RMIT launches on-line tool for aviation English proficiency

To minimise potentially dangerous miscommunication, ICAO introduced English language proficiency requirements for all pilots and air traffic controllers operating in international airspace.

More than 100,000 have been tested worldwide, including 22,000 who have taken the RMIT English Language Test for Aviation (RELTA).

RMIT English Worldwide, part of RMIT University in Australia, has now developed an online training package – Beyond Level 4 – to allow aviation personnel to maintain English proficiency between tests while meeting busy work schedules.

Aviation English test results range from ICAO level 1 to 6. A level 4 pass is valid for three years, a level 5 pass for six years and a level 6 pass is valid for life.

Test results expire because proficiency in any language declines over time without constant practice, and this "language erosion" becomes worse in an emergency, when the user is under stress.

Captain Zhou Yizhi, Flight Operations Manager, China Southern Airlines, said: "Recurrent language training is as crucial for dealing with non-routine events as any other emergency training."

Online training saves aviation organisations the cost of interrupting flight schedules to put pilots and air traffic controllers into the classroom.

RMIT Aviation English specialist and former air traffic controller, John Keech, said: "Pilots and air traffic controllers put a lot of time and effort into achieving their level 4 status.

"They can reduce the stress of re-training for the test in three years' time by simply maintaining language levels through regular training input."

Beyond Level 4:

* contains up to 80 hours of integrated learning materials

* develops plain English in non-routine air-ground and incident debrief communication contexts

* provides practice in listening and speaking at higher levels

* allows for self-directed learning, showing participants their progress

* incorporates tutor-guided sessions

* develops all six ICAO skill areas