ICAO English
ICAO English established by ICAO ▪️ EASA English established by EASA
ICAO English established by ICAO ▪️ EASA English established by EASA
By attending the language proficiency exam in Aero Language, you will receive language certificate issued in accordance with both - ICAO English and EASA English regulatory standards.
ICAO English assessment will be led by a language proficiency examiner. Aero Language provides ICAO English exam for all aviation specialists including pilots, air traffic controllers and other professions. In compliance with ICAO requirements the ICAO English exam is divided into a number of sections. It takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to complete the language assessment. The ICAO English exam consists of following sections:
Language proficiency for pilots is commonly known as ICAO English. Since March 5th 2008, every pilot or flight crew member coming in touch with international aviation communication must hold language proficiency qualification in compliance with ICAO regulations. That's why it is so-called ICAO English. In addition, Commission Regulation No 1178/2011 Part FCL - FCL.055 requires the EASA license holders to attend language proficiency assessment on similar basis like ICAO English. That's why we call it EASA English or FCL.055.
Because ICAO came with the language proficiency standards back in 2008, around 3 years prior EASA - pilots are using ICAO English as a common name for both regulatory basis - EASA FCL.055 and ICAO Doc 9835. Any of them however refer to language proficiency qualification of pilots or air traffic controllers.
First language assessment is done by a language proficiency examiner during the ICAO exam.
Second rating is done by language proficiency rater using the distance-rating method.
If those two Aero Language staff members do not match with their final level given our Aero Language ADMIN system detects the unconformity. The Senior Language proficiency exmainer is involved into the process to decide on final score. The Senior Language examiner is also involved in case if you decide to appeal the final score.
ICAO English exam is evaluated in accordance with language proficiency rating scale. Outcome of your language proficiency is number 1 thru 6. The lowest value is the final outcome - so-called ICAO English level
Language descriptors - this is what you have to be sharp in to get the best ICAO Level.
The validity of ICAO English qualification depends on your current language skills. Your skills are reflected in so-called ICAO English Levels.
To harmonize ICAO language proficiency requirements with the EASA ones, the system of Levels has been established by both regulatory standards.
ICAO English Level 4 is so-called Operational level of Aviation English. It is a minimum proficiency to be demonstrated for operational use. Some airlines however might have higher minimum standards. So even though your ICAO English level 4 is from regulatory point of view sufficient to operate as a pilot, it might not be the case from the operator's perspective. Let's break down the meaning of ICAO English Level 4.
We do not expect your Pronunciation to be perfect. Language examiner will spot almost instantly that English is not your first language nor the mother tongue. The most common ICAO English Level 4 Pronunciation sign is the strong local accent. This is reflected in English depending on your mother tongue. For example - German speakers have specific pronunciation of "th". Great example of ICAO English Level 4 Pronunciation is a word "think" pronounced as "sink". Besides that the content of your message is easily comprehensible from the context.
Sentence structure of ICAO English Level 4 holder clearly expresses the intended content of your message. You can express time using various tenses. ICAO English Level 4 syntax is not flawless, but you can easily tell the difference between the past and the present, you can use plurals, and use various prepositions. ICAO English Level 4 holder can tell the difference between "a" and "an". In case of more complex conversation, you generally leave it to others or you avoid constructing some more complex sentences.
It does not take long to find the right words to describe a situation or answer a question for ICAO English Level 4 fluency. It might take you a bit longer in some cases, but that does not mean serious problems.
Vocabulary extends with your flying experience. What we consider important for ICAO English Level 4 holder is your vocabulary to be adequate to your flying experience. It is also important that you are able to communicate with other pilots and ATCs using your vocabulary. Regarding conversations about different topics, you can express yourself using your own words, describing or paraphrasing essentials of various topics.
We expect a bit more than just an aviation phraseology and its correct use. To acquire ICAO English Level 4, you also need to be able to use simple language, not only the standard aviation phraseology. You need to comprehend various situations. It is possible you will not understand immediately, but after repeating the message, you will understand the content of the message, or at least the context. You are not afraid to use "say again" phrase.
ICAO English Level 4 holder is not afraid to speak. If you do not understand, you do not remain silent, but ask for clarification or use the magic aviators' phrase "say again"..
ICAO Level 5 is so-called Advanced ICAO level and is considered to be something between the basic Operational level and Expert level. Most Exam candidates whose native tongue is not English are usually not able to acquire ICAO English Level 6 directly. However, if they possess language knowledge and abilities above Level 4, they often get LEVEL 5.
Your pronunciation as ICAO English Level 5 holder goes without thinking and is more or less correct. Native English speakers can say that English is not your first language, however your command of English is without substantial mistakes. Simply put - your English is very good, the only drawback being your accent.
You might not always be successful constructing complicated sentence structures but you do try to. Level 5 holder's knowledge of grammar is exceptional and you use it without hesitation.
You speak fluently and on point. It does not take you long to find right answer to question. You react swiftly - without making long pauses to think. Speech of ICAO English Level 5 holder is very fluent and straight-forward.
You can easily find the right words for the right situations. The extent of your vocabulary compared to your flying experience is exceptional. Holders of ICAO English Level 5 holders are sometimes even using idioms or expressions typical for English slang. However you are not able to use idiomatic speech all the time. As a ICAO English Level 5 holder you might find it difficult to talk about issues you have not heard before, e.g. some non-aviation topics.
You find it easy to comprehend messages when you know what to expect. But you can comprehend much more than just messages in a familiar context. In fact, most of the ICAO English Level 5 holders have no problems with understanding even in new situations. You understand English radio broadcast and aviation English radio communication without hesitations.
In case of misunderstanding, holders of ICAO English Level 5 can manage much more than just "say again" phrase. You are not afraid to actively inquire and ask for clarifications. You try to make messages clear and communicate comprehensibly. You can start and maintain meaningful dialogue.
ICAO Level 6 is so-called Expert ICAO level and is considered to be the highest level you can get when it comes to the ICAO language proficiency exam. People use to say, that you are a Native English speaker. However this is not entirely true. Due to the strict requirements and applicants' frequent use of non-standard pronunciation, even native speakers do not always receive ICAO English Level 6 language proficiency.
Apart from a complex scope of vocabulary, a requirement for ICAO English Level 6 proficiency is also an excellent command of grammar and pronunciation. Hundreds, not even thousands of flight hours will not guarantee ICAO English Level 6.
Your pronunciation as ICAO Level 6 holder is almost flawless. There might be some negligible differences between pronunciation of native speakers and that of yours. However, nothing causing any confusion.
You have perfect command of the most advanced grammar. Even the most complex sentences are mistake-free or almost mistake-free and used often.
Your fluency is natural and swift. Performance and spoken fluency of ICAO English Level 6 holder is very natural. You are using and understanding idiomatic speech quite often.
Anytime you speak English, your speech is complex and fluent. You use various prosodic features to modify the speech. You use changes in intonation, tone, stress, and rhythm to establish a substantial level of communication.
Level 6 holders can talk about any topic - or almost any topic - whether you are familiar with it or not. You use idioms and idiomatic speech in your normal daily speech. Apart from the knowledge of words, idioms, or synonyms, you use them in right contexts.
You understand everything. Not just guessing from context. If you understand English lyrics, cartoons, or non-standard expressions, you might have good predispositions for ICAO English Level 6 proficiency.
Your interaction in all situations is natural and simple. You regularly use verbal and non-verbal expressions.
ICAO English test papers are generated directly by the Aero Language ADMIN system. You can find the demo paper, so you can have at least rough idea what to expect. Our Language proficiency examiner will smoothnly guide you thru the ICAO English exam.
ICAO English candidate
It was an interesting and relaxed lecture. No unnecessary information, it was kept to the point. Looking forward to the rest of the course.
Language Examiner Training
Language proficiency examiner Candidate
LPE Training Candidate
Dear Aero Language!
ICAO English candidate
I would like to thank you for the excellent experience taking the English proficiency exam. Everything was on a really high level.
The language examiner Anže is very professional.
ICAO English Candidate
Previous to this experience with Aero Language , I got the TEA one a couple of times , which is quite different in structure and flow ! Yours is much more realistic and less stressful ! Good job guys!
ICAO English candidate
I was a little bit nervous about the English proficiency assessment.
But the training helped a lot to pass the ICAO English test. I think it's great that training and assessment could be made online.
ICAO English
Thank you! Everything was very good and I will definitely recommend Aero Language to my friends.
ICAO English candidate
I have to say that it’s been a pleasure working with you. Excellent service and very nice and professinal staff. Petra was just super nice and professional. Gave me all the info and introduction needed. Process was simple and smooth with with very high standards.
ICAO English exam
ICAO English
The training was great, the atmosphere is very nice and cheerful. Great thing is that no question remains without being answered. I am pleased to cooperate with Aero Language.
Language proficiency examiner
I am very satisfied. Everybody was professional and responsive. I am very glad I found you guys.
Thank you for everything
ICAO English
Dear Team,
not much to say. Everything was very easy and fast. Now I am waiting for approval from the LBA. If everything works well I don’t think I have any complaints.
ICAO English candidate
I made a good decision and I'm happy that I did it
Language examiner training
Professional, efficient and friendly from a to z.
ICAO English candidate
ICAO English exam
Language examiner course
It was a great pleasure working with your team and I will definitively recommend you within our flying club.
We were able to schedule the exam within just a few days and Tomáš was doing a fantastic job!
First, he explained in detail how the exam will proceed and made it very comfortable to actually take it.
The Zoom session worked flawlessly, and I received the final exam results on the same day.
ICAO English candidate
Aero Language has excellent instructors. Everything is super! I will recommend to colleagues.
ICAO English candidate
It was incredible! Quite an experience :-)) The examiner was very experienced.
Kateryna
It was a great experience taking the FCL055 exam.
Your services are very much appreciated.
ICAO English candidate
ICAO English candidate
ICAO English candidate
I’ve really enjoyed the Language examiner course. Thank you for the pressure of participating
Kateryna
Thank you. Everything was great. Good luck and prosperity
ICAO English candidate
Lecturer is explaining well, listening to our questions and answering them, flexible with the schedule to help us with our obligations without sacrificing any content. He has provided us with a summary of the key topics and this is a great help as there is quite some material / knowledge to absorb.
Quality training in a focused but relax atmosphere.
Language Examiner Training
Based on my experience of taking the ICAO English proficiency test I have to say that I am very pleased with the current system. As for the examiner Nikola, he has done superb job.
ICAO English exam
Well, what’s my test experience feedback about? None other then super positive! Great experience!
ICAO English candidate
I must compliment your examiner Tomas on his professionalism and friendly personality. Great to see this in the aviation industry and I will be definitely recommending your business to others.
ICAO English candidate
The Language examiner training went very smoothly and intensively.
Very substantive training and a nice atmosphere , I'm glad I could take part in it.
Course instructor very professionally guided us through the science of exam assessment and discussed in detail all the assessment principles and also presented the structure of your organization leaving no unanswered questions.
Language examiner training
Thank you for your involvement.
The exam was well organized and very precised giving me an unique oportunity to develop some new skills.
I am excited to see you again next time.
ICAO English candidate
The Language Examiner, Ms. Emilia, was very well prepared and organized, professional, easy to understand, calm, she made the atmosphere very relaxing! Even though my very target was to get Level 6 , I’ve got level 5 but this is actually and most probably my level right now! Thus, modestly, I’m pretty happy and satisfied with the result obtained!
ICAO English candidate
The LPE course was truly intensive and efficient. Each session was interactive and practical.
The instructor provided the course takers with essential practical tools and proven methods of conducting and assessing the ICAO English exam.
Appreciate all the in-depth knowledge and efforts that were embroidered into the LPE course.
LPE Training
I would like to thank you for giving me an appointment so quickly. Aero Language's concept is very professional. Signing up on your website went smoothly. I would also like to thank Tomas, who is really doing a good job. I will definitely recommend you.
Many thanks
ICAO English candidate
Everything was good. You did a job on a high professional level.
ICAO English candidate
James
The team is really on the top!
They put You in a confident ambiance and have prefessional approach
Thanks to all the staff
ICAO English exam
Everything was perfect! Nikola is great examiner! Thanks for everything!
ICAO English candidate
I am glad to let you know that the Language Examiner course is great. We got an amazing instructor and his experience is key to the success of this great course. He also handed out a brief of being a English Language Proficiency Examiner that he made by himself.
Language Examiner candidate
It was great
ICAO English candidate
Language Examiner Training
Everything was cool and fast! I really liked your team. Thanks a lot. See you next time.
ICAO English candidate
The training was really good, Course instructor appears to be a very good trainer…. The topics were presented professionally but not too „dry“… it’s been a live session with good interaction with the participants.
Language Examiner Training
Thank you again for the excellent training and I am looking forward to the mutual cooperation.
ICAO English examiner
The Language Examiner course was very good. As a British native and English teacher for over 5 years, the course was exactly how I expected it to be. The instructor was great. He has a very dynamic teaching method and shared many of his personal experiences with us, which allowed us to fully understand all aspects of becoming a language proficiency examiner.
Language examiner training
Very happy overall, the language examiner training course was very professional and teachable!
Langauge examiner training
Thank you for your professionalism, an excellent on-time performance and your very good customer service. I am very impressed with your approach and a very efficient communication.
ICAO English
Language Examiner Training
First of all, I would like to thank you for the service. It was fast and easy to register. Then, condition of exam and ICAO Examiner were perfect. The Language examiner explained very well how the exam will happen and made the general atmosphere smooth and confortable. Your service is great. Don t change anything.
ICAO English
ICAO English candidate
I am very satisfied with LPE Training course. Course instructor is a very approachable good trainer and I look forward to start working with you as the course and also the testing body work very professional.
Language proficiency examiner candidate
My experience was great!
ICAO English candidate
ICAO English candidates
IR English and ICAO English for pilots