ANSWER 01

Aviation English is a specialized language used in aviation communication to ensure safe and
effective interaction between aviation professionals, including pilots, air traffic controllers and
ground staff. Within aviation communication, there are various types of communication
systems, both verbal and non-verbal, that contribute to the smooth functioning of aviation
activities. This discussion will delve into the concepts of Aviation English, Simple English
and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in the context of aviation communications.

Aviation English

Aviation English is a specific subset of English adapted for the aviation industry. It is
designed to facilitate clear and unambiguous communication in high-stakes environments
where misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences. Key features of Aviation English
include standardized phraseology, terminology and pronunciation. By following strict
language rules and guidelines, it aims to reduce the possibility of misunderstanding. Aviation
English is primarily used for radio communication between pilots and air traffic controllers,
as well as in written documentation such as flight plans and maintenance records.

Phonetics Alphabet
ICAO Language Proficiency Standards

To meet the ICAO Language Proficiency standards, individuals, including Pilots and Air
Traffic Controllers, who utilize English for radio communication on international flights are
required to achieve at least an ICAO English Language Level 4 (Operational) or higher. This
proficiency level should be verified through the successful completion of an approved
language assessment test within the aviation industry. For those initially assessed at ICAO
Level 4, a re-evaluation must take place every three years. Failure to pass this reassessment
may result in the inability to obtain the necessary licensing to operate on international routes.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) grades English Language performance
on a scale of 1 to 6:

Level 1: Pre-elementary Level 2: Elementary

Level 3: Pre-Operational Level 4: Operational

Level 5: Extended Level 6: Expert

Plain English in Aviation

Plain English is a subset of aviation English that emphasizes simplicity and clarity in
communication. It involves using common language, avoiding jargon and complex technical
terms whenever possible. Plain English is particularly important for safety-related information
and documentation, where it helps ensure that all stakeholders, including non-native English
speakers, can easily understand important information. Although Plain English is part of
Aviation English, it does not encompass all aspects of aviation-specific language and may not
be appropriate for all aviation contexts.

English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)

English as a Lingua Franca refers to the use of English as a common language for
communication between speakers of different native languages. In the context of aviation,
ELF becomes relevant when international flights involve crew members and air traffic
controllers from different language backgrounds. In such situations, English serves as a bridge
language to facilitate communication. ELF includes a wide range of English accents,
vocabulary and language variations, making
it adaptable to different language
environments.

The relationship between Aviation

English, Plain English and ELF

Aviation English is a subset of ELF. This

means that all aviation English is ELF, but
not all ELF is aviation English. For example,
a business meeting conducted in English
between two people from different countries
would be considered ELF, but would not be
Aviation English. Plain English is a subset of
Aviation English and ELF. This means that
all plain English used in aviation is aviation English and ELF, but not all aviation English and
ELF is plain English. For example, the phrase "I have a technical problem" is simple English
but not specific enough to be used in aviation English. In aviation English, a pilot would have
to use more specific phraseology, such as "I have engine failure".

Examples

ATC: Cessna 172 Sierra Lima, contact Ground Control on 121.9.

Pilot: Saudia Airlines 123, cleared for takeoff on runway 09R.

ATC: United Airlines 456, maintain your current altitude of 10,000 feet.

Pilot: Delta Airlines 787, turning left heading 270.

ATC: Emirates Airlines 380, contact New York Approach Control on 119.7.

Conclusion

Aviation English is a specialized form of the language used for communication in the aviation
industry. It employs specific vocabulary, phraseology, and pronunciation standards. Plain
English, on the other hand, is a clear and concise writing style accessible to people of all
literacy levels. In aviation, plain English is vital for safety manuals, checklists, and documents
meant to be understood by all personnel, regardless of their native language. Additionally,
English as a lingua franca (ELF) refers to the use of English as a common means of
communication among individuals who speak different native languages. ELF finds
application across various domains, including business, science, education, and aviation.

ANSWER 02

Aviation English plays a key role in ensuring effective communication between pilots, air
traffic controllers and other aviation personnel. From a linguistic point of view, aviation
English involves different linguistic levels, including discourse, syntax, semantics and
phonology. Let's explore these levels using examples from the Aeronautical Information
Publication (AIP) and naturally occurring pilot radio communications:

Discourse level
AE is characterized by a number of discourse features, including:

 Accuracy

AE is a very precise language with specific phrases and expressions used to convey specific
meanings. This is important for security reasons, as any misunderstanding could have serious
consequences.

 Brightness

AE is also a very clear language with short simple sentences and straightforward vocabulary.
This is necessary to ensure a quick and accurate understanding of messages.

 Brevity

AE is a concise language, without unnecessary words and phrases. This is important because
pilots and air traffic controllers often need to communicate quickly and efficiently.

 Standard phraseology

In aviation, standardized phraseology is used for clear and concise communication. For
example, "Roger" means "accepted and understood" and is used in response to an instruction
or information.

 Back readings

Pilots are requested to re-read the authorization to confirm that they have received and
understood it. For example, "Cleared to land, runway 28" can be read back as "cleared to
land, runway 28, [call sign]."

Phonological level
AE is also characterized by a number of phonological features, including:

 Pronunciation
The AE speakers have a clear and precise pronunciation with careful articulation of all
sounds. This is important to ensure that messages are properly understood.

 Vocabulary

Evaluates the ability to use appropriate aviation terminology for expressing complex
concepts.

 Fluency

Measures the ability to speak or respond in English smoothly and without interruptions.

 Comprehension

Gauges the skill to understand spoken English, especially in air traffic control contexts.

 Interaction

Assesses the capacity for effective two-way communication in aviation operations.

Example interaction

Pilot: Islamabad Tower, Mike Charlie 119, Mayfield, 2000, inbound with information.

ATC: Mike Charlie 119, maintain 2000, join right base runway 24, report 3 miles.

Pilot: 2000, right base 24, report 3 miles, Mike Charlie 119.

 Pace

AE speakers speak at a moderate pace, giving listeners plenty of time to process information.

 Intonation

AE speakers use intonation to convey different meanings such as questions, commands and
warnings. This is important to avoid misunderstandings.

 Phonetic alphabet

A phonetic alphabet is used to ensure clear pronunciation of letters and numbers. For
example, "Bravo" represents the letter "B" and "Niner" represents the number "9".

The level of syntax and semantics

 Structure of SVO

Sentences in aviation communication often follow a subject-verb-object structure. For

example, "Mike Charlie 119, climb and maintenance FL320."

Dialogue structure – pilot-initiated exchange

a. Pilot initial call

b. ATC response

c. Pilot readback

 Abbreviations and acronyms

Aviation English makes extensive use of abbreviations and acronyms such as "ATC" for "Air
Traffic Control" or "TCAS" for "Traffic Collision Avoidance System".

Examples of phraseology from AIP

"Cleared to take off" - This phrase is used by air traffic control to give permission for an
aircraft to begin its takeoff.

"Hold short of Runway 22" - A command instructing a pilot to hold before Runway 22.

"Maintain heading 090" - Instructions for the aircraft to maintain a heading of 090 degrees.

Naturally occurring examples of pilot-to-radio communication

Pilot: "Tower, this is Mike Charlie 119, requesting clearance to taxi to runway 34."

ATC: "Mike Charlie 119taxi to runway 34 via taxiway Bravo and Charlie."

Pilot: "Islamabad Tower, this is Mike Charlie 119, climbing to flight level 360."

ATC: "Mike Charlie 119, climb and maintain flight level 360, proceed directly to VOR
Alpha."

Conclusion
In conclusion, Aviation English involves specific linguistic features at various levels, ensuring
precise and unambiguous communication in the aviation domain. Standard phraseology,
syntax, semantics, and clear pronunciation are essential elements to guarantee safe and
efficient aviation operations.

References
ICAO Doc 9835

Aviation English: A lingua franca for pilots and air traffic controllers

(Dominique Estival, Candace Farris and Brett Molesworth)

ICAO Doc 9432 - Manual of Radiotelephony

FAA Order JO 7110.65 - Air Traffic Control

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2010). Language Proficiency
Requirements (LPRs).

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2016). Aviation English Manual.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

Breul, E. (2013). A corpus-based analysis of aviation English discourse. English for Specific
Purposes, 32(1), 77-90.

Wang, A. (2008). Reassessing the position of Aviation English: From a special language to
English for specific purposes. Ibérica, 15, 151-163.