Identifying Aircraft Maintenance Trainees' English Language Learning Needs

Abstract

In the quest to develop an exceptional Aviation English (AE) module for aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs), it is imperative to determine the specific English language learning needs of those majoring in aircraft maintenance. This study aimed to identify the English language skills AMEs use in their workplace. Meanwhile, the findings allowed module developers and language instructors to tailor a content-specific module that met future AMEs' language needs and helped improve their language proficiency. The qualitative study was performed at the University Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT). Data were collected using three types of instruments, namely i) interviews; ii) interaction analysis, and iii) text analysis. Based on data collected from six respondents, the findings showed that AMEs require special attention in improving their writing and technical writing ability. Besides, reading is another skill that needs special attention. Those involved in aircraft maintenance must read technical manuals, give instructions, and have good comprehension ability to minimise miscommunication and misinterpretation. Furthermore, although listening and speaking skills are exceptional skills, maintenance engineers' need to master reading comprehension and writing is more than other engineering-related positions. The investigation revealed that aircraft maintenance trainees must be equipped with relevant language skills. The findings would help course module developers and language instructors produce modules that meet the aviation trainees' needs.