ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005

MEETING ICAO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS Adrian ENRIGHT EUROCONTROL ELPAC Project Leader

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 The complexity of European airspace demands effective communication between pilot and controller FLIGHTS PER DAY

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 Language is as much a tool for the controller as is radar …

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC* An English language proficiency test for operational air traffic controllers that meets the ICAO Standards for aeronautical communication *English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC TEST STRUCTURE Two test papers: Paper 1 – Listening Comprehension Paper 2 – Oral Interaction* Assessment at ICAO levels 4 & 5 *Versions for tower, approach and en route controllers

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 Internet based – paperless test High level of security Assessing key listening skills Items based on authentic pilot & controller messages Duration +/- 30 minutes PAPER 1 – LISTENING COMPREHENSION

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 The controller must respond appropriately to pilot messages With acknowledgements to Martin Germans

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 PAPER 2 – ORAL INTERACTION Simulated pilot/controller communication 3 Phases (non-visual & visual) Assessment of language proficiency: Routine & non-routine situations Switching between structured phrases (RTF) and plain English Negotiating an unexpected situation Duration about 20 minutes

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC STAKEHOLDERS Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) Regulators (NSAs, JAA, EASA) IFATCA IFALPA European Commission ICAEA ICAO Controller unions

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 Core team of ATC & English language experts from: Spain, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic and Eurocontrol Test design consultant from UK Trialling of prototype November 2005 Software development by ENOVATE ELPAC – TEST DEVELOPMENT

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC DEVELOPMENT 2005 –Definition of test requirements –Design test format –Develop pilot version of test –Analyse pilot test

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC DEVELOPMENT 2006 –1 st major trialling March –External validation of test –Sample tests –2 nd major trialling

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 ELPAC DEVELOPMENT 2007 –Refinement of test –Production of guidance and support materials –July: ELPAC available for implementation

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 WHO DOES WHAT? Eurocontrol - will develop a test (ELPAC) ANSPs – will be responsible for training and test administration NSAs – will ensure compliance with ICAO and EC requirements

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 BENEFITS OF A TEST ANSPs fulfill requirements of Annex 11 Regulators comply with Annex 1 Improved controller confidence Contribution to aviation safety

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 Will proficiency in English help to save lives?

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 A test for air traffic controllers in English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication ELPAC

ICAO Regional Language Proficiency Seminar - Baku Dec.2005 Thank you for your attention Any questions?