EALTS listening items and notional airspaceThe EALT is a test of language proficiency and does not seek to assess either operational skills or specific technical knowledge of operations of the test-taker. For the sake of fairness in this matter, a notional generic, simplified, airspace has been designed for use in the listening tasks of the test. When operating within airspace and sectors with which they are familiar, pilots and controllers have an immediate understanding of the significance of references to such things as company names, aerodromes, airways, VORs, beacons, etc. However, when required to understand and respond to communications referring to airspace or sectors with which they are not familiar, controllers and pilots may be less able to readily comprehend the meaning of such references. In a test of aural comprehension, the occurrence of references to actual company names, aerodromes, airways, beacons, VORs etc may lead to test-takers already familiar with these references to be advantaged over those less familiar or wholly unfamiliar with them. Test-takers familiar with the reference will be able to process its significance quickly and without confusion. Test-takers unfamiliar with the reference may be momentarily confused by its use and significance in the communication, and may be unable to process the language of the text or to respond effectively not as the result a lack of language proficiency but rather as the result of a lack of familiarity with the reference. While it would be impractical to prepare versions of test items specific to every Flight Information Region and sector internationally, it might also be considered unfair to expose test-takers to the specifics of unfamiliar airspace. Test-takers are provided with details of the references included in the notional airspace both before and during the EALT Test of Listening and the EALT Test of Speaking. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves in advance with these references in order to more easily and more readily process them as they undertake the listening tasks contained in the tests. 1 The list of references is included in the details of the EALT Test of Listening in this Handbook. Airspace references and units of measure
Flight levels, altitudes, heights and elevations are reported in feet. Air pressure is reported in hectopascals. Wind speed is reported in knots
Other references common in aviation operations such as Gates, Stands, Parking Areas, Taxiways, SIDs (Standard Instrument Departure Routes), Reporting Points, Waypoints, Airways, STARs (Standard Instrument Arrival Routes), Military Zones, Danger Areas, Parachute Drop Zones are identified by their function and by some appropriate form of alpha numeric designation. Eg. ' Taxiway C4'; ' Standard Instrument Departure Route WH27'; ' Airway T2'; etc. 1 C.f. EALT Test of Listening Candidate Instructions contained in this Handbook. |
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