Assessing the English Language Proficiency of International Aviation Staff

Abstract

This chapter investigates the bilingual issue of language proficiency for pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) in the international aviation context. Bilingualism is crucial in international aviation, because English is used as the international language for communication between pilots and ATCs irrespective of whatever their first languages may be, and research shows that human errors associated with language communication problems between pilots and ATCs account for 70% to 80% of all airline accidents. For international pilots and ATCs who lack sufficient bilingualism in English, international operations present a safety problem. However, there is a lack of research on English language bilingualism, especially in proficiency testing, in the context of international aviation. The chapter critically examines the bilingual problem in aviation, with the focus on the importance of English language proficiency for international aviation safety as well as on pilots’ and ATCs’ awareness of the language factor in aviation safety. Because of the importance of bilingualism in English for international aviation safety, it is essential to ensure the highest possible reliability and validity in the bilingual (English) language proficiency testing programs for international pilots and ATCs to enable them to deal successfully with unexpected events and emergency situations. However, most previous studies took for granted the reliability and validity of language testing, and did not ask how to enhance them. This chapter critically discusses the traits of reliability and validity by following the theoretical framework that validity and ordinary truth are essentially one and the same attribute. The means to improve reliability and validity of testing is also demonstrated. The chapter shows that not only is the reliability and validity of language testing critical to international aviation safety but that good communication between test administrators and test takers can improve the reliability and validity of testing.