Effective communication is crucial in aviation to ensure safe and efficient operations. To address this need, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established language proficiency requirements for pilots, air traffic controllers, aeronautical station operators, and other aviation professionals who communicate in English. These requirements help to ensure that all aviation personnel have the necessary English language skills to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to accidents or incidents.
Pilots, air traffic controllers, aeronautical station operators and other aviation professionals involved in international operations are required to attain the ability to speak and understand English to a level 4 proficiency of ICAO’s language proficiency rating scale. They must document their aviation English proficiency with a certificate that can be obtained by an approved Language Assessment Body (LAB).
You can learn more about the ICAO’s language proficiency rating scale in this blog post: Aviation English Levels Explained.
At ilpt.net we offer these types of tests for different aviation professionals:
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Pilot IFR English Test
For commercial and private pilots with IFR license
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Pilot VFR English Test
For private pilots, drone pilots, etc.
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Helipad Operators English Test
For offshore helipad operators
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Air Traffic Controller English Test
For ATCOs, FISOs, etc.
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Aeronautical Station Operator (ASO) English Test
For Aeronautical Station Operators (ASO)
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Ground staff Danish Test
Ref. regulation 139 – Danish test for ground personnel
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AFIS English Test
For Aerodrome Flight Information Service Operators
Pilot IFR English Test
For commercial and private pilots with IFR license
Pilot IFR is an ICAO English test designed for commercial and private pilots with an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) license.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) pilots operate aircraft in low visibility conditions and rely heavily on radio communications to navigate and communicate with air traffic control. They must comprehend and respond accurately to ATC instructions and communicate effectively with other aviation professionals. Therefore ICAO requires that IRF pilots demonstrate a high level of English proficiency in both listening and speaking.
The ICAO English test for IFR pilots assesses the candidate’s ability to understand and respond to ATC instructions, read and interpret flight-related documentation, and communicate effectively in various operational situations.
The test includes four proficiency levels: Expert, Operational, Extended, and Pre-operational, with Expert being the highest level.
Pilot VFR English Test
For private pilots, drone pilots, etc.
Pilot VFR Test is an ICAO English test designed for pilots with a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) license, such as private pilots, drone pilots and other aviation personnel who do not hold an IFR license.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) pilots operate aircraft in good visibility conditions and communicate with ATC and other pilots to ensure safe operations. VFR pilots must be able to understand and communicate with ATC in non-IFR conditions, such as clear skies and good visibility.
The ICAO English test for VFR pilots assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a range of operational situations, including flight planning, navigation, and emergency procedures.
The test includes three proficiency levels: Operational, Extended, and Pre-operational, with Operational being the highest level.
All pilots, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators involved in international operations must be able to speak and understand English to a level 4.
Helipad Operators English Test
For offshore helipad operators
Offshore helipad operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of helipads located on offshore installations such as oil rigs and ships. Helicopter operations offshore are often complex, and communication with other aviation professionals is critical to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the helipad. Helipad Operators must be able to understand and communicate with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals.
The ICAO English test for offshore helipad operators assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a range of operational situations, including landing site procedures, emergency procedures, and communication with pilots and other personnel in the offshore environment.
The test includes three proficiency levels: Operational, Extended, and Pre-operational, with Operational being the highest level.
Air Traffic Controller English Test
For ATCOs, FISOs, etc.
The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) test is designed for air traffic controllers, flight information service officers (FISOs), and other aviation professionals who provide air traffic control services.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace under their control. They must be able to communicate effectively with pilots, other air traffic controllers, and other personnel to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The ICAO English test for air traffic controllers assesses the candidate’s ability to understand and respond to pilot communications, understand and use standard phraseology, read and interpret flight-related documentation, and communicate effectively in a range of operational situations.
The test includes five proficiency levels: Expert, Extended, Operational, Pre-operational, and Non-operational, with Expert being the highest level.
Aeronautical Station Operator (ASO) English Test
For Aeronautical Station Operators (ASO)
The Aeronautical Station Operator (ASO) test is designed for aeronautical station operators responsible for operating and maintaining communication facilities, such as radio or radar stations.
ASOs must be proficient in English to ensure effective communication with pilots and other aviation professionals.
Ground staff Danish Test
Ref. regulation 139 – Danish test for ground personnel
Ground staff in Denmark must pass the Danish proficiency test specified in Regulation 139.
This test is specifically designed for ground personnel who work in Danish airports, such as baggage handlers, ramp agents, and other ground support staff.
The test evaluates the Danish language proficiency of ground personnel, including their ability to communicate effectively with pilots and other aviation professionals.
AFIS English Test
For Aerodrome Flight Information Service Operators
Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) test is designed for AFIS operators responsible for providing information to pilots regarding air traffic, weather, and other important information.
The AFIS test evaluates the English language proficiency of AFIS operators, including their ability to understand and communicate with pilots and other aviation professionals.