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English language proficiency for pilots in India

Introduction

As per rules laid out by DGCA, an applicant of a Private Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes/ Helicopters), Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes/ Helicopters), Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes/ Helicopters), Flight Engineer’s licence, Flight Navigator’s licence, and Pilot’s Licence (Microlight aircraft/Light sport aircraft/Gyroplanes) shall have the ability to speak and understand the English language used for radiotelephony communications to the level of proficiency specified by the Director General. In simple terms, English language proficiency for pilots is compulsory.

It’s not only limited for pilots, but also air traffic controllers. an applicant of a Student Air Traffic Controller’s Licence or Air Traffic Controller’s Licence shall have the ability to speak and understand the English language used for radiotelephony communications to the level of proficiency specified by the Director General.

Minimum qualification for English language proficiency for pilots test

A candidate appearing for English Language Proficiency assessment shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Age: – He/She shall be not less than sixteen years of age on the date of application.
(b) Educational Qualification:-He/She shall have passed Class Ten Examination or its equivalent examination from a recognised Board.
(c) Training: – Minimum Aviation English training from DGCA Approved organisation.

Minimum Aviation English Training Requirements for Candidate

The primary goal of this training is to train and assess the candidate for aviation english. Aviation English Training will seek to address, in a systematic way, the six skills in the ICAO Rating Scale. Training will also aim to go beyond the test and provide the extensive practice that is necessary to consolidate language skills, build confidence and ensure adequate safety margins when operating in stressful conditions

An Applicant who has passed English language Exam in Class 10 or 10+2 Examination shall undergo training from DGCA approved organisation in Aviation English language for a minimum duration of at least 30 hours before appearing for the English language proficiency test subject to applicant having passed all written examinations for issue of Licence.

The test

An Applicant shall undergo English language proficiency test by a test team consisting of at least:

(a) Interlocutor.
(b) At least two member Rater Team comprising of
(i) Operational Expert; and
(ii) Language Specialist Expert.

Role of Testing Team members

The interlocutor will play the role of administrator and is responsible for interaction with the candidate during the test in order to complete the speaking task. He/she is also responsible for conduct of the assessment and resolve differences between the two primary raters, if any.

The two raters shall be responsible for assessing the candidate for aspects of assigning the score to a candidate’s performance in a test.

The parameters to conduct an assessment shall cover six skill areas of linguistic performance: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions.

The result

As a result of all the training and the test you will be rated on a scale of 1 to 6.

The rating provided by the testing team should be based on the following:-

(i) Rating assigned should be based on spoken language (speaking and listening) and not on reading and writing skills.

(ii) The assessment should have a distinct aeronautical radiotelephony focus, addresses the use of language in a work-related aviation context, voice- only communications, using strategic competences for safe communications in case of complications or unexpected turn of events, and emphasizing intelligibility in an international community of users.

(iii)Operational Level 4 should not target high degrees of grammatical correctness or native-like pronunciation. Grammar, syntax, vocabulary and pronunciation should be primarily judged to the extent that they do not interfere with effective oral communication.

The final rating shall not be the average or aggregate of the ratings in each of the six ICAO language proficiency skills but the lowest of these six ratings.

Trainers shall not test candidates/test takers to whom they have imparted language training.

English language Proficiency tests shall be conducted directly, through face-to- face only at approved address of testing services provider and shall be recorded on audio and video media.

Look at the chart below to understand what each of the ratings from 1-6 means.

Renewal

Candidates whose rating falls below the Operational Level 4 will have to provide evidence of having undergone at least 30 hours of fresh aviation English language training before appearing for a retest or as recommended by language Specialist Expert Rater of the testing team, whichever is higher. Also have a look at the chart below to understand when you need to renew your ELP.

Conclusion

Thankyou for reading. Feel free to contact me for further doubts.

Further you can refer to www.dgca.gov.in

The history of Cockpit

Introduction

Do you know how the cockpit got its name??

The term is used to describe the place from where the pilot controls the aircraft. It is used interchangeably with the word flight deck. It contains all the controls a pilot needs to fly the aircraft. One can also think of the cockpit as the nerve center of the entire aircraft.

There are a few competing theories behind the use of the word, “Cockpit”.

Let’s cruise through three of these theories

Exit Row Seating

Introduction

Most of us are familiar with the emergency exit seats which is also called as the exit row seating in Aviation. As common passengers, we often request for the exit row seating for its space and comfort, but let me tell you it’s way more important than that. The CAR SECTION 8 – AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SERIES ‘O’ PART VIII ISSUE I, 16th August 2017, Section 5A of Aircraft Act 1934 and Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules 1937 state the requirements to be followed by the operators for exit row seating.

The definition of exit row seating goes as follows:
Each seat having direct access to an exit i.e. a seat from which a passenger can proceed directly to the exit without entering an aisle or passing around an obstruction.

The Student Pilot License SPL

Introduction

When I started into aviation, the first step I took is to do my medicals. But a prerequisite before starting your flying training is to get your student pilot license.

I still remember my Student pilot license interview, in which my chief flying instructor, ground instructor, and a representative from DGCA was present. I was sweating profusely even with the air conditioning set at 19 degrees. However it went, you can read my experience in detail here.

Class 1 medical initial/renewal tests

Close up of an airplane pilot equipment epaluetes with doctor’s stethoscope, forms, medical and pilot certificate. Conceptual image of medical exam.

INTRODUCTION

The first step towards becoming a pilot is your medical. Unless you don’t clear your medical, there isn’t any point in taking any steps further. So first comes your class 2 medical and then class 1. The Class-1 Renewal medical is usually done within one day. The Class-1 Initial Medical may take up to 3 days and class 2 might take upto 2-3 days as well. In this section we will be reading about the tests taken during your class 1 medical initial and renewal and also its validity.

Helicopter pilot- DGCA Detailed syllabus

Introduction

So you have decided a life of adventure and fun. You have decided to become a helicopter pilot. But, let it be in case of airplanes or helicopters, becoming a pilot is expensive. As I keep saying, research extremely well before you jump in, as every wrong step can prove very expensive. So let’s have a look at the requirements and detailed flying syllabus to become a helicopter pilot.

The First functional helicopter- Focke-Wulf FW 61

Introduction

For starters let me clear that the Focke-Wulf FW 61 was built in 1936 and the VS-300 built by Igor Sirkosky first flew in 1939. So I have just established that the FW-61 was the first functional helicopter ever built.

How do airplanes fly

Introduction

So, when you see an airplane zooming across the sky, have you wondered?. How do airplanes really fly?.

Continue reading How do airplanes fly

Medical fitness needed to be a pilot

Introduction

Medical fitness has always been the most important aspect of a pilots life. If your not medically fit as per governing authorities in your country, you cannot fly. Its been one of the frequent questions I have been getting from budding pilots.

Continue reading Medical fitness needed to be a pilot

Life of a Helicopter pilot

Introduction

My name is Capt Sanjith Christopher, and I’m a helicopter pilot. I have been flying since the last 4 years. I have accumulated around 2000 hours of helicopter flight time as of now. Though its not much, but its pretty good for a guy who is 26 years old. The machines I have flown are Schweizer 300, Robinson 22, Robinson 44 and Dauphin AS365N. Presently, I am flying for the Indian Govt and my base of flying changes every month.

Continue reading Life of a Helicopter pilot