ICAO Language Proficiency RequirementsBackgroundThe decision to address language proficiency for pilots and air traffic controllers is long standing and was first made by the 32nd Session of the Assembly in September 1998 as a direct response to several fatal accidents, including one that cost the lives of 349 persons, as well as previous fatal accidents in which the lack of proficiency in English was identified as a contributing factor. 1 Subsequently, the Air Navigation Commission initiated the development of language provisions in the following Annexes of the Convention:
In March 2003, the ICAO Council adopted a comprehensive set of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that strengthen language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers involved in international operations. The new language proficiency requirements affirm that ICAO standardized phraseology should be used whenever possible, and required that when phraseology is not applicable, pilots and air traffic controllers should demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in plain language. The effective use of plain language is vital in routine operational situations in which phraseology provides no ready-made form of communication and is especially critical in unusual or emergency situations. The minimum skill level requirements are embodied in the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and the ICAO Holistic Descriptors of operational language proficiency that appear in Attachment A and Appendix 1 of Annex 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. 3 As of 5 March 2008, the ability to speak and understand the language used for radiotelephony that is required for pilots, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators should be demonstrated based on the ICAO Holistic Descriptors and the minimum proficiency of Operational Level 4 on the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale. Operational Level 4 is considered the minimum level of proficiency to ensure an acceptable level of safety in communications. Additionally, since November 2003, Annex 10 has required the availability of English language at all stations on the ground serving designated airports and routes used by international air services. 4 The SARPs relating to language use for aeronautical radiotelephony communications that were adopted by the ICAO Council in March 2003 and implemented in March 2008 are found in the ICAO Convention in Annex 1 — Personnel Licensing; Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft, Part I & Part III; Annex 10 -- Aeronautical Telecommunications, Volume II — Communication Procedures including those with PANS status; and Annex 11 — Air Traffic Services. In summary, the ICAO language proficiency requirements:
The language-related SARPs can be broadly categorised into three types: Annex 10 SARPs clarify which languages can be used for radiotelephony communications; Annex 1 SARPs establish proficiency skill level requirements as a licensing prerequisite; and Annexes 6 and 11 provide for service provider and operator responsibility. 1 c.f. ICAO Doc 9835 Ch.1 Introduction 1.1 2 Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as Chicago Convention), was signed on 7 December 1944 by 52 States. Pending ratification of the Convention by 26 States, the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization (PICAO) was established. It functioned from 6 June 1945 until 4 April 1947. By 5 March 1947 the 26th ratification was received. ICAO came into being on 4 April 1947. In October of the same year, ICAO became a specialized agency of the United Nations linked to Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). 3 c.f. ICAO Doc. AUD001 ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements – Rated Speech Samples 4 c.f. ICAO Cir 318-AN/180 Ch.1 Introduction 2.1 5 c.f. ICAO Doc. 9835 Ch.2 Standards and Recommended Practices concerning Language Proficiency Requirements 2.1.3 |