Details

Category: ICAO Aviation English

English Courses for Pilots and ATCOs

Aviation English Asia offer a complete range of courses to suit learners' English proficiency level and experience in aviation. The flexible structure of our courses and additional weekend Supplementary Classes will ensure that you get exactly the training that you need to surpass the standards of ICAO level 4/5.

English courses for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

ICAO Aviation English for Commercial Pilots - if you are pilot with a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) we recommend the ICAO Aviation English for Commercial Pilots course. This course overs ICAO levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 and features a range of topics of high interest to airline pilots, as suggested in ICAO Document 9835. The minimum course length is 10 units (officially 10 hours), and can be extended in stages of 10 units to 400 hours. Some online support and weekend workshops may also be offered if they suit your needs.

ICAO Aviation English for ATCOs - if you are a new, student, trainee, or currently working Air Traffic Controller we recommend this course covering ICAO levels 3, 4, 5 and 6. The syllabus features a range of topics suitable for Air Traffic Controllers as suggested in ICAO Document 9835. The minimum course length is 30 units (officially 30 hours) and can be extended in stages of 10 units as needed. Some online support and weekend workshops may also be offered if it suits your needs.

English courses for Ab initio, Low-hour and Pre-professional Pilots

English for PPL Ground School - this course is recommended for ab initio pilots (complete beginners). It covers the basics of aviation theory to prepare you for a Private Pilot License and practical flight training. This course is 12 hours and is also available as a Weekend Workshop. You don't need to attend expensive Ground School courses, but we do expect you to do a lot of self-study of the resources which we provide you. The course is based on either a FAA / CASA / or JAA syllabus depending on the instructor's experience.

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots - this course has led to a of young people successfully starting a career in aviation through an airline's Cadet Pilot Programme. This is a 30-100 hour English course to achieve ICAO levels 4 and 5. The minimum course length is 30 units (30 hours) and typically students need 60-100 hours of practice to achieve their target level. The course syllabus is custom-designed to be suitable for learners with less than 250 hours of flying experience and features topics suggested in ICAO Document 9835. After completing 30 units, the course can be extended in stages of 10 units as needed. Some online support and weekend workshops may also be offered if they suit your needs.

Optional Supplementary Classes cover topics such as structure, pronunciation, fluency, interview skills, aviation theory, group assessments, flight planning and many more.

ICAO Aviation English Online - this course is currently being re-developed but some innovative learning resources may be offered. Airline Pilot Interview Preparation Online - this course is suitable for CPL holders who are preparing for an interview. For further details please select the appropriate option from the main menu.

Practice ICAO English Test

In order to help candidates know how to prepare we offer mock tests for specific ICAO English tests.

 Date: Arranged as per requirements

Course fee:

Classroom based: $800 HKD (1 hour) $1200 HKD (2 hours) per person 
Online: $100 USD (1 hour)

Suitability: The class is effective in preparing candidates for all types of ICAO English test, eg CX/KA, HKA/HKE, Eurocontrol ELPAC, RMIT RELTA, Versant VAET, TEA, ANAC, Latitude CLEAR, ASPEQ, MAS, PEPEC.

Aviation English Asia Ltd's ICAO Test Practice sessions will reveal limitations in your language proficiency and provide constructive advice on how to remedy those language difficulties in the fastest time available.  

Benefits 

1. Become familiar with the format of an ICAO Language Proficiency Assessment
2. Practice the exact tasks you will need to perform in an ICAO Language Proficiency Assessment
3. Gain confidence using standard phraseology in ATC communication eg radiotelephony role play
4. Improve your listening comprehension of non-routine situations
5. Practice note-taking of extended pieces of audio and identify non-routine situations
6. Become familiar with airline procedures including Crew Resource Management, eg briefing cabin crew
7. Use appropriate vocabulary and structures to describe pictures and non-routine situations
8. Learn to speak at length about aviation topics and discussion questions
9. Reveal limitations in your performance, with reference to the six ICAO Language Proficiency criteria eg Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Structure, Comprehension, Fluency and Interactions.
10. Receive expert advice on further training, eg essential if your performance is marginal ICAO level 3/4
11. Aviation English Asia Ltd teachers can recognise and identify when a candidates proficiency varies from their test results* and can advise accordingly. 
12. AEA courses are designed so that learners become self-aware of their limitations and consequently motivated to improve.
13. Understand the limitations of ICAO test types
14. Learn what ICAO raters expect, their traps and how to avoid them.

Class format

• Oral Proficiency Interview
• Listening comprehension of ATIS / VOLMET
• Listening comprehension of short pilot/controller transmissions
• Listening comprehension of extended pilot/controller dialogue
• Crew briefing
• Radiotelephony roleplay
• Picture description
• Discussion questions

Expert feedback and recommendations

At the end of the class you will receive feedback including the variation in your performance, benchmarked against the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements / AEROSTA Framework Enhanced Proficiency Standards*.  You will receive expert guidance on your current level and difficulties and a recommendation for the duration of course you should enrol in, eg 10, 30, 50, 60 or 100 hours.   If you then decide to enrol in one of our longer courses to meet the target level you can just pay the difference in course fee. After completing the recommended number of training hours you will be well prepared for the ICAO test. 

* Instead of an ambiguous rating of 4/5/6 for each of the ICAO language criteria the AEROSTA Framework Enhanced Proficiency Standards can specifically identify the ease with which a pilot can perform a communicative function.  The AEROSTA Framework fleshes out the skeleton of the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements suggested in ICAO Document 9835.

Unique features of Aviation English Asia Ltd

• Appropriate professional training that facilitates practice of standard phraseology in routine situations
• Unique emphasis on practice of communicative functions so pilots can effectively manage routine and non-routine situations 
• Course designed by highly qualified language experts in collaboration with aviation Subject Matter Experts
• Course conforms to the AEROSTA Framework developed by the Aviation English Organisation
• 10 years of experience advising airlines - Aviation English Asia Ltd regularly advises raters on a candidate's suitability for retesting
• Ethical company - none of our teachers are involved in rating our own students

Enrolment procedure

To enrol in this class call us on +852 8179 9295. 

Professional training for ICAO Level 4+ 

Aviation English Asia Ltd has been providing highly focused classes for airline pilots since 2009.  Our courses are designed based on the real-life language needs of pilots working within the region. Therefore this course was custom-developed by Aviation English Asia Ltd's to build genuine language proficiency.  

Features and benefits

ICAO Aviation English for Commercial Pilots builds effective communication strategies for flight operations, which ultimately gives pilots the language skills needed to perform well in an ICAO English test.  Training with Aviation English Asia Ltd will give you:

• Appropriate professional training that facilitates practice of standard phraseology in routine situations
• Unique emphasis on practice of communicative functions so pilots can effectively manage both routine and non-routine situations 
• Develop skills in each of the six ICAO language criteria - vocabulary, pronunciation, structure, comprehension, fluency, interactions
• Interesting topics directly related to flight safety
• Flexible schedule to meet your needs that can also be delivered onsite
• Hundreds of hours of graded listening practice material which can be used for self-study
• Course designed by highly qualified language experts in collaboration with aviation Subject Matter Experts
• Course conforms to the AEROSTA Framework developed by the Aviation English Organisation
• Ongoing progress reports based on the AEROSTA Enhanced Proficiency Standards 
• Soft skills and relevant General English pilots need for everyday life
• Private, group and online classes available
• Intensive course and accommodation available for overseas students
• Understand the advantages and limitations of ICAO test types

Course description

ICAO Aviation English for Commercial Pilots course is skills based with activities and drills designed to ultimately help pilots achieve ICAO level 5+. The course conforms to recommendations of ICAO document 9835 and ICAO circular 323, and the AEROSTA Framework developed by the Aviation English Organisation.  ICAO Aviation English for Commercial Pilots focuses on proficiencies required for both safe RT and crew-member to crew-member communication.  As pilots attend each unit of the course our teachers will assess their proficiency across all six ICAO criteria - Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, Interaction.  

Course content

Each unit focuses on routine procedures at one of their destination airports, or non-routine situation of relevance to commercial pilots, eg bird strike, engine failure, equipment failure, fuel planning, volcanic ash, crew time limitation.  Each unit includes pair and group work activities to increase pilots' ability to communicate effectively and safely in aviation.  

Authentic classroom activities

The range of activities is very wide but includes:

• Picture description
• Pronunciation practice
• Grammar drills and practice of relevant structures
• Listening comprehension of plain English in an aviation context, eg weather briefing, news report, personal experiences, interview, group discussion.
• Listening comprehension of pilot/controller dialogues in routine and non-routine situations.
• Role play of pilot-controller / pilot-crewmember communications using both ICAO standard phraseology and plain English
• Group discussion and debate on contentious topics affecting flight safety

All learners receive feedback and tailored advice on their language proficiency in each unit.

Topics include

• Briefings
• Turnaround
• Departure
• Equipment malfunction
• Wildlife
• Landings
• Runway incursions
• En-route incidents
• Weather
• Engine failure
• Forced landings
• Level busts
• Dangerous goods
• Security
• Geographical features
• Environmental hazards
• Restricted airspace
• Airport infrastructure
• Collisions during taxiing

Themes include

• Crew Resource Management
• Problematic phraseology
• Message length, order and complexity
• Aviation safety standards
• Technology
• Career development
• Airbus / Boeing methodology
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Cockpit gradient
• Company culture
• Native speakers
• Language awareness and accommodation
• and many more..

Language functions include 

• Clarifying and requesting information
• Correcting errors and misunderstandings
• Describing faults and damage
• Complex descriptive phrases
• Describing hypothetical situations
• Handling a change of plan
• Reporting events
• Briefing crew members

Language skills include

• Accent familiarisation and neutrality
• Phrasal verbs as used in an aviation context
• Identifying slang and idiomatic expressions
• Speech rate, contractions and connected speech
• Phonological awareness

Course suitability

The course is effective in preparing candidates for all types of ICAO English test including:

• CX/KA
• HKA/HKE
• Eurocontrol ELPAC
• RMIT RELTA
• Versant VAET
• TEA
• ANAC
• Latitude CLEAR
• ASPEQ
• MAS
• PEPEC
• AELTS

Course prerequisites

• Typical students are pilots with Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines
• Any member of Hong Kong-based full-time airline or airport staff may apply for this course and will most likely be eligible for MATF reimbursement.
• It is not necessary to hold a commercial pilot licence to enrol on this course, but the content is designed for people intending to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
• If you are applying for a Cadet Pilot Programme and not current airline/airport staff then we recommend enrolling in the ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots course, which has a more regular schedule.

Enrolment and reimbursement procedure

In order to enrol on this course candidates must first attend a consultation. After attending a consultation you will receive expert guidance on your current level and difficulties and a recommendation for the duratiion of course you should enrol in, eg 30, 50, 60 or 100 hours.  

After completing the recommended number of training hours you will be well prepared for the ICAO test. We will then issue a certificate for you to claim reimbursement of course fees from MATF.

Please call us on +852 8179 9295 for further details.

*** SPECIAL OFFER ***

Aviation English course suitable for candidates applying for a Cadet Pilot Programme

This intensive course is suitable for aspiring pilots who want to reach ICAO Level 4 or higher with qualified and experienced Aviation English teachers.  This course has been taught in Hong Kong since 2009 and has helped hundreds of candidates achieve success in gaining a cadetship.  The course conforms to the AEROSTA Framework and is ideal preparation for the AEROSTA Framework Cadet Pilot Language Test.  

AEROSTA Framework-based tests are recognised as a valid and reliable by many airlines including Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express and Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Course commencement: Next week
Duration: 8 weeks (25 sessions)
Time: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1930-2130

Course venue: Aviation English Asia Ltd
Admission Requirement: Students are required to attend a consultation before enrolling on this course ($250 HKD) which is reimburseable against course fees within 2 weeks. Shorter and longer courses are available.

Fee: HKD $15,000 (MATF reimbursable)
A group discount of 10% applies when 4-7 people enrol in the same class together.
A group discount of 20% applies when 8 or more people enrol in the same class together.

Aviation English Asia Ltd's 50-hour Aviation English Course is pre-approved as reimbursable under the HKSAR government Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF) Professional Training and Examination Refund Scheme. Hong Kong residents who are in full-time employment in the aviation sector with an organisation / company in Hong Kong are eligible for a reimbursement of up to $18,000.  (MATF Course code: AC047)

Application deadline: LAST CALL
Application procedure: Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +852 81799295 to arrange a consultation.  

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots is suitable for you if you want to apply for an airline's cadet pilot programme and need to improve your English before proceeding with the application.  With Aviation English Asia Ltd you will learn the language skills needed for a career as a pilot.  You will also reinforce your Basic Aeronautical Knowledge and prepare for flight training.

The ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots course will help you improve your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening comprehension and fluency, with the added advantage of giving you practice of the language needed for your cadetship. This will help you stay motivated and you will enjoy learning English more because you have a clear objective.  After completing the recommended number of course units you will be well prepared for a CASA pre-solo listening test, cadet ICAO test or the AEROSTA Framework Cadet Pilot Language Test.  

Benefits of the ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots course

• You will be able to understand radio transmissions by native and non-native English speakers.
• You will be able to respond to Air Traffic Control correctly.
• You will gain confidence using standard phraseology in ATC communication eg radiotelephony role play.
• You will improve your listening comprehension of non-routine situations.
• You will be able to clearly report and manage non-routine situations.
• You will have better pronunciation - with our unique exercises and drills.
• You will be able to use grammar more accurately.
• You will develop a wide range of vocabulary for non-routine situations.
• You will get frequent practice of tasks you will need to perform in an ICAO Language Proficiency Assessment.
• You will be able to give effective presentations about technical subject matter.
• You will be able to paraphrase effectively if other people don't recognise your vocabulary or pronunciation.
• You will reinforce your Basic Aeronautical Knowledge and learn to express it clearly in English.
• You will meet and learn from airline pilots who have been through the same process.

Aviation English Asia Ltd makes it easy for you to improve your Aviation English

Learning English with Aviation English Asia Ltd is easy and enjoyable - we are motivated by your success and will support you in your English training needs every step of the way.  

• Course conforms to the AEROSTA Framework and ICAO language proficiency requirements
• Course content suitable for your experience and proficiency level
• Access to our online learning community with additional learning materials and resources
• Flexible options for payment of course fees (pay as you go, every 10 units)
• Classes held in a convenient location in Central or Sai Ying Pun
• Optional Supplementary Classes for learners who require additional help e.g, Pronunciation, Grammar, Basic Aeronautical Knowledge, Study Group
• Ongoing progress reports based on the AEROSTA Enhanced Proficiency Standards 
• Soft skills and relevant General English pilots need for everyday life
• Hundreds of hours of listening comprehension exercises
• Appropriate professional training that facilitates practice of standard phraseology in routine situations
• Unique emphasis on practice of communicative functions so pilots can effectively manage routine and non-routine situations 
• Develop proficiency relevant to each of the six ICAO language criteria - vocabulary, pronunciation, structure, comprehension, fluency, interactions

Learn from Qualified Aviation English Teachers, ATCOs & airline pilot instructors

• 100% Qualified Aviation English Teachers - previously holding senior positions at major language centres and universities
• Teachers are supported by Subject Matter Experts - commercial pilots with major airlines and ATCOs - also qualified Native English Teachers
• Teachers are members of the Aviation English Organisation
• Teachers are passionate about aviation, and want to see you succeed
• Course co-designed by a Cambridge examiner / university lecturer with an MA in Applied Linguistics in collaboration with aviation Subject Matter Experts
• Course has thousands of hours of development time
• On-going support throughout the selection process

Course description

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots course is skills based with activities and drills designed to ultimately help pilots achieve ICAO level 4+ / AEROSTA Framework B2. The course conforms to recommendations of ICAO document 9835 and ICAO circular 323, and the AEROSTA Framework developed by the Aviation English Organisation.   

Each unit gives you practice of the following skills:

Aviation English class for clear communication

Classes are built on the AEROSTA Framework, created to ensure that each class has relevant learning objectives and meaningful practice of language skills.  This is your guarantee that you will have meaningful practice of language skills relevant to a flying career.

Course content

Each unit focuses on routine or non-routine situations of high relevance to cadet pilots, eg bird strike, engine failure, equipment failure, fuel planning, volcanic ash, Basic Aeronautical Knowledge.  Each unit includes pair and group work activities to increase pilots' ability to communicate effectively and safely in aviation.  The range of activities is very wide but includes:

• Picture description
• Listening comprehension of plain English in an aviation context, eg weather briefing, news report, personal experiences, interview, group discussion.
• Pronunciation practice
• Grammar drills and practice of relevant structures
• Listening comprehension of pilot/controller dialogues in routine and non-routine situations.
• Role play of pilot-controller / pilot-crewmember communications using both ICAO standard phraseology and plain English
• Group discussion and debate on topics affecting flight safety

All learners receive feedback and tailored advice on their language proficiency in each unit.

Topics and themes include

• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
• Non-routine situations
• Describing faults and damage
• and many more..

Communicative functions include 

• Describing faults and damage
• Managing a dialogue with an air traffic controller
• Interacting with a flight instructor
• Complex descriptive phrases
• Clarifying and requesting information
• Describing hypothetical situations

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots is proven to be effective

To date 100% of our students who have completed the recommended number of units have passed the ICAO English test and most have continued to success in the management interview and flight grading.  Students who also take advantage of additional Supplementary Classes tend to achieve their target level faster.  Please note that improving your English takes time.  Therefore we recommend that you start improving your English early.

Course suitability

The course is effective in preparing candidates for all types of ICAO English test, but Aviation English Asia Ltd specialise in preparing candidates for tests at CX/KA, HKA/HKE, Eurocontrol ELPAC, Latitude CLEAR, ASPEQ, and PEPEC, so much so, that raters often seek our feedback and guidance before we recommend a candidate for retesting.  As you attend each unit of the course our linguistic experts will assess your proficiency across all six ICAO criteria - Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, Interactions.  

Course prerequisites

• Basic level of proficiency in English (CEFR B1 or above)
• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge is an advantage but not essential.
• Any member of Hong Kong-based full-time airline or airport staff may apply for the Commercial Pilot version of this course and will most likely be eligible for MATF reimbursement.
• It is not necessary to hold a pilot licence or have flying hours to enrol on this course.

How much does the ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots course cost?

It is very important that you start a course with a realistic idea of your current level, and attend the course giving specific focus to the language skills which you need to improve.  During a consultation we will recommend the best study plan for you, taking into account the time available, your needs and your current level.

Retaking an ICAO English test? We will show you exactly what to do to score ICAO level 4 and above

If you have taken the ICAO test before, Aviation English Asia can give you an independent assessment of your current level.  This is very important as your English ability might have changed since your assessment.

Enrolment procedure

In order to enrol on this course candidates must first attend a consultation. After attending a consultation you will receive expert guidance on your current level and difficulties and a recommendation for the duration of course you should enrol in. 

After completing the recommended number of training hours you will be well prepared for the ICAO test. 

Please call us on +852 8179 9295 for further details.

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