General and Aviation English Language Masterclass

Who should attend this course?

This course is designed to prepare delegates to use English effectively in their future real-life working environments. English is the language most widely used by the aviation community, and is indeed a requirement for aviation professionals. One of the main focuses of the aviation community is to improve levels of spoken English, and at Global we are dedicated to providing high quality training to enable students to meet the language requirements necessary to a career in the industry.

For more information about this or any other course please contact us.

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Available Online, English Language Courses

COURSE PROSPECTUS

General and Aviation English Language Masterclass

The ICAO circular 323 ‘Guidelines for English Training Programmes’ defines the standards to be met in order to improve aviation communications worldwide, and states that their one single concern is safety.  Effective and efficient training is key to meeting these standards. The specific aim of this course is to attain and maintain the language proficiency defined as ICAO Operational Level 4.

Speakers are required by ICAO to have the ability to speak and understand the language used in radiotelephony communication. They are furthermore required to be able to communicate effectively in voice-only and in face to face situations. As such, training takes an essentially communicative approach, focusing on speaking, listening and interactive skills. Knowledge of grammar, syntax and vocabulary contribute to good oral communication, and are therefore an essential part of the course design. This communicative approach means that the course will focus on the following domains of linguistic application:
  1. General English Language use, and conversational Aviation English topics.
  2. Standard Phraseology for Radiotelephony (RT).
  3. Plain English as applicable in RT contexts, eg. in emergency scenarios.
 
There are two main components to the course: General English and Aviation English. The first of these will give delegates the opportunity to improve their language skills in a wider context, while the second practices the language in the more specific context of Aviation. The objectives of both course components overlap, and are designed to fit the requirements of the six categories for assessment set out in the ICAO Rating Scale.
To improve, through guided practice, ability in the area of the ‘Foundation Skills’, namely:
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Vocabulary
  3. Listening Comprehension
  4. Grammatical Structure
To apply these in the context of the two additional ‘Communicative Skills’, namely:
  1. Fluency
  2. Interactions
 
The language taught on this course will cover both topics and functions. Topics will range from appropriate General English content to more specific Aviation English themes. Pilot/ATC communication depends on both Standardized Phraseology and Plain English.  As ICAO states, “ICAO standardized phraseology shall be used in all situations for which it has been specified. Only when standardized phraseology cannot serve an intended transmission, plain language shall be used.” (Annex 10, Volume II, 5.1.1.1) Whereas Standard Phraseology is clearly defined and formulaic in nature, Plain English by contrast conveys meanings that vary depending on context, culture and expectations. These aspects of linguistic, cross-cultural awareness are addressed in the course to better enable delegates to handle those situations in which Plain English becomes necessary and, indeed, crucial to effective performance and safety.
Course Duration

15 Weeks

Group Size

3-12 Students per course

Course Dates

On request