English is the lingua franca of Aviation. It is also the language used by Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers across the globe. So, whether you are flying in Vietnam, Malta, Chile or on your way to Kathmandu, you will communicate in English, from departure to arrival. But, what will I need to learn or what level of proficiency will I need to master to work in the Aviation sector? That’s a great question.
Well, the international aviation sector is governed globally by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO set the English standards and essentially what you will need to achieve if you wish to be a pilot or an air traffic controller. This is what ICAO calls level 4 proficiency. Sounds, technical right, what is Level 4, hang on it is all too confusing?
ICAO English level 4 is the minimum English level you need for operational use. That’s why it is so-called Operational level. English Level 4 is the absolute minimum. This is the most basic level of language proficiency which allows you to fly in all countries all over the world. Currently, there is no type of airspace, operation or aircraft that would require a higher level. Great news right! To get to ICAO Level 4, your English language skills will be assessed in the following areas:
- Pronunciation
- Structure
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Interaction
The rating exam is very different than IELTS or TOEIC. It tests the English language used in an operational aviation environment.
Don’t worry! We, understand that for non-native speakers it is a real challenge to not only learn English, but also learn a specific form of the language used in industries like Aviation.
At first glance this challenge seems overwhelming and potentially unachievable but it does not necessarily have to be that way. If you have the right instructor and mentor, Aviation English can be a window of opportunity. Being able to master aviation terminology and building communication confidence in English can be the difference between leading an exciting career full of wonderful adventure or a life constrained by fear.
At the International Training Institute (ITI), we have many years’ experience in helping future pilots, air traffic controllers, ground crew, engineers and flight attendants overcome these fears and build the global career they have always dreamed.
At ITI, we have delivered so many Aviation English training programs to pilot cadets, air traffic controllers and flight attendants we have lost count. We know how to get you ICAO Level 4 as quickly and efficiently as possible. ITI, knows what it takes to enable course participants to be familiar to and adapt themselves quickly to an ab initio pilot training environment at flight schools across the world.
Being exposed to a wide variety of aviation contexts, our course participants can grasp fundamental aeronautical concepts as well as common work-related expressions in no time. Our experienced Aviation instructors help you to build the reading comprehension needed to really understand what’s inside those pilot training manuals and to be able to follow commands, directions and instructions during flight training and at ground school.
ITI, uses a scaffolding approach, to continuously build your Aviation English capabilities and works with you to become a future professional who is safety conscious, embraces learning and is quietly confident.
So come and join as at the International Training Institute, embrace your fears, meet them head on. Challenge yourself and break through to become the next A330 or B777 pilot for one of the world’s many expanding airlines. See you soon on campus.
