Aviation English Assessment for Military and Civil Pilots in Brazil: Similarities and Differences

Abstract

Language proficiency assessment for pilots is a topic of potential interest for applied linguists and aviation professionals in general. Despite the growing number of investigations about this topic in the Brazilian civil aviation context (A.L. Monteiro/ N. Bullock, 2020, A. Garcia 2015, P. Tosqui-Lucks/ M. Prado 2020, A. Pacheco 2019), fewer similar studies are found in the Brazilian military scenario (A.L.B.C. Silva, 2016, 2022, M. Bruno 2018). With this difference in mind, this study presents an overview of the instruments being used to assess Aeronautical English proficiency for civil and Air Force pilots in Brazil.This study followed a qualitative approach by means of a bibliographic review and documental analyses. Results of this study show that the same instruments are used to assess English language proficiency for all Air Force pilots in Brazil, despite their varying needs, whereas a different instrument – the Santos Dumont English Exam (SDEA) – is used for civil pilots. Similarities and differences in both assessment scenarios have been highlighted to better understand the theoretical constructs assessed in each test. As a contribution to the fields of Applied Linguistics and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), this study allows different stakeholders to have a clearer and better understanding of Aeronautical English assessment for pilots in Brazil. This can help ensure that best practices are highlighted, and improvements implemented, which, as a result, could lead to more efficient and effective communications and safer skies for everyone.