Language training for ATPL pilots meeting operational demands

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Language training for ATPL pilots meeting
operational demands
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RMIT University

• ICAO Language Testing
• RELTA 11,000 personnel
• Pilot English language training
• Eg. China
• - 1990s extended intensive training
• - 2006- courses delivered within airlines

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ICAO LPRs (Doc 9835)

• Annex 1
• Pilots and ATCOs
• Speak and understand language for radiotelephony
  communications
• Assessed from Levels 1-6
• Appendix
• Language proficiency requirements applicable to
  the use of both phraseologies and plain language
• Holistic Descriptors
• Communicate in voice-only (radiotelephone) and in
  face-to-face situations
• Communicate on common, concrete and work related
  topics
• Resolve misunderstandings in general or
  work-related context
• Communicate effectively when presented with
  complications/unexpected events
• Use an intelligible dialect/accent

• Annex 1
• Pilots and ATCOs
• Speak and understand language for radiotelephony
  communications
• Assessed from Levels 1-6
• Appendix
• Language proficiency requirements applicable to
  the use of both phraseologies and plain language
• Holistic Descriptors
• Communicate in voice-only (radiotelephone) and in
  face-to-face situations
• Communicate on common, concrete and work related
  topics
• Resolve misunderstandings in general or
  work-related context
• Communicate effectively when presented with
  complications/unexpected events
• Use an intelligible dialect/accent

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ICAO Level 4
Pronunciation
Structure
Vocabulary
Fluency
Comprehension
Interactions
200 hours learning
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Challenges

• What do the ICAO LPRs mean for airlines?
• Do the pilots need training?
• How much?
• When?
• How?
• Who?
• Budget?

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Traditional views

• Classroom-based
• Teacher-led
• Book-based
• Intensive
• Extended periods
• Immersion (in-country)

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Misconceptions

• Can learn 100 independently ?
• Rote learning of grammar and vocabulary ?
• General English materials ?
• Everyone learns the same way ?
• One course fits all ?
• Ad-hoc, informal learning ?
• Anyone can teach ?

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Constraints

• Instructors
• Facilities
• Logistics up to 2000 pilots
• Training materials
• Time available, pilot rosters
• Pilot motivation
• Incentives/disincentives
• Needs analysis correct levels

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Operational Constraints
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Curriculum Addressing Constraints

• Flexible delivery options
• Non-disruptive - rosters
• Portable some self-study
• Minimal resources facilities

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Materials

• SMEs language experts
• Engaging
• Pilot-centric
• Listening Speaking
• RT and work-related
• Address the 6 ICAO criteria
• Progress reviews
• Feedback and support

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RMIT Beyond Level 4

• Achieve and maintain ICAO Level 4
• Listening and Speaking
• Plain English in RT and incident debriefs
• Key tasks submitted for evaluation
• Portable e-learning DVD
• Experienced pilots
• 8 Units, 24 sessions
• ICAO language skills

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RT - Listening Plain English
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SIM-Based Plain English
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RT - Listening Plain English
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RT - Speaking Plain English
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Face-to-face briefings Speaking Plain English
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Delivery

• Monitored self study with tutor support
• Key tasks uploaded for evaluation
• Face-to-face tutorials

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Support
SERVER
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Monitoring performance
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Monitoring performance
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Summary

• Need balance - operations/training
• Flexible delivery - portable self-directed
• Engaging
• Tutor support
• No shortcuts
• Compromises are needed

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michael.kay_at_rmit.edu.au www.relta.org