Abstract
International Civil Aviation Organization recognizes English proficiency tests for the aviation personnel. Despite this, no universal test has yet to be developed for this purpose. There are only local tests available on the market. Among them is a computer-delivered English proficiency test which is administered for a globally recognized flight company in Turkey. This test is implemented for flight attendants and has important consequences such as suspending flights until the required level of English is achieved in the test. Thus, test-takers' perceptions of the test are significant as they experience these impacts first-hand. This study, therefore, explored flight attendants' test-taking experiences. 26 flight attendants participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews and two focus group sessions were held to collect data and evidence. The findings showed that the respondents had concerns for test administration including the issues such as physical conditions of the setting, timing of the test, and test format. Although they agreed that the test had a representative sampling of the language, they thought it lacked relevant components in accordance with their needs and level. They also reported the test content did not reflect work-related context. The study, therefore, provided implications and suggestions to improve the test considering the aviation context.
Highlights
As highlighted in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, 2009), English proficiency, especially the interaction skills of the aviation personnel are of great significance
Improvement of these skills is important for aviation personnel, for flight attendants, since they are the first encounters for the passengers in the cabin
Language testing in the aviation context has high stakes and is within an ‘unregulated industry’; its adherence to good practices of testing by considering validity and reliability is of high importance (ICAO, 2009)
Summary
As highlighted in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, 2009), English proficiency, especially the interaction skills of the aviation personnel are of great significance. This emphasis is understood from ICAO’s regulations of English proficiency tests. Speaking and listening skills should be involved in the tests rather than measuring grammar or vocabulary knowledge (ICAO, 2009). Improvement of these skills is important for aviation personnel, for flight attendants, since they are the first encounters for the passengers in the cabin. This highlights the need for them to have improved listening and speaking skills
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