The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while refusing to extend its official March deadline for compliance with English language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers, is nevertheless urging a “flexible approach” toward governments that have yet to comply.
ICAO’s stance has prompted calls from aviation safety advocates and specialists in aviation English for increased cooperation among governments and the aviation industry, as well as for a shift in corporate safety culture that recognizes the importance of English language training in improving safety.
The March deadline had been established by a vote of the 36th session of the ICAO Assembly in 2007, after it became apparent that many ICAO member states would miss the original March 2008 deadline for pilots and controllers to be proficient enough in the English language to conduct radio communications in English. The requirements also specify that English “shall be available on re…
