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Aviation English Training


BBSI offers flexibly structured Aviation English training courses in the UK for pilots and ATCOs. Our courses are adapted to meet the guidelines in the ICAO English-language proficiency descriptors and can be structured to meet the precise requirements of individual sponsors. BBSI employs JAA-accredited trainers and testers to oversee flexible training in English for aviation, with appropriate ICAO-compliant testing and certification.

The General English elements of our training are conducted in small international classes at appropriate language levels, whilst specialised Aviation English training is conducted in closed-focus groups to target particular aviation specialisations at appropriate language levels.  Course duration can be between 2 and 24 weeks, depending on the English-language entry level of participants and the precise requirements of respective aviation sponsors.

Course Content & Structure

General English.  The general-English language elements of our training aim to enhance general confidence in all 4 language skills through extensive practice.

Aviation English.  Training in Aviation English targets aviation language and development of communication skills in context, depending on the precise specialisation of participants. Content is based on the published ICAO guidelines for English language proficiency,  We incorporate the necessary elements of pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interaction, in addition to standard, non-standard and unusual phraseology, terminology and vocabulary. Moreover, we focus particularly on numerous case studies, where the use of incorrect or non-routine language has either led to aviation disasters, or has exacerbated situations that might easily have been resolved safely through effective communication.

Practice Activities. Practice activities include role-play and simulations; aircraft emergencies; bomb threat/alert/scare and contingency actions; contingency actions (general); special requests; case studies of actual incident/occurrence reports (all found to be attributed to poor English comprehension), combined with inappropriate non-standard radio phraseology; use of authentic and quasi-authentic audio, such as ATIS; and both standard and non-standard operational situations.

Specialised Content. Specialist aviation content includes a full inventory of events, domains and sub-domains that characterise the day-to-day communications of air traffic controllers and pilots. These events and domains represent air traffic control situations, routine or non-routine, in which all aviators must be competent, and each requires familiarity with many lexical domains for which there are associated words. The ´one-size-fits-all´ scenario is avoided and sponsors need to define very clearly the topics on which they require particular focus.

Functionality. To assist in the process of rapid learning and functional development, language and skills development is reinforced by specialised skills practice. The aim is to provide trainees with the opportunity to function, regardless of individual skills levels, at the standard of ICAO Level 4. Emphasis is placed on speaking and listening skills, with continual practice in context, utilising audio facilities where appropriate. For example, training for functionality includes extensive practice utilising authentic audio training facilities such as ATIS broadcasts, as well as audio examples of aircraft emergencies, incident reports relating to non-routine radio phraseology and unusual aviation-related requests and incidents.

Assessment & Certification

The current Joint Aviation Requirements for Flight Crew Licensing (JAR-FCL) state that the National Aviation Authorities may delegate the task of assessing the ICAO aviation English language proficiency to language-assessment bodies. BBSI is a British Council accredited language training school and as such is accepted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to conduct the language assessment for the purpose of obtaining certification for the ICAO aviation English language proficiency requirements for ICAO Levels 4 (Operational), through to Level 6 (Expert).
 
JAR-FCL requirements require an impartial assessment process; the language assessment should be independent of the language training. To ensure this requirement BBSI uses the services of an independent company, Global Aviation Language Ltd (GAL) using what is known as the 'Alpha Tango' test to conduct the assessment.  The assessment may either be conducted either on a face-to-face basis, with an assessor, or alternatively the applicant may conduct a computer-based assessment. Both assessments take approximately 45 minutes to complete and are digitally recorded and retained for the period of the level awarded ie 3 years for ICAO Level 4, or 5 years for ICAO Level 5.
 
The computer based method of assessment may be conducted at a remote site anywhere in the world. However, the assessment must be invigilated and ID checks made by a person acceptable both to BBSI and GAL. Applicants holding aircrew licenses issued by countries outside the UK should ensure that the UK language proficiency certification is acceptable by their respective National Aviation Authority.
 
A sample of the computer online assessment is available on request from BBSI.

The BBSI Testing Solution

The main features of the BBSI testing solution are as follow:
*  computer-based examination and assessment of the listening and speaking skills of 
      applicants, utilising simulated interactions, rich multimedia and animations

*  applicants are prompted to answer questions by both visual cues and by voice; the test 
      session is then recorded and stored on a secure, dedicated server

*  assessment is normally carried out by our competent staff; however, arrangements can 
      be made be clients to utilise staff appointed or nominated by their respective national 
      aviation authorities

*  the test facilities accurately assess all 6 of the ICAO English-language communications 
      descriptions for proficiency levels from ICAO Level 1 (Elementary) to ICAO Level 6 
      (Expert)

*  subject to the highest quality standards in accordance with the JAA requirements, the test 
      is delivered in a controlled examination environment

*  the test results are made available to both the applicant and the respective national 
      aviation authority

*  we have a robust and fair appeal system
BBSI Service

BBSI language proficiency testing services include the following:
*  customer helpdesk
*  training for assessors
*  training for testing administrators
*  server hosting & archiving
*  regular updating of questions & testing database
*  full support for external assessors
*  user-friendly test retrieval & assessment
*  full assessment documentation provided for each test
Test Delivery Options

The 3 main options for the delivery of testing are briefly described below. However, BBSI would be pleased to discuss with potential clients other delivery solutions to match specific or individual needs.
Option 1. Full testing service, including test delivery and assessment at an examination centre organised by BBSI in a location that is acceptable to your organisation.
Option 2. BBSI will provide a customer helpdesk; on-line test delivery; test assessment and delivery of results; server hosting and archiving; and training for invigilators. The client organisation would be expected to provide examination- centre facilities and the necessary test invigilators.

Option 3. BBSI will provide a customer helpdesk, on-line test delivery, test retrieval by assessors and specific on-line documentation for assessment purposes, server hosting and archiving, training for assessors and invigilators. Your organisation would be expected to provide examination facilities, invigilators and assessors.

BBSI would be pleased to provide a Sample Test.  Please contact our Test Centre:
BBSI Enrolment Details

Sponsors should contact BBSI with a Statement of Requirement, which must detail the number of course participants, their respective English-language skills levels, their respective aviation specialisations and the precise training objectives. BBSI will then respond in writing with a detailed, comprehensive and tailored training proposal.