Proficiency in General/Academic English Does Not Equal Proficiency in Aviation English

Many cadet entry candidates approach Aviation English as an extension of general or academic English. This assumption is understandable, particularly in education systems where English proficiency is measured primarily through written performance and examination outcomes. However, this assumption frequently leads to ineffective preparation for aviation training environments.

General English education prioritises range, complexity, and stylistic flexibility. Aviation English, by contrast, exists to support safe, predictable communication under operational and instructional pressure. Its purpose is not to demonstrate linguistic sophistication, but to ensure that information is transmitted and received accurately, often under time constraints and cognitive load. 

When Aviation English is treated as “advanced General English”, candidates often adopt inappropriate learning strategies. These include memorising vocabulary lists out of context, rehearsing answers to predictable interview questions (why do you want to be a pilot), or focusing on grammatical correctness in descriptions of photos of aircraft accidents without a thought of developing relevant communicative functions. The result is a gap between apparent proficiency and practical usability, particularly in spoken interaction.  

This gap might not be apparent during interviews, ICAO ELP tests, or group exercises, but it is very apparent during ground school and early flight training, where candidates are required not only to know information, but to explain it clearly, respond to instruction, and demonstrate understanding in real time.  Considering Aviation English as an extension of general / academic English undermines the principles of ICAO Document 9835.

Common Misconceptions

• Strong academic English automatically transfers to aviation contexts
• Aviation English is list of technical aviation terms and abbreviations
• Fluency means speaking at length or with complexity
• Interaction is the speed at which a candidate responds to an assessor
• ICAO ELP tests are suitable for cadet selection

Learn more

Aviation English Asia Ltd has been delivering appropriate language training for ab initios and cadet entry pilots since 2009.

ICAO Aviation English for Cadet Entry Pilots:

https://aviationenglish.com/english-for-pilots-and-atcos/icao-aviation-english-for-cadet-entry-pilots.html

#AviationEnglishAsia #CadetPilotProgramme #CadetPilot #AbInitio #StudentPilot #ICAOTest #ICAOELP #AviationEnglish