cultural human resources needed

for the aviation industry to achieve international objectives.

• Currently evident in the English language proficiency requirements (LPRs)

for pilots and ATCOs driven by ICAO and the concern for safety.

• Language Policy to develop English language proficiency of all industry

employees should be an essential strategic element in meeting growth

targets and business objectives.

The ongoing implementation of ICAO Language

Proficiency Requirements

2016: I-HELPP to be launched at 39th Assembly

2011-2015: ICAO ELP workshops, rated speech samples

2011: ICAO Aviation English Language Test Service

2008 & 2011: SARPs applicable

2005-2008: Test development, initial State implementation

2003 & 2004: Adoption of LPRs & ICAO Doc 9835 released

2000-2003: PRICE study group

Why is ICAO still concerned about the

implementation of LPRs?

‘ICAO Member States continue to find the oversight of language proficiency

assessment challenging because:

• dependable aviation language testing expertise is scarce

• the aviation language testing industry is unregulated

Only the RELTA and ELPAC tests, have been recognised to fully conform with

ICAO SARPs for LPRs and ICAO Doc 9835.’

Nicole Barrette, Technical Specialist (Licensing and Training Standards)

ICAO Inter-regional English Language Proficiency Workshop

Kuwait, November 9th 2015

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

I-HELPP is a new and enhanced tool which will assist States toeffectively oversee and administer the implementation of LPRs byassisting to convert/validate language proficiency endorsement in amore effective and efficient manner.

It will reduce States’ resource requirements.

Additionally, it will also raise awareness and help to implement best practices in aviation language testing.

I-HELPP was approved by the Secretary General in March 2015.

I-HELPP consists of three components: GATEWAY, Awareness & AELTS

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

Gateway is a database of test results of recognised tests which can

be accessed by individuals and CAAs.

It is a tool to provide evidence that a pilot or controller has been

assessed through a quality process thereby supporting endorsement.

It is a service provided on a voluntary basis.

GATEWAY

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

ICAO will help raise awareness regarding the LPRs, and best practices for language testing,

including providing guidance on the development of effective tests.

• Launch 39th Session of the Assembly (Sept 2016)

• LPR Symposium Raise awareness of CAAs of LPRs as safety issue (Early 2017)

• Regional Workshops Assist CAAs to effectively oversee language proficiency

assessment

• Webinars Assist stakeholders in regards to best practices for aviation

English language testing

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

• Service will continue as the goal is to have more tests conform with

ICAO SARPs. ICAO encourages States to put their tests forward for

recognition.

• Enhancements to the service will be made taking into consideration

lessons learned since the inception of the programme.

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

ICAO’s Aviation English Language Testing Service (AELTS)

What is ICAO doing about the situation?

ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP)

Currently focuses on:

• legislation and administrative implementation of regulations

• the mechanics of placing LPR scores on licences

65.38% of States have implemented a system for formally evaluating

language proficiency.

Protocol questions to be reviewed to

include evidence of:

• the quality of test being used

• validity and reliability of the test to

achieve standardised results

What are the benefits of using an English language

proficiency test recognised by ICAO?

Using a valid and reliable English language proficiency test solution can:

• Allow CAAs to efficiently and confidently comply with ICAO language

proficiency SARPS and safety audit requirements.

• Give airlines the opportunity to promote their airline as only using the

highest quality standards to ensure safety.

• Provide CAAs confidence in operating air traffic management

systems with a minimised risk of miscommunication during

unexpected non-routine situations.

• Allow pilots and air traffic controllers in different airspace worldwide to

communicate effectively in all air traffic management situations.

• Increase global career mobility opportunities for pilots and controllers.

Maintaining and building Aviation English

language proficiency

“It is important therefore, where language proficiency is part of a

career-long requirement, for it to be considered over time, with

periodic renewals of assessment associated with the provision

of sufficient opportunities for practice and skill-refreshment.”

(ICAO Doc 9835 – 2.6.4)

RMIT Training Pty Ltd

ICAO Circular 323: Guidelines for Aviation

English Training Programmes

1313/09/2016

• Defines best practice

• Assists Training Managers

• Training design & development

• Training delivery

• Trainer profiles

• Trainer training

• Operational relevance of content

• Training to be predominantly communicative

• Effectiveness of blended learning

• Motivation and commitment

• Monitoring, feedback, review & adjustment

How to collaborate with the Aviation industry to

implement the benefits of Aviation English training?

Aviation Industry Experts

Aviation English Experts

• Identify English language needs

of specific professions

• Determine context of language

course modules based on work

practices and professional

standards together with SMEs

• Devise tailored language learning activities in work related context at

appropriate language learning level

• Provide flexible delivery modes (book-based, online, blended) and

duration options of the course, intensive v. ‘drip-feed’

• Provide qualified English language teachers or training for local teachers

• Provide a suitable assessment tool to determine student progress

• Provide ongoing implementation support

Delivery of Language Training Programs

Classroom based teaching

• Teacher-led

• Book-based

• Intensive

• Extended periods

• Immersion

Online learning

• Allows for self-study

• Immediate feedback: answers to

activities

• Progress and results can be stored

• Engaging: audio, video

• Interactive

• Self-paced study

Blended learning

• Learning activities completed independently using online learning program

• Teacher supervision and feedback

Aviation English Products

Student

Books

Online

learning

Guides and manuals

Language Proficiency

Tests

Audio

CDs

Online Test

Preparation

Ground services

• Flight planning

• Aircraft preparation

• Ground operations

• Baggage and cargo handling

Customer service roles

• Passenger check in and

support

• Airport security

• Passport Control

• Customs officials

• Cabin crew

Highly skilled and technical

personnel

• Pilots and Air Traffic

Controllers

• Emergency services

• Aircraft Engineers and

technicians

Management positions

• Civil Aviation Authorities

• Airports

• Airlines

• ANSP

• and their supporting

service organisations

Defining specific Aviation English needs of

Aviation Industry personnel

English for Cabin Crew

18

Pre-flight

Boarding

Cabin Services and Amenities

Health and Medical Issues

Complaints and Disruptive Passengers

Safety and Emergencies

Descent and Landing

Layover

• Courses designed for personnel

preparing for the industry and those

already employed

• For group, one-to-one or self-study

• Mixed media

• Develops linguistic skills for dealing

with non-routine situations

• Vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation

and fluency, polite formulas

English for Aircraft Maintenance Personnel

Accidents where faulty maintenance played a role

Year

1985

Flight

JAL 123

Technical issue

Structural failure incorrect repairs tail strike

Fatalities

520

1986 Mexicana 940 In-flight fire, tyre inflated incorrectly 167

1988 Aloha 243 Explosive decompression fatigue failure 1

1989 United 232 Engine failure due faulty metallurgic forging 111

1991 Nigeria 2120 Under-inflated tyre leading to fire 261

1994 China NW 2303 Mechanical failure due incorrect fittings 160

1996

2000

2002

Aeroperu 603

Alaska 261

ChinaAirlines611

Instrument failure due tape on static ports

Jackscrew failure due improper maintenance

In-flight break-up due metal fatigue

70

88

225

English language training

• Language course developed to

accommodate language level

• Language learning activities developed in

conjunction with industry professionals to

build reading, writing, listening and

speaking skills in context of work-related

activities (e.g. bird strike, dent on cargo

door, windshield repair, landing gear, fuel

management, lightening strike)

• Language course delivery options and

duration determined by organisational

needs: classroom, e-learning or blended

solution

The role of Aircraft Maintenance personnel is highly technical and

performed under CAA regulations (CASR Part 66). There are clear English

language skills and functional language forms that are required for such

personnel to perform their duties.

Professional requirement

• Use speaking and listening skills to

verbally communicate with foreign flight

crew and ground staff, particularly in

unscheduled maintenance scenarios

• Read and understand company

procedures and instructions in technical

manuals

• Write technical entries and reports to

complete maintenance documentation

English for Aircraft Maintenance Personnel

What are the benefits of English language

training for Aircraft Maintenance Personnel?

Improved work practices to:

• enhance safety and reliability of the aircraft to

comply with regulatory authority requirements

• maximise flight scheduling efficiency

• increase opportunities for Aircraft Maintenance

Personnel to advance their career to higher

duties to fulfil organisational needs

English for Aircraft Maintenance Personnel

Training and testing solutions for

Aviation industry personnel in over

30 countries worldwide

RMIT English Worldwide

25 years of

experience in

providing Aviation

English

45 years of experience in

providing English language

training and testing

solutions for academic and

professional purposes

Grant Taylor

grant.taylor@rmit.edu.au

RMIT University

Melbourne, Australia

APATS Singapore

August 2016