English Language Proficiency Requirements: The impact on the Aviation Industry

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English Language Proficiency Requirements: The impact on the Aviation Industry

Presented By: Rachele Zito, Aviation Relationship Manager RMIT English Worldwide

English Language Proficiency Requirements: The impact on the Aviation Industry

Why is ICAO still concerned about the implementation of language proficiency requirements?

What is ICAO doing about it?

How will this impact you?

What are the benefits of using

an English language proficiency test recognised by ICAO?

What is the solution?

The key objective of ICAO English Language Proficiency Requirements (LPRs)

1976 Zagreb Trident/DC 9 mid air collision 175

1977 Tenerife Double B747 runway collision 583

1990 JFK New York B707 Fuel Exhaustion 73

1995 Cali, Colombia B757 Controlled Flight Into Terrain 160

1996 India IL-76/B747 mid-air collision 349

2000 Paris MD83/Shorts330 runway collision 1

2001 Milan MD80/Citation runway collision 118

1998: ICAO Assembly Resolution to develop ELP provision

SAFETY

The ongoing implementation of LPRs

2016: LPR at ICAO Assembly meeting in September

2015: ICAO Inter-regional ELP workshop

2011: ICAO Aviation English Language Test Service

2008 & 2011: SARPS applicable

2005 to 2008: Test development and gradual implementation

2003 & 2004: Adoption of LPR & ICAO Doc 9835 released

2000 to 2003: PRICE study group

Why is ICAO still concerned about the implementation of Language Proficiency Requirements?

‘States find the oversight of language proficiency assessment challenging, because: • dependable aviation language testing expertise is scarce • the aviation language testing industry is unregulated

Only the ELPAC and RELTA tests, have been recognized to meet ICAO SARPS for LPRs and ICAO Doc 9835.’

Nicole Barrette, Technical Specialist (Licensing and Training Standards) ICAO Inter-regional English Language Proficiency Workshop Kuwait, November 9, 2015

Why is ICAO still concerned about the implementation of Language Proficiency Requirements?

How do we know that standardised results are not being achieved?

Why are inconsistent results being achieved?

Would this be acceptable in any other safety factor of air traffic management?

How does communication relate to other safety factors?

Why are inconsistent language proficiency results a risk to safe air travel?

What can we do to reduce the safety risks related to language proficiency?

What is ICAO doing about it?

ICAO's Aviation English Language Test Service (AELTS) Implemented in 2011

What is ICAO doing about it?

• Approved by the ICAO Secretary General in March 2015

• A tool to assist States in ensuring the quality of language proficiency assessments for the endorsement of licences to meet the LPRs. Includes:

– Gateway – Awareness – AELTS

What is ICAO doing about it? ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Currently focus on: • legislation and administrative implementation of regulations • the mechanics of placing LPR scores on licences

Protocol questions to be reviewed to include evidence of: • the quality of test being used • validity and reliability of the test to

achieve standardised results

What are the benefits of using an English language proficiency test recognised by ICAO? Using a valid and reliable English language proficiency test solution can:

• significantly contribute to safe global air travel

• allow Civil Aviation Authorities to efficiently and confidently comply with ICAO language proficiency SARPS and safety audit requirements

• give airlines the opportunity to promote their airline as only using the highest quality standards to ensure safety

• provide Air Navigation Service Providers confidence in operating air traffic management systems with a minimised risk of miscommunication during unexpected non-routine situations

• allow Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots in different airspace worldwide to communicate effectively in all air traffic management situations

• increase career mobility of pilots and ATC

What is the solution to achieve global standardisation of English language proficiency results?

ICAO are actively involved in encouraging the use of ICAO recognised tests through I-HELPP and the auditing process

"The RELTA test has recently been recognised by ICAO for conformance with its international Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPS) with regard to the Language Proficiency Requirements (LPRs). We at ICAO look forward to working with RELTA under the I-HELPP initiative to support States around the world to implement the LPRs and to offer an acceptable means of compliance.” Miguel Marin, Programme Manager of I-HELPP (ICAO Home of English Language Proficiency Programme)

ICAO English Language Proficiency Requirements

(Doc 9835)

Design, Development and Production ICAO recognition

Ongoing maintenance and quality assurance

Implementation

RELTA format

• Computer delivered Listening Test, 35-50 minutes

• Examiner delivered Speaking Test, 25-30 minutes − computer based application delivered by an accredited

RELTA Examiner and rated separately by two accredited RELTA Raters

There are three types of RELTA to reflect aviation work-related scenarios of aviation professionals:

• RELTA for Pilots (IFR)

• RELTA for Light Aircraft (VFR)

• RELTA for Air Traffic Controllers − Tower − Approach − Area Control (En-Route)

RELTA format

Language assessment and subject matter expertise to develop and implement a valid and reliable ICAO compliant testing solution.

• Focuses on plain English speaking and listening communication skills in an Aviation

context • Examiners and raters are trained and accredited by RMIT English Worldwide • RELTA is rated by at least two accredited raters so that results are fair and reliable • If required, RMIT Training can provide qualified RELTA raters for test centres • Computers are utilised in the delivery of RELTA to enhance authenticity and task

interactivity and allow for standardised and uniform administration • Simple and efficient administration and delivery procedures • Provides sufficient versions and security measures • Centralised record management system • Results can be provided to local CAA, airline or air navigation service providers • Candidates can access results online • RMIT Training forms partnerships with test centres that have approval from their CAA

to deliver RELTA

RELTA: Responding to ICAO Doc 9835 requirements

• RMIT: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University

• Established in 1887

• Over 70,000 students

• Leader in technology, design, global business, communication, global communities, health solutions etc.

• Aviation industry related courses: − Aerospace Engineering − Aerospace Maintenance − Aviation Management and Flight

Training

RMIT University

Training and testing solutions for Aviation industry personnel

in over 25 countries worldwide

RMIT English Worldwide

25 years of experience in

providing Aviation English

45 years of experience in providing English language

training and testing solutions for academic and

professional purposes

Celebrated 10 year anniversary in 2015

Achieved ICAO recognition in 2015

Over 29,000 aviation professionals from 25 countries have used RELTA to achieve ICAO English language proficiency requirements

RELTA milestones