English language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers are “not robust enough” to ensure clear communication, according to a study conducted for the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that found numerous instances of readback/hearback errors, call sign confusion and language-related loss of situational awareness.1
The study — conducted by Barbara Clark, a linguist, anthropologist and miscommunication physiotherapist — was based on a review of previous studies, reports in the CAA’s mandatory occurrence reporting (MOR) database and in the U.K. Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP), and conversations with teachers of aviation English.
“There are pilots operating inside U.K. airspace who appear to lack the minimum proficiency in English established by ICAO [the International Civil Aviation Organization],” said the report on the study, released in March. “Additionally, it is recognized that there are air traff…
