Introduction

Language testing for the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements (LPRs) is exceptionally high-stakes. Test scores have a direct effect on individuals, organisations and safety. While the industry deserves the highest standards that the field of language testing has to offer, aviation English testing is in a very poor state. This collection of twelve blog posts explores the issues and summarises my personal incredulity with the status quo. I know I am not alone, though I am surprised about how quiet the aviation community is about it.

Caveats:

I don’t own the ideas which follow, but I am giving them a voice.
The problem is complex and multi-dimensional. There is more to it than is written here.
It’s not my place to call out test service providers by name.
Good practice does exist, but it is the rare exception, not the rule.

Inappropriate regulatory guidance

Why is language testing for the ICAO LPRs in such a poor state? One reason is a lack of language assessment literacy among regulators leading to inappropriate guidance on aviation English assessment. This, from FAA AC 60-28B:

"Read the introduction sections of the documents to the applicant ... then request that the applicant read a portion of the text, ask the applicant to explain what they heard, and request that they write down in their words what they heard and read ... this will determine whether or not the applicant can communicate with ATC."

Until regulators better understand language testing and promulgate standards that help ensure tests are fit for purpose, pilots and controllers will continue to take poorly-constructed language tests that fail to address aeronautical radiotelephony communication.

Download this collection of blog posts here: