1. LPR Implementation * Developments and Challenges
LPRI Workshop
Rome, Italy, 3-5 March 2010

2. LPR Chronology 1998: A32-16 2000-2001: PRICE SG
: Review and Expand (A33)
March 2003: Adopted
June 2006: Mid-point review
April 2007: Second survey review
October 2007: th Assembly
March 2008: Applicable
March 2011: Completion of Implementation Plan
In 2000, the Proficiency Requirements in Common English Study Group (the PRICE SG) met for the first time.
During the 33rd session of the Assembly Contracting States requested that the language proficiency requirements being developed should not be limited to English.
In March 2003, the language provisions were formally adopted to become applicable in March 2008.
At the time of adoption, the Council requested that a mid-point review be conducted on the status of implementation of the requirements.
This mid-point review was followed by another in April 2007.
In October 2008, the Assembly held its 36th session and adopted resolution A36-11.
The language proficiency requirements became applicable on 5 March 2008.
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

3. Based on the State reports…
Achievements - yes… and now… What’s ahead of us?
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

4. Developments to date Some States are 100% compliant
Re-testing is to start in Sep-Oct 2010
Awareness of Stakeholders is growing
Number of tests available, aviation community is better informed therefore training/test selection is more informed
Some States have incorporated LP into their professional curricula
ICAO rated speech samples and Cir 318 & 323
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

5. Elements of Implementation Plan
Notification of compliance/differences
Focal Point
National Regulatory Framework
Estimate of the national level of implementation for pilots and controllers
Information concerning training and testing programmes
Interim measures
Reminder
Further to the adoption of the resolution, State Letter 07/68 was issued on 26 October 2007.
The letter requested that a) the Assembly resolution be noted; b) where applicable, to develop a language proficiency implementation plan by 5 March 2008; and c) to notify ICAO with the names and contact details of language proficiency focal points, as soon as possible.
This letter also advised States of the schedule of workshops to be conducted in each ICAO region for the development of implementation plans and provided detailed guidelines on the development of these plans. This information can also be found on the ICAO FSIX website.
The implementation plan should include the following items:
Notification of compliance/differences
Focal Point
National Regulatory Framework
Estimate of the national level of implementation for pilots and controllers (this item should be updated on a regular basis)
Information concerning training and testing programmes
Interim measures
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

6. 1 - Focal Point
Is there a focal point in your State or in your organization for language proficiency implementation?
What is their role?
Collect all the necessary information to complete the implementation plan;
Post the implementation plan with ICAO;
Assist in notifying a difference to ICAO and updating the AIP as necessary;
Liaise with ICAO and other Contracting States requesting information on the national implementation plan;
Liaise regularly with national airlines and service providers, language testing and training organizations, pilots and controllers, and any other stakeholder involved in the implementation of language proficiency requirements within the State;
Report any discrepancy or slippage of the implementation plan with the accountable managers and the appropriate authority; and
Amend the implementation plan as progress towards full compliance is achieved.
Reminder
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

7. 2 - Regulatory framework
Essential to support implementation
May consist of legislation, regulations or other documentary evidence (e.g. orders, advisory circulars, etc.)
Should be enforceable
Language training and testing oversight
Reminder
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

8. 3- Estimate of the level of implementation
Out of 56 States in the EUR Region
NOT responded at all – 6 States
FULLY compliant – 21 States
NOT updated National Implementation Plans since 2008 – 10 States
Reminder
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

9. 4- Info on training and testing programmes
States’ oversight
if the State has established an oversight of language training and assessment programmes
Reminder
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

10. 5- Interim measures Reminder
Identify potential hazards and risks that may arise from non-compliance with language proficiency requirements with a view to introducing interim mitigating measures if necessary
Identifying hazard – sub-standard Language proficiency
Analysing hazard
Risk assessment - Risk probability / Risk severity
Risk management - Risk control/mitigation
Reminder
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

11. … because… ... aviation language proficiency is a safety concern !
Three possible reactions (pick yours) –
Denial – the safety concern is ignored
Repair – only cosmetic action is undertaken
Reform – safety concern is tackled and radical action to solve it is adopted.
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

12. Challenges? Difficulties?
Lack or inadequacy of legal and regulatory requirements – detailed enough to cover all aspects of LPRI
Absence of, or inadequate regulatory oversight of training and testing institutions
Inadequate training standards - documentation and implementation
Lack of the language maintenance policy/requirements
Insufficient supervision and manning on the part of regulatory/oversight management
Lack or inadequacy of existing resources
Planning and logistics difficulty – ATCOs and Crew rostering vs training/testing schedule
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

13. ... and ... Attitude – evaluated personnel and examiners
Definition of native speaker
Level 6 evaluation (ATCOs) – IF and WHEN available?
Interaction between Level 6 and/or native speaker and Level 4 speaker
Maintain the awareness – internal/external communication on LPRI
Impartiality of choices and decision making process – unions, individual complaints
5 March 2011? – personnel below Level 4? – risk assessment – subsequent decision – high stakes
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

14. … and more Mutual recognition of LPR ratings – regulatory aspect
LP in national language to cater for free movement of aviation specialists
Regulation/requirements for recurrent training of not only aviation personnel but ALSO examiners
Language training to get as many people as possible up to level 4 -“training for the test”
Level 4, although a high level of proficiency, must be relevant to aeronautical communication – factual not idiomatic; job-related (i.e. aviation related)
LP maintenance for non-regular international operators
Multicrew ops provisions
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

15. Have we got it right? Is today’s aviation English training providing the short and long term results expected?

16. Implementation Support Activities
Manual on the Implementation of LPRs (2004)
Rated Speech Samples (2005/2007)
Regional Seminars/Workshops (since 2004)
PRICE SG/05 (2006)
ICAO Aviation Language Symposia (2004/2007)
Implementation Plan Workshops (2007/2008)
Workshop for raters (2009)
ICAO Cir 318 – Language Testing Criteria for Global Harmonization (2009)
ICAO Cir 323 – Guidelines for Aviation English Training Programmes (2009)
Implementation plan guidelines (FSIX)
Posting of State implementation plans (FSIX)
Since the adoption of the language provisions, ICAO has undertaken several activities to support their implementation.
Manual on the Implementation of LPRs (2004)
Rated Speech Samples (2005/2007)
This CD was developed with the assistance of the linguistic sub-group of the PRICE SG.
It provides speech samples of level 3, 4 and 5 speakers as well as a detailed rating for each.
11 Regional Seminars ( )
These seminars were aimed at understanding the requirements towards facilitating their implementation.
PRICE SG/05 (2006)
Conducted to develop additional guidance based on practical experience in language testing.
ICAO Aviation Language Symposia (2004/2007)
The first one conducted shortly after the adoption of the provisions
The second to further assist States with implementation
Implementation Plan Workshops (2007/2008)
Implementation plan guidelines (FSIX)
Posting of State implementation plans (FSIX)
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

17. Who to ask? lpr@icao.int fls@icao.int icaoeurnat@paris.icao.int
ALL OF YOU
Update implementation plan
Use the list of participants
Implementation of ICAO language provisions
March

18. One To Go
– Minus One ! –