Page 24 - ELG2312 Dec Issue 487

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Plane English

Paul Stevens, CEO of Mayflower College in Plymouth, UK, has been

specialising in Aviation English training and testing since 1992.
Here, Paul explains what Aviation English is, and how it differs
from others forms of English for Specific Purposes (ESP).

he aviation industry generates many all have specific ESP requirements. In reality, Level 4. Most have to pass Aviation English
billions of dollars in revenue each Aviation English usually means the language exams every 3-5 years, and many take English
year and sustains millions of jobs, used by pilots and air traffic controllers, courses to help them prepare.
Tboth directly and indirectly; airports, especially when they are communicating The primary goal of Aviation English
airlines, aircraft manufacturers, logistics with each other over the radio. Controllers is to ensure the clear and unambiguous
companies and associated businesses all typically speak directly with pilots to manage transfer of information. It is generally divided
contribute significantly to the global economy. traffic flows and ensure aircraft reach their into two parts: Standard Phraseology and
Experts predict that by 2033 the number of destinations safely and efficiently. Plain English.
commercial aircraft will rise by 33% and that Radiotelephony – the act of speaking over
passenger numbers will grow by 5.8% per year radio – has been the focus of much attention Standard Phraseology
until 2040. since 2008, when the International Civil A lot of communication between pilots
The common language of international Aviation Organization (ICAO), introduced the and controllers is routine. As an example,
aviation is English. ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements. air traffic controllers will: provide pilots
The term ‘Aviation English’ could cover Essentially this means that all pilots and with permission to land, take off, or taxi;
many professions, including flight attendants, controllers working internationality must give information about the weather; give
mechanics, airport security officers, IT have a minimum level of Aviation English, instructions for which direction to fly, at what
experts, engineers, and baggage handlers who commonly referred to as ICAO Operational speed, and at what altitude.
24 December 2023